Selena Gomez’s Impactful Role in Producing and Starring in “13 Reasons Why”
Selena Gomez, a well-known actress, singer, and producer, made headlines after her involvement in the hit Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” The show, which aired in 2017, had been one of the most talked-about TV dramas of the year. It tells the story of a teenage girl named Hannah Baker who committed suicide and left behind a box of tapes for her classmates to listen to, all explaining the reasons why she took her own life.
Selena Gomez: Behind the Scenes of Producing 13 Reasons Why
While Gomez doesn’t appear in the show, her influence through her production company and interest in the source material has undoubtedly shaped the series. Before the series was developed, Gomez had read the novel “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher and was struck by its portrayal of the teenage experience.
“I think [the story] is so powerful and I felt like it was something that needed to be discussed,” Gomez said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
The involvement of Gomez and her production company, July Moon Productions, allowed her to influence casting decisions, including the choice of newcomer Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker.
Despite the popularity of the show, it wasn’t without its challenges. The series’ sensitive treatment of teen suicide and mental health struggles sparked controversy and concern from some mental health experts and educators who feared it would glorify suicide. Still, the show has been praised by others for starting important conversations about sensitive topics.
Gomez’s involvement has been essential to the show’s compelling take on stories about youth, mental health, and trauma. The show wouldn’t have been the same without her.
The Cultural Impact of 13 Reasons Why: Why We Can’t Stop Talking About It
The show’s controversial themes sparked a flurry of debates and conversations about mental health among teenagers and adults. Episodes featuring graphic scenes of sexual assault, bullying, and suicide prompted Netflix to add warning labels before episodes addressing these issues.
“It’s a show that didn’t really hesitate to really talk about things that people would shy away from,” Gomez told Vogue magazine. “But it was never to sensationalize it. It was really to make something that was true to the book and that didn’t sugarcoat anything”
The show’s unconventional storytelling style has helped change the way discussions around difficult topics like suicide and rape are treated on teen TV shows.
The series became a cultural phenomenon that generated massive reactions from both fans and critics alike. Whilst this helped to start a cultural conversation around these topics, it also brought light on the need for sensitive handling of these conversations on TV.
5 Reasons Why Selena Gomez’s Performance in 13 Reasons Why is Her Best Yet
Although Gomez didn’t feature as an actress on the show, her influence was felt everywhere on the series. Her performance as an executive producer was recognized in the show’s colossal success. Here are five reasons why the series is one of Gomez’s best works.
First, Gomez was behind the novel adaptation, ensuring the show remained true to its source material. Her involvement enabled the series to rise above simple teen melodrama.
Secondly, the show’s dark blend of different themes such as psychological abuse, bullying, and sexual assault, helped it to drive the message home through Gomez’s involvement in terms of character-building and storytelling.
Thirdly, the show made a dramatic appeal to its audience, making the show a universal experience. It’s impacted us in ways that they couldn’t have with any other subject matter, thanks to the handling given to the show by its producers.
Fourthly, It explored complex emotional issues, and was successful in retaining quality and consistency, which makes it an outstanding work.
Lastly, Gomez’s involvement enabled the show to become an iconic part of the media landscape, seeking to give a voice to young women who are tackling issues like assault and mental health through multimedia productions such as the show.
How 13 Reasons Why Changed the Landscape of Young Adult Fiction: An Interview with Selena Gomez
Gomez has made an incredible impact on the young adult fiction landscape with this show alongside executive producer Diana Son and Brian Yorkey. In an interview with The New Yorker, she discussed how the show broke new ground in dealing with tough topics.
Gomez wanted to ensure that the show tackled the mental health and suicide issues in the show in a way that was both sensitive and relatable. She felt that the show could help “normalize” these issues and bring them into the mainstream.
“I think it’s good to be uncomfortable with certain things,” she said. “I think certain times people are meant to be uncomfortable so we can start changing the conversation.”
The show sought to bring young people into a conversation about issues that had not previously been discussed openly by teen TV shows, and the critics agreed – it succeeded.
Selena Gomez’s Work with “13 Reasons Why”: A Look into Her Cultural Legacy
Gomez’s involvement with 13 Reasons Why is part of her larger cultural legacy as an actress and artist. Her work on the show has continued to change the way young adult fiction is seen in popular culture, and Gomez has used that power to drive change in the industry.
While the show has concluded, her work is not yet complete.
Gomez’s impact on the show’s storyline, characters, and themes are well worth celebrating, especially for the millions of young people who could look to this TV show for guidance on issues that might affect their mental health and growth.
Conclusion
The cultural significance of “13 Reasons Why” – and Selena Gomez’s involvement in the show – will remain significant for a long time to come. The show worked to tackle sensitive topics like teen suicide and mental health struggles, sparking meaningful conversations and debates. Selena Gomez served as an essential influence to ensure the show retained a sensitive and relatable outlook toward these topics.
Gomez’s role as both star and executive producer helped the series remain true to its source material, pioneering a cultural conversation about the topics the series sought to address. Her work with this show is yet another example of how Gomez’s cultural influence will continue to expand as an actress and advocate for important conversations.