The Film "Camp" Analysis

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Vlad Baumann is the main character in “Camp”. For Vlad, like for the other characters in the film, the summer venue helps negotiate issues and sources of distress among like-minded peers. Vlad confesses to Michael that he gains control over his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder only when he performs. In addition to his O.C.D., Vlad experiences other issues as well. Vlad feels out of place as the only straight teenager at camp. He compensates for his insecurity by trying to make everyone happy to the detriment of being honest with himself about his feelings. Because of this, he often ends up in compromising predicaments. Suspicious of his true intentions, Burt Hanley calls him an “ass kisser”. In another situation, Vlad forms a relationship with Ellen out of guilt that Jill, his past interest, makes fun of her weight. He later cheats on Ellen when he makes out with Dee out of flawed sense of what was appropriate in their interaction. He also fails to mention to everyone that he has a girlfriend until she shows up to break up with him in person. Vlad also develops a unclear relationship with Michael, a gay teenager whose parents do not accept his sexual identity. Vlad is a good friend to Michael. He convinces him to invite his parents to the show. When his parents do not show up, it is Vlad who consoles Michael. He shares with him that he takes medication to control his O.C.D. However, Michael has a crush on Vlad, and Vlad’s behavior is often flirty and suggestive with Michael. He goes skinny dipping in front of Michael, leans in for a kiss with him, and wrestles him to the ground. Although Vlad later admits to being an “attention junkie” and wanting to make everyone happy, he leaves a distinct impression that he also struggles with his sexuality and may be gay or bisexual as well. The character of Vlad Baumann reaches a sort of
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