Tuesday, 13 December 2016
LO6: Media Effects and Regulations
Passive Audience Theory
Hyperdermic Syringe - media has a negative impact and audience believes everything they hear (Adorno and Horkheimer)
Representations are mediated (Hall 1980)
Not all stereotypes are negative (Perkins 1979)
Women are objectified in the media (Mulvey 1975)
Men are portrayed as violent and want pathological control (Earp and Kats 1999)
Are representations of homosexuals stereotypical (Butler 1993)
Black and Asian boys are seen as troublemakers (Turton 2014)
Edward Said
Active Audience Theory
Uses and Gratification theory (McQuail) - audience use media texts for different reasons (building personal relationships, surveillance, escapism, building personal identity)
Exposure to violent images makes people violent (Chris Anderson 2007)
Desensitisation - overt exposure to something makes it normal to the audience
Copycat acts - people copy violent acts from media texts
Moral Panic - when the media demonises groups of people
LO6 is all about Legal and Ethical
Regulation guidelines and social norms
Discuss the potential media effects on the audience of a media product you have studied
OR
Discuss the regulatory guidelines associated with a media product you have studied
Both have:
Discuss = agree or disagree, debate
Media product you have studied
Introduction:
Give opinion to answer to question (debate)
Say product +specific audience + regulator
Say how you are going to structure your essay
20 Mark Question Mark Scheme
Level 4 - 16-20
Level 3 - 11-15
Level 2 - 6-10
Level 1 - 1-5
For the paper, 60% is a pass, so need to get 12/20 to pass
Discuss the potential media effects of a media product you have studied
Inception by Christopher Nolan, released in 2010, uses a variety of effects, both in it's narrative and through cinematography and mise-en-scene, to create media effects for the audience. As it is rated 12A by the BBFC, it successfully abides by its guidelines, which I fully agree with, to creat effect in a media product. This was seen by the lack of controversy from the film due to it's control and moderate use of violence and language, which abided by the 12A guidelines for the BBFC, in addition to its cast, which varied gender and race successfully, to avoid moral controversy.
Hyperdermic Syringe - media has a negative impact and audience believes everything they hear (Adorno and Horkheimer)
Representations are mediated (Hall 1980)
Not all stereotypes are negative (Perkins 1979)
Women are objectified in the media (Mulvey 1975)
Men are portrayed as violent and want pathological control (Earp and Kats 1999)
Are representations of homosexuals stereotypical (Butler 1993)
Black and Asian boys are seen as troublemakers (Turton 2014)
Edward Said
Active Audience Theory
Uses and Gratification theory (McQuail) - audience use media texts for different reasons (building personal relationships, surveillance, escapism, building personal identity)
Exposure to violent images makes people violent (Chris Anderson 2007)
Desensitisation - overt exposure to something makes it normal to the audience
Copycat acts - people copy violent acts from media texts
Moral Panic - when the media demonises groups of people
LO6 is all about Legal and Ethical
Regulation guidelines and social norms
Discuss the potential media effects on the audience of a media product you have studied
OR
Discuss the regulatory guidelines associated with a media product you have studied
Both have:
Discuss = agree or disagree, debate
Media product you have studied
Introduction:
Give opinion to answer to question (debate)
Say product +specific audience + regulator
Say how you are going to structure your essay
20 Mark Question Mark Scheme
Level 4 - 16-20
Level 3 - 11-15
Level 2 - 6-10
Level 1 - 1-5
For the paper, 60% is a pass, so need to get 12/20 to pass
Discuss the potential media effects of a media product you have studied
Inception by Christopher Nolan, released in 2010, uses a variety of effects, both in it's narrative and through cinematography and mise-en-scene, to create media effects for the audience. As it is rated 12A by the BBFC, it successfully abides by its guidelines, which I fully agree with, to creat effect in a media product. This was seen by the lack of controversy from the film due to it's control and moderate use of violence and language, which abided by the 12A guidelines for the BBFC, in addition to its cast, which varied gender and race successfully, to avoid moral controversy.
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
Homework: Media Effects
5 Media Effects in Inception
Inception can be seen as showing scenes that connote drug use, and could be seen as promoting this. In the scene below Yusuf's shop, there is a discussion surrounding the use of Inception by the shop's patrons, which is similar to the use of drugs. In this discussion, there is dialogue which supports such use, for example 'they live for a year, every day?'. This in addition to the audience's already established interest in the process of Inception (Denis McQuail's theory of Uses and Gratifications proves this, as the audience is probably viewing Inception for the escapism it provides, as well as the Intellectual Puzzles imbedded in the film [Rick Altman, 1999]) could be seen as encouragement or glorification of the process, and as a result drug use, which could be especially influential in the younger members of the audience.
On the other hand, the mise-en-scene used in the scene go against this encouragement, nullifying the encouragement and even giving an anti-drug message. The colouring of the scene was dark yellows and browns, representing hostile or damaging environments such as deserts or war zones, which connotes that taking drugs or similar substances can lead you to a dire fate akin to that in these locations. In addition, the acting gestures of the scene, with all characters standing above the people representing drug users, arms folded, supports the high angle shots used to show the drug users - making them look smaller, weaker in comparison to the protagonists, again supporting the anti-drug sentiment as the protagonists's dialogue is very against it.
As the film's sub genre is action (Barry Keith Grant's theory, 1995), Inception features many fight scenes which use common techniques to show meaning. For example, the corridor fight scene is filmed entirely with a handheld camera, the movement adding to the confusion and chaos in the scene, making the audience feel more attached to the character, Arthur, as he is assumed to feel the same way. Action Matches are used to connect this scene with the simultaneous action taking place on the other dream levels, representing equal distress from all of the protagonists, and both the car chase scene and the fortress assault scene use identical styles of filming in order to convey this message - handheld camera, frequent use of close up and medium shots, panning to show the action etc, which works to make the meaning of the scenes, support for the confused protagonists, even more effective. As a result, the common tropes of action (Patrick Philips, 1996) offer the audience comfortable reassurance of what is going to happen in the action scenes, while the Visceral Pleasures, such as gun fights and explosions, are used to create Emotional Pleasures in the form of payoff when the protagonists are left unharmed, for the audience ((Rick Altman, 1999)
There is a theme in Inception that every part of the narrative is slightly deviant to the norm. For example, the film deviates from Todorov's theory of narrative structure, as the film begins with a disequilibrium. This creates the effect of confusion and panic, the audience is left clueless from the beginning of the film, and is made to work it out, again supporting Rick Altman's theory of Intellectual Puzzles being used in the film to offer the audience pleasure. All of this adds to the theme of confusion in the film, making it effective in creating emotion through narrative theories. Vladimir Propp's theory also wasn't followed, as the antagonist was ambiguous for most of the film, going from Saito to Fisher to Mol, again making the effect of confusion through the lack of narrative structure.
Inception can be seen as showing scenes that connote drug use, and could be seen as promoting this. In the scene below Yusuf's shop, there is a discussion surrounding the use of Inception by the shop's patrons, which is similar to the use of drugs. In this discussion, there is dialogue which supports such use, for example 'they live for a year, every day?'. This in addition to the audience's already established interest in the process of Inception (Denis McQuail's theory of Uses and Gratifications proves this, as the audience is probably viewing Inception for the escapism it provides, as well as the Intellectual Puzzles imbedded in the film [Rick Altman, 1999]) could be seen as encouragement or glorification of the process, and as a result drug use, which could be especially influential in the younger members of the audience.
On the other hand, the mise-en-scene used in the scene go against this encouragement, nullifying the encouragement and even giving an anti-drug message. The colouring of the scene was dark yellows and browns, representing hostile or damaging environments such as deserts or war zones, which connotes that taking drugs or similar substances can lead you to a dire fate akin to that in these locations. In addition, the acting gestures of the scene, with all characters standing above the people representing drug users, arms folded, supports the high angle shots used to show the drug users - making them look smaller, weaker in comparison to the protagonists, again supporting the anti-drug sentiment as the protagonists's dialogue is very against it.
As the film's sub genre is action (Barry Keith Grant's theory, 1995), Inception features many fight scenes which use common techniques to show meaning. For example, the corridor fight scene is filmed entirely with a handheld camera, the movement adding to the confusion and chaos in the scene, making the audience feel more attached to the character, Arthur, as he is assumed to feel the same way. Action Matches are used to connect this scene with the simultaneous action taking place on the other dream levels, representing equal distress from all of the protagonists, and both the car chase scene and the fortress assault scene use identical styles of filming in order to convey this message - handheld camera, frequent use of close up and medium shots, panning to show the action etc, which works to make the meaning of the scenes, support for the confused protagonists, even more effective. As a result, the common tropes of action (Patrick Philips, 1996) offer the audience comfortable reassurance of what is going to happen in the action scenes, while the Visceral Pleasures, such as gun fights and explosions, are used to create Emotional Pleasures in the form of payoff when the protagonists are left unharmed, for the audience ((Rick Altman, 1999)
There is a theme in Inception that every part of the narrative is slightly deviant to the norm. For example, the film deviates from Todorov's theory of narrative structure, as the film begins with a disequilibrium. This creates the effect of confusion and panic, the audience is left clueless from the beginning of the film, and is made to work it out, again supporting Rick Altman's theory of Intellectual Puzzles being used in the film to offer the audience pleasure. All of this adds to the theme of confusion in the film, making it effective in creating emotion through narrative theories. Vladimir Propp's theory also wasn't followed, as the antagonist was ambiguous for most of the film, going from Saito to Fisher to Mol, again making the effect of confusion through the lack of narrative structure.
Tuesday, 6 December 2016
LO3: Production Techniques
Mise-en-scene:
Iconography
Location
Costume and Make up
Lighting - High and Low Key
Acting Gestures
Colours
Props
Main reason for Mise-en-scene is binary opposition (Levi Strauss 1958)
Stock characters often or always appear in a media text (Propp 1928)
Females are objectified in media texts (Laura Mulvey 1975)
In Inception, there are a number of stock characters - such as the comic relief (Tom Hardy), the Sidekick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) etc
In Inception, the protagonist and antagonist dress and act similarly, so mise-en-scene is used to distinguish which is the 'bad guy' by making Frost appear in often dark places, which look professional and intimidating with similarly appearing collegues, while Cobb appears in lighter conditions, in less formal dress with less formally dressed character.
Theories that relate to parts of Mise-en-scene
Iconography -
Location - Inception goes against Branson and Staffords theory (1999), as although it features large, well known cities, it doesn't focus on these, or even the environment of dream states, preferring to focus on its narrative, which as a film not part of a franchise makes sense. So Inception doesn't use similar and well known features to cut marketing costs.
Costume and Make up -
Lighting - High and Low Key - In the first scenes of the film, low key lighting is used to show confusion when Cobb is being interrogated - neither the audience or the character is aware of what is happening. This serves to create meaning, as lighting, or the lack of it, creates feelings for the audience.
Acting Gestures - Inception has a sub-genre in action, which can be seen by the importance of action scenes such as the 'Corridor Fight scene'. This supports Barry Keith Grant's theory (1995) that all genres have sub genres, as it is a primarily Sci-Fi film. So it uses common tropes of action films - gun and fist fights, explosions etc, to appeal to an audience and create meaning by using this sub genre - for example, action and the generic elements that come with it show desperation and pressure that is felt by the protagonists.
Colours -
Props -
Camera Work
Shot Types - Close up (Extreme, Medium etc), Medium (Extreme, Medium etc), Medium/Mid, Long (Extreme, Medium etc), Establishing/Wide, Aerial, Two (two people), OTS (Over The Shoulder), Crowd
Angles - Low, High, Dutch/Canted (skewed), Eye Level
Movements - Track Forward, Track Backward, Track Sideways, Tilt, Pan, Handheld, Zoom (In, Out)
Composition - Rule of Thirds, Depth of Field (Shallow, Deep)
Verisimilitude is conntoed and reinforced in the Corridor Fight scene with the use of Handheld movements with the camera, which serves to make the audience feel like they're in the scene - they're looking from someones perspective. So using Handheld movement connotes versimilituse to connote the meaning of confusion, pressure and danger in the scene. Tracking forward and back in the scene, while staying at a similar distance and angle throughout, also connoted to the audience that they were in the scene, providing visceral pleasures for the audience.
Editing
Continuity - Invisible editing, makes the product flow.
Insert shot
Eyeline Match
Shot-reverse shot structure
Action Match
Crosscutting
Non-Continuity -
Graphic Match
Montage
Flash forward/back
Continuity
Action Matches are used in the Corridor Fight Scene/Car Chase/Fortress Fight Scene, to show action from all dream states.
Non-Continuity
Flash backs are used in Inception is used to show an overall trajectory of enigma resolution (Pam Cook, 1985), as it repeatedly shows Cobb's children as a constant reminder tothe audience of the disequilibrium in the film, and the goal for the character(s). Because of this, the restoration of equilibrium (Tzetan Todorov, 1977) at the end of the film, which shows the kids shown in the flash backs reuniting with Cobb, feels more important, and it also raises the question of whether they were flash backs or forward, further confusing the audience by giving them more Intellectual Puzzles (Rick Altman, 1999) to solve.
Sound
Non-Diegetic - Does not appear to come from the world of the story
Theme music
Incidental Music
Sound bridge - Sound across a series of shots to make it seem realistic
A sound bridge is used across the Corridor/Car Chase/Fortress fight scenes, in the form of fast paced music in the sound track, to connote to the audience that all the protagonists on each dream level are in equal amounts of danger, and they all effect each other, making it more important.
The lack of ambient sound in the flashbacks, including only non-diegetic sound of children's laughter (connoted to be from the children but at a different time), is used to show the audience that it feels unrealistic and distant. In addition, adding ambient noise when the same scene occurs at the end of the film shows realism and denotes to the audience that this is the payoff of the film, again supporting Pam Cook's theory of enigma resolution (1985) by showing the scene is real they show the payoff, which also again suports Tzetan Todorov's theoy (1977), as it shows restoration of equilibrium.
Iconography
Location
Costume and Make up
Lighting - High and Low Key
Acting Gestures
Colours
Props
Main reason for Mise-en-scene is binary opposition (Levi Strauss 1958)
Stock characters often or always appear in a media text (Propp 1928)
Females are objectified in media texts (Laura Mulvey 1975)
In Inception, there are a number of stock characters - such as the comic relief (Tom Hardy), the Sidekick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) etc
In Inception, the protagonist and antagonist dress and act similarly, so mise-en-scene is used to distinguish which is the 'bad guy' by making Frost appear in often dark places, which look professional and intimidating with similarly appearing collegues, while Cobb appears in lighter conditions, in less formal dress with less formally dressed character.
Theories that relate to parts of Mise-en-scene
Iconography -
Location - Inception goes against Branson and Staffords theory (1999), as although it features large, well known cities, it doesn't focus on these, or even the environment of dream states, preferring to focus on its narrative, which as a film not part of a franchise makes sense. So Inception doesn't use similar and well known features to cut marketing costs.
Costume and Make up -
Lighting - High and Low Key - In the first scenes of the film, low key lighting is used to show confusion when Cobb is being interrogated - neither the audience or the character is aware of what is happening. This serves to create meaning, as lighting, or the lack of it, creates feelings for the audience.
Acting Gestures - Inception has a sub-genre in action, which can be seen by the importance of action scenes such as the 'Corridor Fight scene'. This supports Barry Keith Grant's theory (1995) that all genres have sub genres, as it is a primarily Sci-Fi film. So it uses common tropes of action films - gun and fist fights, explosions etc, to appeal to an audience and create meaning by using this sub genre - for example, action and the generic elements that come with it show desperation and pressure that is felt by the protagonists.
Colours -
Props -
Camera Work
Shot Types - Close up (Extreme, Medium etc), Medium (Extreme, Medium etc), Medium/Mid, Long (Extreme, Medium etc), Establishing/Wide, Aerial, Two (two people), OTS (Over The Shoulder), Crowd
Angles - Low, High, Dutch/Canted (skewed), Eye Level
Movements - Track Forward, Track Backward, Track Sideways, Tilt, Pan, Handheld, Zoom (In, Out)
Composition - Rule of Thirds, Depth of Field (Shallow, Deep)
Verisimilitude is conntoed and reinforced in the Corridor Fight scene with the use of Handheld movements with the camera, which serves to make the audience feel like they're in the scene - they're looking from someones perspective. So using Handheld movement connotes versimilituse to connote the meaning of confusion, pressure and danger in the scene. Tracking forward and back in the scene, while staying at a similar distance and angle throughout, also connoted to the audience that they were in the scene, providing visceral pleasures for the audience.
Editing
Continuity - Invisible editing, makes the product flow.
Insert shot
Eyeline Match
Shot-reverse shot structure
Action Match
Crosscutting
Non-Continuity -
Graphic Match
Montage
Flash forward/back
Continuity
Action Matches are used in the Corridor Fight Scene/Car Chase/Fortress Fight Scene, to show action from all dream states.
Non-Continuity
Flash backs are used in Inception is used to show an overall trajectory of enigma resolution (Pam Cook, 1985), as it repeatedly shows Cobb's children as a constant reminder tothe audience of the disequilibrium in the film, and the goal for the character(s). Because of this, the restoration of equilibrium (Tzetan Todorov, 1977) at the end of the film, which shows the kids shown in the flash backs reuniting with Cobb, feels more important, and it also raises the question of whether they were flash backs or forward, further confusing the audience by giving them more Intellectual Puzzles (Rick Altman, 1999) to solve.
Sound
Diegetic - Appears like it comes from the world of the story
Foley Sounds - Sound effects made in post, but added to highlight action, but appears to come from the scene
Ambient and Offscreen Sound (sometimes known as wildtrack sound)
Dialogue - Mode of Address (how it's spoken), accent, tone, say who character is
Music from TV, radio etc
Music from TV, radio etc
Non-Diegetic - Does not appear to come from the world of the story
Sound track
Narration
MotifsTheme music
Incidental Music
Sound bridge - Sound across a series of shots to make it seem realistic
A sound bridge is used across the Corridor/Car Chase/Fortress fight scenes, in the form of fast paced music in the sound track, to connote to the audience that all the protagonists on each dream level are in equal amounts of danger, and they all effect each other, making it more important.
The lack of ambient sound in the flashbacks, including only non-diegetic sound of children's laughter (connoted to be from the children but at a different time), is used to show the audience that it feels unrealistic and distant. In addition, adding ambient noise when the same scene occurs at the end of the film shows realism and denotes to the audience that this is the payoff of the film, again supporting Pam Cook's theory of enigma resolution (1985) by showing the scene is real they show the payoff, which also again suports Tzetan Todorov's theoy (1977), as it shows restoration of equilibrium.
Homework: Revision
One above the line advertising method:
Trailers
One below the line advertising method:
Flyers
Two ways technological convergence has changed distribution of media products:
Adverts such as posters and trailers can be distributed and shared on the internet - not just by the creators but civilians as well, as the web is now interactive.
It has also allowed trailers to be seen outside of a cinema, which is where they were traditionally shown, and now can be shown as adverts before TV and VOD products, as well as on social media in the form of shorter trailers - teasers.
Trailers
One below the line advertising method:
Flyers
Two ways technological convergence has changed distribution of media products:
Adverts such as posters and trailers can be distributed and shared on the internet - not just by the creators but civilians as well, as the web is now interactive.
It has also allowed trailers to be seen outside of a cinema, which is where they were traditionally shown, and now can be shown as adverts before TV and VOD products, as well as on social media in the form of shorter trailers - teasers.
LO2: Advertising
Ways films can be advertised:
Trailers - VOD, cinematic and teaser - would be successful as it shows a wide variety of people parts of the film to get them interested
Pop up ads - would appear on relevant sites such as IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, film sites - would be shown to the target audience, and so would be effective
Posters - In cinemas, film shops etc - similar to pop up ads, would appear in relevant locations so the target audience can see it and be interested in it, very effective
Billboards - appear in often crowded areas, so many people can see it, both the target audience and not, so effective
Newspaper and magazine adverts - both relevant products, such as film magazines, as well as more mas appeal products such as most nerwspapers (Telegraph, Times etc), this is effective as many people would see it from a variety of demographics
Trailers - VOD, cinematic and teaser - would be successful as it shows a wide variety of people parts of the film to get them interested
Pop up ads - would appear on relevant sites such as IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes, film sites - would be shown to the target audience, and so would be effective
Posters - In cinemas, film shops etc - similar to pop up ads, would appear in relevant locations so the target audience can see it and be interested in it, very effective
Billboards - appear in often crowded areas, so many people can see it, both the target audience and not, so effective
Newspaper and magazine adverts - both relevant products, such as film magazines, as well as more mas appeal products such as most nerwspapers (Telegraph, Times etc), this is effective as many people would see it from a variety of demographics
Tuesday, 29 November 2016
Homework: Revision
1. A conglomerate is a group of companies (called subsidiaries) owned by one larger company. An Independent company is different to this, as they are not owned and do not own any other company.
2. Walt Disney Co. and News Corporation are two examples of cross-media companies, as they both own subsidiaries in different mediums, e.g. web, Tv etc.
2. Walt Disney Co. and News Corporation are two examples of cross-media companies, as they both own subsidiaries in different mediums, e.g. web, Tv etc.
Wednesday, 23 November 2016
LO4: BARB Analysis
ITV (7 - 13 November 2016)
ITV consistently had soaps as the most popular programming, with 8 of the top 10 most popular programmes being soap operas. This indicates that the target audience, those who watch soaps, are most likely in the C1, C2 and D rankings of the ABC1 system, because this is the demographic most likely to watch this typeof programme. As ITV is a commercial TV channel, this makes sense, as in order to make the most profit they would have to appeal to the majority of the population not a niche audience, which is this demographic. The other most popular programmes on ITV were reality shows, such as I'm a Celebrity and the X Factor, which also typically has the C1, C2 and D audience, which supports my point. As the times for the most popular programmes were after working hours, this also supports my point, as the targeted audience would usually be working during the day and so wouldn't be able to watch day time programming.
Programmes such as I'm a Celebrity are 'water cooler' programmes, shows that people get drawn to but don't have much substance.
ITV consistently had soaps as the most popular programming, with 8 of the top 10 most popular programmes being soap operas. This indicates that the target audience, those who watch soaps, are most likely in the C1, C2 and D rankings of the ABC1 system, because this is the demographic most likely to watch this typeof programme. As ITV is a commercial TV channel, this makes sense, as in order to make the most profit they would have to appeal to the majority of the population not a niche audience, which is this demographic. The other most popular programmes on ITV were reality shows, such as I'm a Celebrity and the X Factor, which also typically has the C1, C2 and D audience, which supports my point. As the times for the most popular programmes were after working hours, this also supports my point, as the targeted audience would usually be working during the day and so wouldn't be able to watch day time programming.
Programmes such as I'm a Celebrity are 'water cooler' programmes, shows that people get drawn to but don't have much substance.
LO4: Audience Research
Starter
For this section of the exam, we have to analyse data collected by the organisations.
Organisations that collate data:
RAJAR - Radio Joint Audience Research - Collects data about listenerships for radio
NRS - National Readership Survey - Collects data about print products, such as magazines and newspaper readership
BARB - Broadcast Audience Research Board - Collects data about TV audiencesFor this section of the exam, we have to analyse data collected by the organisations.
Tuesday, 22 November 2016
Inception - Active Audience Theory
Hall (1980) encoding/decoding model
Preferred reading - As the majority of the audience were white males, and the majority of the protagonists were white males, the story of Inception may have been easier to accept for them as they could relate to the characters on screen (the Ideal Self theory, the audience wants to do be the characters)/ not have (as many) prejudices against the characters. Other audience demographics may have found the film harder to be interested in, however, males and females may have enjoyed the film due to the Ideal Self/Partner theory, regardless of race, age etc.
Inception - BBFC Rating
Inception
Inception had a rating of
a 12A from the BBFC, owing to the fact that it contains frequent use of
moderate violence, moderate language and brief themes of suicide.
Extended fight scenes,
such as the quintessential corridor fight scene, are fairly frequent in the
film, with mildly graphic punches being shown that could be stressful for a
younger audience, although little blood or gore was highlighted. This also applies
to the gun battles that take place during the film – some blood and dead bodies
are shown, although not to the extent that it could be disturbing for a younger
audience. A scene where two people are killed by an explosion, which a
protagonist did casually, could be seen as graphic, however, it was shown as
vaguely comedic in the way the action was portrayed (quip after the killing,
bodies not shown) which mitigated the violence. There is also the factor to
consider that all the violence takes place in a dream state, with no violence
taking part in real life, and as the audience is constantly reminded of this,
this also serves to mitigate some of the damage, which supports the 12A age
rating.
Moderate language is
featured continuously and frequently throughout Inception, but was only used when
there was violence or during tense scenes, which is appropriate as it is only
used in context and for the sake of it. This also applies to the very limited use of strong language, as it was used in an appropriate context. In addition, there were no use of crude or otherwise offensive language in the film as well, which means resulted in not having a higher rating.
There was very little sexual content in Inception, even less than the 12A rating it was given allowed. Only scenes of kissing were shown throughout the film, with subtle insinuation implied in one scene. As a 12A allows brief nudity and mild sexual content, this is below the rating. And in addition, one of the few kissing scenes in the film is isn't romantic or sexual, as it was purely a device used to complete the mission. However, the quip made afterwards could be seen as making it sexual, although not to the extent to warrant a 12A rating.
Nudity was also not included in Inception - the only thing that could be considered close to nude would be an open-back dress, but this link is tenuous at best. No other nudity was included in the film, again, again not enough for a 12A rating.
Drug use is slightly insinuated in the film, with a mix of connotations. A group of elderly people are shown to be addicted to Inception, which involves a chemical component, because it lets them live in their dreams, an appealing thought for many in the audience. However, the protagonists' reactions to the discovery is negative, going against many audience's opinions, to show drug use un in a negative light, which is appropriate for a 12A.
In conclusion, Inception's violence and profanity are the main, and almost sole reasons for it's 12A rating, as other content is light or not included at all.
There was very little sexual content in Inception, even less than the 12A rating it was given allowed. Only scenes of kissing were shown throughout the film, with subtle insinuation implied in one scene. As a 12A allows brief nudity and mild sexual content, this is below the rating. And in addition, one of the few kissing scenes in the film is isn't romantic or sexual, as it was purely a device used to complete the mission. However, the quip made afterwards could be seen as making it sexual, although not to the extent to warrant a 12A rating.
Nudity was also not included in Inception - the only thing that could be considered close to nude would be an open-back dress, but this link is tenuous at best. No other nudity was included in the film, again, again not enough for a 12A rating.
Drug use is slightly insinuated in the film, with a mix of connotations. A group of elderly people are shown to be addicted to Inception, which involves a chemical component, because it lets them live in their dreams, an appealing thought for many in the audience. However, the protagonists' reactions to the discovery is negative, going against many audience's opinions, to show drug use un in a negative light, which is appropriate for a 12A.
In conclusion, Inception's violence and profanity are the main, and almost sole reasons for it's 12A rating, as other content is light or not included at all.
Starter: BBFC
5 points of regulation from the BBFC for Inception (12A):
Frequent mild violence - no blood or gore
Frequent mild language - crap, bullshit etc
(Very) mild sexual content - kissing
Things allowed in a 12A:
Mild violence
Moderate language
Mild sexual content
May be nudity, but in a sexual context can only be brief
Insinuation to drug use, or drug use but has to carry an anti-drug method
Frequent mild violence - no blood or gore
Frequent mild language - crap, bullshit etc
(Very) mild sexual content - kissing
Things allowed in a 12A:
Mild violence
Moderate language
Mild sexual content
May be nudity, but in a sexual context can only be brief
Insinuation to drug use, or drug use but has to carry an anti-drug method
Wednesday, 16 November 2016
LO6: Starter
The two main areas when media effects are discussed
Scream
Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2
Breaking Bad
Marilyn Manson
BBFC
Protectionism
From early 80s, BBFC had to work more to protect the public due to new technology:
VHS - Home videos - Video Recordings Act 1984, brought in by government to go against 'video nasties' that were being made, horror films etc people made at home
Passive and active audience theories.
Give examples of a theory that can be applied to each area
Passive - Hypodermic syringe theory - people believe everything they hear in the media.
Active - Uses and Gratifications (McQuail, 1972) - people use the media for their own purpose
Give an example of a media text that caused a 'moral panic'
GTA 5Scream
Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2
Breaking Bad
Marilyn Manson
BBFC
British Board of Film Classification (used to be British Board of Film Censors, changed in 1984)
Provide an age rating or certificate for films
Protect the public from violence and offensive images
Protectionism
From early 80s, BBFC had to work more to protect the public due to new technology:
VHS - Home videos - Video Recordings Act 1984, brought in by government to go against 'video nasties' that were being made, horror films etc people made at home
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
Homework: Impact on audiences - Inception
Homework:
For example, Inception goes against Earp and Katz's theory (1999), that males are represented as people 'with pathological control and violence'. This can be seen by the main male characters, Cobb and Arthur, wanting to avoid violence whenever possible in favour of a more peaceful approach, showing the team going to great lengths to avoid this. On the other hand, violence is frequent throughout the film, which suggests that violence is inevitable in the circumstances, and the majority of the male characters are shown to be effective in combat, which could be seen as suggesting that men are involved in violence, regardless of their intentions, which is somewhat supported by Earp and Katz's theory. This impacts the audience in a positive way, as it doesn't stereotype men when it had the possibility to.
The same can also be said for women. Mulvey's theory (1975) says that women are objectified in the media, but Inception's involvement in this is almost non-existant. The woman with the most prevalent role, who is also a main character, is Ariadne, who introduced and shown throughout the film to be intelligent and an integral part of the team, to the extent that she saved the main protagonist, and the mission wouldn't've been able to have happened without her. The lack of revealing or suggestive dress also resulted in her being on the team purely for her intelligence. Even the antagonist, Mol, is never objectified as much as she is used as a metaphor for failure for Cobb. There one scene, however, that could be seen as objectification. Arthur and Ariadne kiss in order to keep their cover and not get revealed in one of the dream states, but after it is revealed to have no effect, Arthur, the initiator, looks more smug than surprised, like he used the opportunity to get a kiss and not for the apparent reason. This theme doesn't continue throughout the film, though, so it is very limited at best. Having a main female character who is shown off for her intelligence instead of a sex object would impact the audience positively, as it presents women as equal to men, as Ariadne, although in the minority as she was the only woman on the team, could still thrive and even save the day when needed.
Themes of suicide are portrayed heavily in Inception, which could have a negative impact in the audience, especially with members who are suicidal or who have experienced suicide before. On the other hand, suicide is clearly and repeatedly demonised by the main character, Cobb, and is shown to have negative repercussions, not just because Mol dies, but also because she is a frequent threat to the group due to the fact that she killed herself, and that the whole plot is centred around her death and suicide. Even though the scene where Mol and Cobb lay on a train track to kill themselves could be interpreted as almost romanticising suicide - using a loving couple dying together presents the act as an almost inspirational act, the narration over it shows otherwise, and again the fact that it took place in a dream state takes away from the impact. So suicide, which is presented throughout the film, is impactful in a positive way in the film as it shows the damaging repercussions it has not just on the person but on many people, for example the fact that the whole plot is based in it's effect. So this avoids the threat presented in Stanley Cohen's there (1972), as Inception does not demonise people suffering from mental illness our suicidal tendencies, although more could be done to show Mol in a different light, as she as a character could be seen as negative towards those issues.
Identify the potential impact of a media product you have studied on the audience.
For example, Inception goes against Earp and Katz's theory (1999), that males are represented as people 'with pathological control and violence'. This can be seen by the main male characters, Cobb and Arthur, wanting to avoid violence whenever possible in favour of a more peaceful approach, showing the team going to great lengths to avoid this. On the other hand, violence is frequent throughout the film, which suggests that violence is inevitable in the circumstances, and the majority of the male characters are shown to be effective in combat, which could be seen as suggesting that men are involved in violence, regardless of their intentions, which is somewhat supported by Earp and Katz's theory. This impacts the audience in a positive way, as it doesn't stereotype men when it had the possibility to.
The same can also be said for women. Mulvey's theory (1975) says that women are objectified in the media, but Inception's involvement in this is almost non-existant. The woman with the most prevalent role, who is also a main character, is Ariadne, who introduced and shown throughout the film to be intelligent and an integral part of the team, to the extent that she saved the main protagonist, and the mission wouldn't've been able to have happened without her. The lack of revealing or suggestive dress also resulted in her being on the team purely for her intelligence. Even the antagonist, Mol, is never objectified as much as she is used as a metaphor for failure for Cobb. There one scene, however, that could be seen as objectification. Arthur and Ariadne kiss in order to keep their cover and not get revealed in one of the dream states, but after it is revealed to have no effect, Arthur, the initiator, looks more smug than surprised, like he used the opportunity to get a kiss and not for the apparent reason. This theme doesn't continue throughout the film, though, so it is very limited at best. Having a main female character who is shown off for her intelligence instead of a sex object would impact the audience positively, as it presents women as equal to men, as Ariadne, although in the minority as she was the only woman on the team, could still thrive and even save the day when needed.
Themes of suicide are portrayed heavily in Inception, which could have a negative impact in the audience, especially with members who are suicidal or who have experienced suicide before. On the other hand, suicide is clearly and repeatedly demonised by the main character, Cobb, and is shown to have negative repercussions, not just because Mol dies, but also because she is a frequent threat to the group due to the fact that she killed herself, and that the whole plot is centred around her death and suicide. Even though the scene where Mol and Cobb lay on a train track to kill themselves could be interpreted as almost romanticising suicide - using a loving couple dying together presents the act as an almost inspirational act, the narration over it shows otherwise, and again the fact that it took place in a dream state takes away from the impact. So suicide, which is presented throughout the film, is impactful in a positive way in the film as it shows the damaging repercussions it has not just on the person but on many people, for example the fact that the whole plot is based in it's effect. So this avoids the threat presented in Stanley Cohen's there (1972), as Inception does not demonise people suffering from mental illness our suicidal tendencies, although more could be done to show Mol in a different light, as she as a character could be seen as negative towards those issues.
LO6: Media Effects
Passive Audience Theory (Adorno and Horkheimer)
In the 1940-50's, the mass media were perceived as an extreme influence towards audiences adapted behaviour. This was linked to rise of advertising and consumerism.
This model does not hold much positivity for the audience, however it is a good method for a media producer, politicians and also towards the use of marketing.
'Hidden Persuaders' book about it, by Vance Packard (1957).
When the 'mass media' demonise groups, people or products that they believe become a threat to society, values and interests it is called a 'moral panic' (Stanley Cohen, 1972). The group/products that are referred to as 'folk devils'.
Violence in the media - Anderson (2007) - that high exposure to fast-paced violent games can lead to changes in brain function when processing violent images, including dampening of emotional responses to violence. One of the high risk factors?
Known as desensitisation.
Ferguson (2012) showed no long term link over three years.
Columbine High, Colorado Shooting - 'copycat' violence.
Media products that have been criticised for negative impact
Representation
Hall (1980) - All representations are mediated.
Perkins (1979) - Not all stereotypes are negative.
Alvarado (1987), Hall (1995) - ethnicity 'exotic, dangerous, humorous, pitied'.
Turton (2014) - hooligans, trouble causers. Black and asian boys.
Lloyd (1995) - girls as 'double deviant' - trouble causers but shouldn't be because they are women.
Active Audience Theory
Other school of thought, we are able to filter and adapt to content in the media, (Gauntlett, 1995) - backwards...
We have uses and gratifications (McQuail, 1972) theory - people use media for their own purposes?
Provides a more positive outlook on the effects of media.
Hall (1980) - encoding/decoding model.
Preferred reading - by audience depending on their background but accepts the dominant viewpoint/story.
Negotiated reading - partially agrees with meaning.
Oppositional reading - meaning understood but don't agree and think opposite.
Aberrant - gets the completely wrong meaning entirely.
Inception features very little that could be considered controversial. However, the message that the criminals won in the film could be seen as a negative influence to viewers. There could be seen as an issue regarding mental health, as the unstable woman in the film kills herself, and then returns as a recurring threat in the film, which could be seen as offensive to people with (similar) mental health issues.
The film might give the positive effect of valuing family, as the whole plot and purpose of the narrative is to reunite Cobb with his family, showing it's importance, and the revelation with Frost and his father also stresses this. It could also tell us that people who are often seen as faceless in society - media moguls and criminals, are people to, and have a family they value.
Hypodermic syringe - implies that media has a negative impact. Mass audience believe everything they see/hear.
In the 1940-50's, the mass media were perceived as an extreme influence towards audiences adapted behaviour. This was linked to rise of advertising and consumerism.
This model does not hold much positivity for the audience, however it is a good method for a media producer, politicians and also towards the use of marketing.
'Hidden Persuaders' book about it, by Vance Packard (1957).
When the 'mass media' demonise groups, people or products that they believe become a threat to society, values and interests it is called a 'moral panic' (Stanley Cohen, 1972). The group/products that are referred to as 'folk devils'.
Violence in the media - Anderson (2007) - that high exposure to fast-paced violent games can lead to changes in brain function when processing violent images, including dampening of emotional responses to violence. One of the high risk factors?
Known as desensitisation.
Ferguson (2012) showed no long term link over three years.
Columbine High, Colorado Shooting - 'copycat' violence.
Media products that have been criticised for negative impact
Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2 (example)
Grand Theft Auto - Whole series (example)
Scream - Man killed someone in a similar way to the film, and admitted wanting to emulate it.
Representation
Hall (1980) - All representations are mediated.
Perkins (1979) - Not all stereotypes are negative.
Mulvey (1975) - women objectified in the media.
Earp and Katz (1999) - representation of males, 'equation of masculinity with pathological control and violence'.
Butler (1993) - representation of gay people, are they stereotypical.
Alvarado (1987), Hall (1995) - ethnicity 'exotic, dangerous, humorous, pitied'.
Turton (2014) - hooligans, trouble causers. Black and asian boys.
Lloyd (1995) - girls as 'double deviant' - trouble causers but shouldn't be because they are women.
Active Audience Theory
Other school of thought, we are able to filter and adapt to content in the media, (Gauntlett, 1995) - backwards...
We have uses and gratifications (McQuail, 1972) theory - people use media for their own purposes?
Provides a more positive outlook on the effects of media.
Hall (1980) - encoding/decoding model.
Preferred reading - by audience depending on their background but accepts the dominant viewpoint/story.
Negotiated reading - partially agrees with meaning.
Oppositional reading - meaning understood but don't agree and think opposite.
Aberrant - gets the completely wrong meaning entirely.
Inception features very little that could be considered controversial. However, the message that the criminals won in the film could be seen as a negative influence to viewers. There could be seen as an issue regarding mental health, as the unstable woman in the film kills herself, and then returns as a recurring threat in the film, which could be seen as offensive to people with (similar) mental health issues.
The film might give the positive effect of valuing family, as the whole plot and purpose of the narrative is to reunite Cobb with his family, showing it's importance, and the revelation with Frost and his father also stresses this. It could also tell us that people who are often seen as faceless in society - media moguls and criminals, are people to, and have a family they value.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
LO4: Uses and Gratification Theory
Denis McQuail, 1972
There are four reasons that people consume media products/pleasures they gain from them:
1. Surveillance - news media, everyone wants to know what everyone else is up to, finding info, find out info - documentaries, Planet Earth 2 etc
2. Escapism - people try to escape to a more preferable life, like celebrities, or to relax
3. Building personal identity - social media etc, putting info out there to present themselves in a certain way, people use media personalities as role models - fashion, cooking, cars etc
4. Building personal relationships - communciating with people via the media, that they wouldn't usually talk to, media products provide topics of conversation - soaps, news, magazines etc.
Uses and Gratification theory - Inception
Surveillance - Looking into the lives of white collar criminals, forefrunt of technology, which the audience is likely to be interested in. However, it doesn't feature much in terms of serveillance.
Escapism - Many people would like to experience the fast-paced life in this film, while also experiencing advanced technology and adventure, which many people would use as escape.
Building personal identity and relationships - isn't really featured in this film, however, the latter could be seen as people communicate via the media to discuss the ending of the film or the iconic corridor scene.
Other reasons:
Narrative resolution (all)
Freudenschade (comedy)
Stars (Dyer, 1975) (all)
Friendship/companionship (all)
There are four reasons that people consume media products/pleasures they gain from them:
1. Surveillance - news media, everyone wants to know what everyone else is up to, finding info, find out info - documentaries, Planet Earth 2 etc
2. Escapism - people try to escape to a more preferable life, like celebrities, or to relax
3. Building personal identity - social media etc, putting info out there to present themselves in a certain way, people use media personalities as role models - fashion, cooking, cars etc
4. Building personal relationships - communciating with people via the media, that they wouldn't usually talk to, media products provide topics of conversation - soaps, news, magazines etc.
Uses and Gratification theory - Inception
Surveillance - Looking into the lives of white collar criminals, forefrunt of technology, which the audience is likely to be interested in. However, it doesn't feature much in terms of serveillance.
Escapism - Many people would like to experience the fast-paced life in this film, while also experiencing advanced technology and adventure, which many people would use as escape.
Building personal identity and relationships - isn't really featured in this film, however, the latter could be seen as people communicate via the media to discuss the ending of the film or the iconic corridor scene.
Other reasons:
Narrative resolution (all)
Freudenschade (comedy)
Stars (Dyer, 1975) (all)
Friendship/companionship (all)
LO4: Inception Audience Profile
18-35 is the age demographic for Inception, in my opinion. The complex plot and fast paced action is suitable for a young audience, while older and younger people may find it too fast and confusing.
I think that the gender percentage of the audience for Inception is 80% male 20% female. This is because the type of people that are usually interested in this type of film - Sci Fi, are typically male, this also being the case for the Action genre that it's also part of. Inception also has a mainly male cast, which the audience could try to relate to.
Social grade - most likely a ABC1 percentage of 70%, as the characters are most relatable to that social grade due to the corporate theme in them - good education, expensive suits etc. And the more complex plot could be more appealing to a person with a higher level of education, as it would be easier to follow and think about/predict.
I think that the gender percentage of the audience for Inception is 80% male 20% female. This is because the type of people that are usually interested in this type of film - Sci Fi, are typically male, this also being the case for the Action genre that it's also part of. Inception also has a mainly male cast, which the audience could try to relate to.
Social grade - most likely a ABC1 percentage of 70%, as the characters are most relatable to that social grade due to the corporate theme in them - good education, expensive suits etc. And the more complex plot could be more appealing to a person with a higher level of education, as it would be easier to follow and think about/predict.
LO4: Key words and Theories revision
Demographic - characteristics of an audience
Conglomerate -
Horizontal Integration -
Audience -
Indpendent -
Niche -
Mass -
Key Theory 1 - John Hartley (1987)
All media products have 'invisible fictions' before they are made.
Key Theory 2 - Ien Ang (1991)
All media producers have 'imaginary entities' in mind before their production.
Conglomerate -
Horizontal Integration -
Audience -
Indpendent -
Niche -
Mass -
Key Theory 1 - John Hartley (1987)
All media products have 'invisible fictions' before they are made.
Key Theory 2 - Ien Ang (1991)
All media producers have 'imaginary entities' in mind before their production.
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
KTA 5 Genre Theory Feedback Sheet
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Media Unit:
1
Student Name: Theo Bebbington Class: 12x Minimum Target Grade for task: DISTINCTION Personal Target Grade for task: DISTINCTION
Key tracking assessment 5: Genre
analysis
LO3: Understand how meaning is created in media
products
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Task interim Key Tracking Assessments
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Work to complete
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P
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M
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D
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Feedback and Upgrades Required
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Task 5 Draft
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Complete
a write up of genre theory.
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✓
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✓
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✓*
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P Outstanding
Theo. You have used excellent examples to support the theory,
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I Revise all 5 genre theories and keep working hard to
learn the film product.
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N
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Literacy/
Numeracy/Oracy
Assessment on your
Unit blog.
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P Good overall, Theo – well done..
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I
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N
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GRADE FOR KTA 4: DISTINCTION*
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LO4: Understand the target audience of media
1. What is audience research and how can it be conducted?
I think that audience research is the process in which a product creator tries to find out information about their audience in order to make their product more appealing to that audience.
This can be conducted by surveys, interviews, reviews etc.
Audience Research Organisations:
I think that audience research is the process in which a product creator tries to find out information about their audience in order to make their product more appealing to that audience.
This can be conducted by surveys, interviews, reviews etc.
Audience Research Organisations:
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Tuesday, 1 November 2016
LO3: Theories of Representation
Representation - How the media shows us things about society but this is careful mediation.
Key Theory 1 - Tim O'Sullivan
For representation to work there has to be a shared recognition of people and places. All representation therefore have ideaologies behind them.
Ideaology refers to a set of ideas which produces a partial and selecive view of reality.
Key Theory 2 - Richard Dyer (1983)
Audiences should question the representations they see in media texts.
What does the representation imply? Is it typical of the world or deviant?
Key Theory 3 - Laura Mulvey (1975)
Male gaze.
Women are objectified in media texts and passive objects.
Audiences are positioned to view the women from the point of view of a heterosexual male.
Key Theory 4 - Stuart Hall (1995)
Western/ white cultures continue to misinterpret ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies.
E.g. non-white as 'the other', evil, barbaric.
Key Theory 5 - Edward Said (1987)
Says that people of colour are represented as humourous, pittied, exotic, dangerous etc.
1. The representation of Cobb in the film - a concerned father who has made mistakes in the past, is recognised in society as many parents feel this way about looking after their children, regardless of gender.
2. Challenging the representation of Cobb will raise questions about the world he lives in and what it represents. For example, Cobb is a concerned father, but he is also a career criminal, so this could suggest that the world is deviant to ours, because concerned and successful-looking father can still be career criminals.
3. Inception disproves Laura Mulvey's theory. This is because the woman that is featured most in the film, Aridanne, dresses modestly, without being objectified as her intellect is explored and is shown to be intergral to the plot. She is also shown to not be submissive, taking control in the final scenes to save the day, which is the opposite of Mulvey's theory.
4. The theory of Stuart Hall is partially supported in Incpetion. This is because the antagonist at the start of the film is Asian, and was portrayed as barbaric as he ordered the death of the protagonist's friend. However, this changes as him and another ethnic minority join the team, and they are shown to be valuable, and not seperated due to their ethnicities.
5. There are only two ethnic minorities in Inception. Both are parts of the team, although they are smaller roles. Neither are the comic relief in the team (which instead is a British person), and although one was villified at the start (which supports Said's theory), by the end both are considered the 'good guys'.
Key Theory 1 - Tim O'Sullivan
For representation to work there has to be a shared recognition of people and places. All representation therefore have ideaologies behind them.
Ideaology refers to a set of ideas which produces a partial and selecive view of reality.
Key Theory 2 - Richard Dyer (1983)
Audiences should question the representations they see in media texts.
What does the representation imply? Is it typical of the world or deviant?
Key Theory 3 - Laura Mulvey (1975)
Male gaze.
Women are objectified in media texts and passive objects.
Audiences are positioned to view the women from the point of view of a heterosexual male.
Key Theory 4 - Stuart Hall (1995)
Western/ white cultures continue to misinterpret ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies.
E.g. non-white as 'the other', evil, barbaric.
Key Theory 5 - Edward Said (1987)
Says that people of colour are represented as humourous, pittied, exotic, dangerous etc.
1. The representation of Cobb in the film - a concerned father who has made mistakes in the past, is recognised in society as many parents feel this way about looking after their children, regardless of gender.
2. Challenging the representation of Cobb will raise questions about the world he lives in and what it represents. For example, Cobb is a concerned father, but he is also a career criminal, so this could suggest that the world is deviant to ours, because concerned and successful-looking father can still be career criminals.
3. Inception disproves Laura Mulvey's theory. This is because the woman that is featured most in the film, Aridanne, dresses modestly, without being objectified as her intellect is explored and is shown to be intergral to the plot. She is also shown to not be submissive, taking control in the final scenes to save the day, which is the opposite of Mulvey's theory.
4. The theory of Stuart Hall is partially supported in Incpetion. This is because the antagonist at the start of the film is Asian, and was portrayed as barbaric as he ordered the death of the protagonist's friend. However, this changes as him and another ethnic minority join the team, and they are shown to be valuable, and not seperated due to their ethnicities.
5. There are only two ethnic minorities in Inception. Both are parts of the team, although they are smaller roles. Neither are the comic relief in the team (which instead is a British person), and although one was villified at the start (which supports Said's theory), by the end both are considered the 'good guys'.
Wednesday, 19 October 2016
How is meaning created through use of production techniques in a media product I have studied?
Ineception uses various production techniques, most of which are synonymous with the genres it belongs to - Science Fiction and Action. The use of these is effective in creating and reinforcing common tropes and ideas from these genres, with production techniques, in order for them to create more meaning.
Editing techniques especially were used to convey meaning. Fast cuts to various action sequences throughout the scene is a common feature of the Action genre, as well as serving as methods to make the characters relatable to the audience, creating meaning for the character. The fast cuts from shot to shot represents the confusion the characters feel, and relates to the audience's confusion as the film often changes from different levels of dream, which all have action simultaneously. This was effective, as it confused the audience, and show created meaning in that the characters were shown to be confused or panicked as well.
A lack of cuts during scenes of discovery were used to show the slow process being undertaken in the narrative, the meaning of the shots (slow learning) is shown by the fact that there isn't constant change and that it is a slow process, which is shown by the slow movement and lack of cuts.
Camera angles and movements were also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Slow pans and reveals are typical for Sci Fi films, and were used to portray discovery and learning in the film. A long shot, panning across the scene to show all the characters working together to learn creates meaning, as the camera angles add on to the feelings exhibited in the scenes - long term learning and a long process working towards something, which was effective as I as a member of the audience felt the desired result.
On the flip side of this, shaky, fast moving camera movements were also used effectively in high tension and fight scenes to convey meaning (for example, in the assault on the snow base in the penultimate dream level). Shaky shots make the scene less clear and more confusing, which reflects how the characters feel and creates meaning in the scene, desperation for them (and the audience) to understand what is happening. This was effective, as it put the audience and characters in the same position, and so made any meaning created more efective and emotive as the audience felt like they experienced it too.
Music was also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Incidental music, frequently used in both Sci Fi and Action genres, was used to create meaning in this film by accompanying appropriate shots to enhance feelings of excitement and danger. An example of this was the music used over the corridor fight scene and all fight scenes surrounding it, which was fast paced like the editing, encouraged the deadly implications of the fights, and so created and reinforced the meaning in the scene.
A sound bridge was also used effectively in the film in the form of narration. Cobb talking about his experience in limbo with Mol, while the acts he is talking about is shown during him talking, is used to emphasise that the scenes were in the past, and the tone in his voice along along with his dialogue created the meaning of regret at his experience. This was effective in conveying the message, as both techniques provided more reason to believe and feel connected with the story he was telling.
Rain, and the loud, harsh sound it makes was used in the film to represent uncomfortability and incoming danger in the film. When the team is on the second dream state, rain greets them, as does the first signs of resistance and danger. The sound of rain dominates the voices of the team, which shows that this dream level and it's guards intends to dominate the team. So rain and it's sounds presents the meaning of danger and domination in Inception.
Editing techniques especially were used to convey meaning. Fast cuts to various action sequences throughout the scene is a common feature of the Action genre, as well as serving as methods to make the characters relatable to the audience, creating meaning for the character. The fast cuts from shot to shot represents the confusion the characters feel, and relates to the audience's confusion as the film often changes from different levels of dream, which all have action simultaneously. This was effective, as it confused the audience, and show created meaning in that the characters were shown to be confused or panicked as well.
A lack of cuts during scenes of discovery were used to show the slow process being undertaken in the narrative, the meaning of the shots (slow learning) is shown by the fact that there isn't constant change and that it is a slow process, which is shown by the slow movement and lack of cuts.
Camera angles and movements were also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Slow pans and reveals are typical for Sci Fi films, and were used to portray discovery and learning in the film. A long shot, panning across the scene to show all the characters working together to learn creates meaning, as the camera angles add on to the feelings exhibited in the scenes - long term learning and a long process working towards something, which was effective as I as a member of the audience felt the desired result.
On the flip side of this, shaky, fast moving camera movements were also used effectively in high tension and fight scenes to convey meaning (for example, in the assault on the snow base in the penultimate dream level). Shaky shots make the scene less clear and more confusing, which reflects how the characters feel and creates meaning in the scene, desperation for them (and the audience) to understand what is happening. This was effective, as it put the audience and characters in the same position, and so made any meaning created more efective and emotive as the audience felt like they experienced it too.
Music was also used in Inception to convey meaning.
Incidental music, frequently used in both Sci Fi and Action genres, was used to create meaning in this film by accompanying appropriate shots to enhance feelings of excitement and danger. An example of this was the music used over the corridor fight scene and all fight scenes surrounding it, which was fast paced like the editing, encouraged the deadly implications of the fights, and so created and reinforced the meaning in the scene.
A sound bridge was also used effectively in the film in the form of narration. Cobb talking about his experience in limbo with Mol, while the acts he is talking about is shown during him talking, is used to emphasise that the scenes were in the past, and the tone in his voice along along with his dialogue created the meaning of regret at his experience. This was effective in conveying the message, as both techniques provided more reason to believe and feel connected with the story he was telling.
Rain, and the loud, harsh sound it makes was used in the film to represent uncomfortability and incoming danger in the film. When the team is on the second dream state, rain greets them, as does the first signs of resistance and danger. The sound of rain dominates the voices of the team, which shows that this dream level and it's guards intends to dominate the team. So rain and it's sounds presents the meaning of danger and domination in Inception.
Unit 1 Genre and Narrative Revision
Why is it important to be able to identify a media product?
Because how it is identified (what genre it is) denotes to the audience certain characteristics to make the film more or less attractive to the audience.
Knowing a genre can also allow different and further analysis - how they stay or stray from the genre.
Because how it is identified (what genre it is) denotes to the audience certain characteristics to make the film more or less attractive to the audience.
Knowing a genre can also allow different and further analysis - how they stay or stray from the genre.
What different ways can the narrative be structured?
Linear and Non-Linear
Tuesday, 18 October 2016
LO1 Production process and job roles
Directors (Pre production)
Producers
Editors (Post production)
Actors/ Talent (Production)
Artists/ Designers (Pre production)
Technicians - Light, sound, camera (production)
Animators (production)
VFX (Post production)
Writers (pre production)
One of the most important roles in Inception would be a VFX and general editors. Because the film features a heavy amount of visal effects, and fast cuts to compliment action scenes and to make the film's themes of confusion efective, editors would be important to do this.
The movements on screen, and actions in general, are integral to the film, so a screen writer is essential in making every fight scene and influential motion, such as the spinning top, as poignant as possible.
LO2 Web
Pre 2000:
Web pages not interactive, mainly just for information
Marketing was mainly traditional - trailers only in cinema or on TV
Post 2000:
Boradband introduced to UK, resulted in faster download speed so websites could be better
Youtube (2005) VOD (video on demand service) came out
O'Reilly (2004) coined the term web 2.0 - means the web was now interactive
Digital methods of marketing are in existance because of technological convergence. This means technologies coming together to provide a new service for the audience. So for the internet, phone and web technology came together.
Henry Jenkins (2006) came up with the term 'Black Box', meaning a phone.
Covergence to make a smart phone:
Music
Games
Computer (web search)
Camera
Microphone
Maps
etc.
Above the line advertising (targerts a mass audience):
Premieres
Trailers
Reviews
Posters
Below the line advertising (targets individuals):
Social Media - Instagram updates, Twitter accounts
Happy Meals toys
Competitions
Web pages not interactive, mainly just for information
Marketing was mainly traditional - trailers only in cinema or on TV
Post 2000:
Boradband introduced to UK, resulted in faster download speed so websites could be better
Youtube (2005) VOD (video on demand service) came out
O'Reilly (2004) coined the term web 2.0 - means the web was now interactive
Digital methods of marketing are in existance because of technological convergence. This means technologies coming together to provide a new service for the audience. So for the internet, phone and web technology came together.
Henry Jenkins (2006) came up with the term 'Black Box', meaning a phone.
Covergence to make a smart phone:
Music
Games
Computer (web search)
Camera
Microphone
Maps
etc.
Above the line advertising (targerts a mass audience):
Premieres
Trailers
Reviews
Posters
Below the line advertising (targets individuals):
Social Media - Instagram updates, Twitter accounts
Happy Meals toys
Competitions
Tuesday, 11 October 2016
LO3: Narrative Theory
What is the difference between a 'story' and a 'narrative'.
Story - The sequence of events/ plot
Narrative - How the story is structured
Story of Inception
Inception functions like a typical heist film:
Backstory of characters
Reason for heist
Preparation + more character development
Heist - loss of characters, more character development
Pay off - Goal achieved
Values and Beliefs in Inception:
Family is the most important thing - whole plot is aimed for the protagonist to reunite with his family
Some crimes are morally ambiguous - the reason behind them make them less severe - the crime they're committing had multiple pay offs for different characters, including the antagonist
Perfection is impossible - no character is perfect, all of them have their faults shown, i.e. Cobb being the reason his wife died
How Inception presents an enigma that is resolved:
The protagonist not being able to return home is the enigma in Inception, which the whole plot revolves around. The way this is solved is the whole story of the film - the heist.
Does Inception follow Todorov's four (one example)?
Inception follows the last 3 of Todorov's four, in that there is disruption (Cobb not being able to see his family, the first operation resulting in a partner's death), there is an act against the disruption (heist attempted in hopes Cobb will be reunited with his family) and restoration of a state of equilibrium (Cobb can now see his family as he is no longer a criminal). However, there is no state of equilibrium at the start of the film, as the film starts with the mission failing and Cobb being a criminal, so the film doesn't follow this theory exactly.
What binary oppositions are present in Inception?
I don't think there are an binary opposites in Inception. This is because, even though the protagonists are criminals, they aren't presented as such, and no form of police of government is presented in the film. Also, the protagonists and antagonists appear similarly - dressed in suits, armed etc, so there is no class opposition or wealth opposition.
Stock characters in Inception:
Villain/ antagonist - Fisher, Mol, Cobb himself
Hero/ protagonist - Cobb
Helper/ supporter (sidekick) - Arthur (primarily), Ariadne (transitions from secondary to primary) and others
Princess - Cobb's family
Can be fluid character roles - roles that change person and vice versa
3 enigma codes in Inception:
(Link 1:30) Shows the building collapsing, makes the audience think of how Cobb is going to escape
(Link 3:14) Shows the building flooding, a seemingly possible event to survive. As the concept of death in dreams hasn't been explained, this seems very dangerous
(Link 3:47) The dangerous mob is presented as another shot, especially as they are shown to be getting closer, and the characters were previously shown to be worried about it.
3 action codes in Inception:
(Link 1:35) Showing the broken glass indicates a fight or attack with it, which is also encouraged by the conversation
(Link 3:00) A new enemy appearing and threatening a protagonist, promises him as a threat and violence to ensue
(Link 0:41) A gun being pulled by Arthur denotes violence in the next scene, which was only hinted at previously
Key Theory 1: Tim O'Sullivan (1998)
Media texts tell us some kind of story
Through careful mediation (specifically encoded/ put in), texts offer a way of telling stories about ourselves (as a culture) - these are ideologies (values and beliefs).
Values and Beliefs in Inception:
Family is the most important thing - whole plot is aimed for the protagonist to reunite with his family
Some crimes are morally ambiguous - the reason behind them make them less severe - the crime they're committing had multiple pay offs for different characters, including the antagonist
Perfection is impossible - no character is perfect, all of them have their faults shown, i.e. Cobb being the reason his wife died
How Inception presents an enigma that is resolved:
The protagonist not being able to return home is the enigma in Inception, which the whole plot revolves around. The way this is solved is the whole story of the film - the heist.
Does Inception follow Todorov's four (one example)?
Inception follows the last 3 of Todorov's four, in that there is disruption (Cobb not being able to see his family, the first operation resulting in a partner's death), there is an act against the disruption (heist attempted in hopes Cobb will be reunited with his family) and restoration of a state of equilibrium (Cobb can now see his family as he is no longer a criminal). However, there is no state of equilibrium at the start of the film, as the film starts with the mission failing and Cobb being a criminal, so the film doesn't follow this theory exactly.
What binary oppositions are present in Inception?
I don't think there are an binary opposites in Inception. This is because, even though the protagonists are criminals, they aren't presented as such, and no form of police of government is presented in the film. Also, the protagonists and antagonists appear similarly - dressed in suits, armed etc, so there is no class opposition or wealth opposition.
Stock characters in Inception:
Villain/ antagonist - Fisher, Mol, Cobb himself
Hero/ protagonist - Cobb
Helper/ supporter (sidekick) - Arthur (primarily), Ariadne (transitions from secondary to primary) and others
Princess - Cobb's family
Can be fluid character roles - roles that change person and vice versa
3 enigma codes in Inception:
(Link 1:30) Shows the building collapsing, makes the audience think of how Cobb is going to escape
(Link 3:14) Shows the building flooding, a seemingly possible event to survive. As the concept of death in dreams hasn't been explained, this seems very dangerous
(Link 3:47) The dangerous mob is presented as another shot, especially as they are shown to be getting closer, and the characters were previously shown to be worried about it.
3 action codes in Inception:
(Link 1:35) Showing the broken glass indicates a fight or attack with it, which is also encouraged by the conversation
(Link 3:00) A new enemy appearing and threatening a protagonist, promises him as a threat and violence to ensue
(Link 0:41) A gun being pulled by Arthur denotes violence in the next scene, which was only hinted at previously
Key Theory 1: Tim O'Sullivan (1998)
Media texts tell us some kind of story
Through careful mediation (specifically encoded/ put in), texts offer a way of telling stories about ourselves (as a culture) - these are ideologies (values and beliefs).
Key Theory 2: Pam Cook (1985)
The standard Hollywood narrative structure should have:
"Linearity of cause and effect within an overall trajectory of enigma resolution"
A high degree of narrative closure
A fictional world that contains verisimilitude especially governed by spatial and temporal coherence
Key Theory 3: Tzetan Todorov (1977)
Films have four stages:
Stage 1: A point of stable equilibrium
Stage 2: This stability is disrupted by some kind of force, which creates a stable disequilibrium
Stage 3: Action directed against the disruption
Stage 4: Restoration of a state of new equilibrium
Key Theory 4: Claude Levi-Strauss (1958)
Binary opposites
E.g. Good vs Evil, Rich vs Poor, Race A vs Race B
Key Theory 5: Vladimir Propp (1928)
Narratives feature stock characters and that audiences understood stories because of such features.
Villain/ antagonist
Hero/ protagonist
Helper/ supporter (sidekick)
Princess (the prize for the hero - not necessarily a person) one that is rescued/ saved/ helped
Key Theory 6: Roland Barthes (1977)
Narrative codes:
Enigma codes work to keep up setting problems or puzzles for the audience
Action codes work to inform the audience in terms of what is happening in the next shot/ scene
Key Theory 4: Claude Levi-Strauss (1958)
Binary opposites
E.g. Good vs Evil, Rich vs Poor, Race A vs Race B
Key Theory 5: Vladimir Propp (1928)
Narratives feature stock characters and that audiences understood stories because of such features.
Villain/ antagonist
Hero/ protagonist
Helper/ supporter (sidekick)
Princess (the prize for the hero - not necessarily a person) one that is rescued/ saved/ helped
Key Theory 6: Roland Barthes (1977)
Narrative codes:
Enigma codes work to keep up setting problems or puzzles for the audience
Action codes work to inform the audience in terms of what is happening in the next shot/ scene
Wednesday, 5 October 2016
KTA 5 Genre analysis essay
Genre is a method used to categorise products together based on similar features and aspects. In film, generic elements such as theme, plot structure, sound and editing can be used to define a film and place it into one or more genre.
I agree with Barry Keith Grant's theory in that all genres have subgenres. This is because Inception is classified as a Science Fiction film due to the reasons stated above, but also has several key elements that relate it to other genres. For example, the frequent use of violence relates to an action film, as stated above, and the popular heist subgenre of action/ adventure is also key to the film, as it follows the generic conventions in terms of plot almost perfectly - problem (Cobb wanting to see his family, unable to), planning the heist (introduction of characters and development, showing of skills), heist (the literal heist), pay off (Cobb reunited with his kids). In addition, the themes of the film, for example, that some crimes are morally ambiguous (which is shown in the film by the antagonist, Fisher, also getting a reward, his father's praise, as well as the protagonist), is also frequently part of the heist subgenre.
Patrick Phillip's theory, that genres give the audience comfortable reassurance, I also believe is accurate because it is shown in Inception. The Science Fiction genre promises complex equipment and technology, along with a threat not possible (or very unlikely) in the real world, along with impossible scenes, usually action oriented, to reinforce the plot. Inception features all of this, as the device used to enter people's dreams isn't explained in the film (although a manual was released prior to the film), it adds to the mystery of the device and the concept of Inception, without having to dive into he scientific aspects of it. In this way, Inception differs slightly to the genre, as it fails to explain many concepts and processes, which is usually a staple of the science fiction genre. This can be seen as being used to throw off viewers, making the plot seem more intricate than it actually is, as the process of inception in the film is described as very complex and dangerous, but is rarely shown in this way.
In addition, the main, recurring threat in the film, the imagined aspect of Mol (who can be considered the main antagonist) repeatedly acting against Cobb even though she is dead in the real world, is a classic example if a trope in science fiction, an enemy that is not only hard to understand, but can't be defeated by physical means, instead being an enigma action for the audience to wonder about.
There are also numerous action sequences in Inception (the corridor fight scene, the building being destroyed and flooded sequence) that would be impossible in a different genre, without the technology available, making it another characteristic of sci fi films. These scenes reinforce the idea that what the characters are doing, and what the plot is revolving around, in unconventional and confusing, which helps the audience relate to the characters as they feel the same way.
Although not entirely conventional, Inception's marketing did benefit from the common conventions usually associated with advertising heist and science fiction films. Using mystery and intrigue is not uncommon for heists films that have a mysterious aspect, which benefitted Inception as it's an independent film. For example, using clues and puzzles in magazines to attract readers to the film's website is unique, but not a-typical for a film that has large amounts of mystery, like sci fi and some action. In addition, immersing the audience in the world with mock-manuals and guides, to make the film more believable and make the audience more interested in the film.
However, Inception does also oppose this rule. The $1,000,000 budget used on advertising highlights this point, in addition to the extensive methods used for advertising that were relatively unique - a game with unlockable posters of the film, for example. These things both prove both prove that Inception couldn't rely on it's genre(s) to reduce expenditure, due to it not being part of a film series.
I also agree with Rick Altman's theory that genre offers pleasure to an audience. Science fiction often features intellectual pleasure through puzzles and mystery, which Inception featured constantly throughout the film (the concept of Inception, mazes and dangerous situations with no obvious means of escape), confirming the theory as it stuck to it's genre's usual pleasures. Panning shots of problems being solved, calm and methodical non-diegetic music all added to these scenes to heighten the intellectual pleasure.
As Inception can also be considered an action film, as it features action and adventure throughout. This results in visceral pleasure being a key part of the film, fast paced action (the corridor fight scene - with fast action cuts, forward tracking shots, shaking camera angles as well as a fast and dramatic score - non - diegetic sound) making the audience feel excited and often fearful for the characters. So this theory is also reinforced by these scenes, making me agree with the theory more.
I do not agree with David Bordwell's theory that any genre trope can appear in any other genre. This is because Inception almost only features tropes that are encoded into the sci fi and action genres, while featuring only a couple from other genres. For example, the main goal of the story being the family, connoting the importance of family to the viewers, isn't typical for either of the two genres, but is a central part of Inception. However, there are no other examples of other characteristics of genres in Inception, which is why I disagree with this theory.
Inception falls within the Sci Fi genre due to it's use of fictional science, which is central to the plot, and the dystopian worlds featured in the films due to the scientific instruments used. In addition to Sci Fi, Inception could also be considered to have a subgenre of Action/Adventure, as it features violence prominently in the film, although it isn't vital to the plot and is shown to not be intended in the story.
I agree with Barry Keith Grant's theory in that all genres have subgenres. This is because Inception is classified as a Science Fiction film due to the reasons stated above, but also has several key elements that relate it to other genres. For example, the frequent use of violence relates to an action film, as stated above, and the popular heist subgenre of action/ adventure is also key to the film, as it follows the generic conventions in terms of plot almost perfectly - problem (Cobb wanting to see his family, unable to), planning the heist (introduction of characters and development, showing of skills), heist (the literal heist), pay off (Cobb reunited with his kids). In addition, the themes of the film, for example, that some crimes are morally ambiguous (which is shown in the film by the antagonist, Fisher, also getting a reward, his father's praise, as well as the protagonist), is also frequently part of the heist subgenre.
Patrick Phillip's theory, that genres give the audience comfortable reassurance, I also believe is accurate because it is shown in Inception. The Science Fiction genre promises complex equipment and technology, along with a threat not possible (or very unlikely) in the real world, along with impossible scenes, usually action oriented, to reinforce the plot. Inception features all of this, as the device used to enter people's dreams isn't explained in the film (although a manual was released prior to the film), it adds to the mystery of the device and the concept of Inception, without having to dive into he scientific aspects of it. In this way, Inception differs slightly to the genre, as it fails to explain many concepts and processes, which is usually a staple of the science fiction genre. This can be seen as being used to throw off viewers, making the plot seem more intricate than it actually is, as the process of inception in the film is described as very complex and dangerous, but is rarely shown in this way.
In addition, the main, recurring threat in the film, the imagined aspect of Mol (who can be considered the main antagonist) repeatedly acting against Cobb even though she is dead in the real world, is a classic example if a trope in science fiction, an enemy that is not only hard to understand, but can't be defeated by physical means, instead being an enigma action for the audience to wonder about.
There are also numerous action sequences in Inception (the corridor fight scene, the building being destroyed and flooded sequence) that would be impossible in a different genre, without the technology available, making it another characteristic of sci fi films. These scenes reinforce the idea that what the characters are doing, and what the plot is revolving around, in unconventional and confusing, which helps the audience relate to the characters as they feel the same way.
Although not entirely conventional, Inception's marketing did benefit from the common conventions usually associated with advertising heist and science fiction films. Using mystery and intrigue is not uncommon for heists films that have a mysterious aspect, which benefitted Inception as it's an independent film. For example, using clues and puzzles in magazines to attract readers to the film's website is unique, but not a-typical for a film that has large amounts of mystery, like sci fi and some action. In addition, immersing the audience in the world with mock-manuals and guides, to make the film more believable and make the audience more interested in the film.
However, Inception does also oppose this rule. The $1,000,000 budget used on advertising highlights this point, in addition to the extensive methods used for advertising that were relatively unique - a game with unlockable posters of the film, for example. These things both prove both prove that Inception couldn't rely on it's genre(s) to reduce expenditure, due to it not being part of a film series.
I also agree with Rick Altman's theory that genre offers pleasure to an audience. Science fiction often features intellectual pleasure through puzzles and mystery, which Inception featured constantly throughout the film (the concept of Inception, mazes and dangerous situations with no obvious means of escape), confirming the theory as it stuck to it's genre's usual pleasures. Panning shots of problems being solved, calm and methodical non-diegetic music all added to these scenes to heighten the intellectual pleasure.
As Inception can also be considered an action film, as it features action and adventure throughout. This results in visceral pleasure being a key part of the film, fast paced action (the corridor fight scene - with fast action cuts, forward tracking shots, shaking camera angles as well as a fast and dramatic score - non - diegetic sound) making the audience feel excited and often fearful for the characters. So this theory is also reinforced by these scenes, making me agree with the theory more.
I do not agree with David Bordwell's theory that any genre trope can appear in any other genre. This is because Inception almost only features tropes that are encoded into the sci fi and action genres, while featuring only a couple from other genres. For example, the main goal of the story being the family, connoting the importance of family to the viewers, isn't typical for either of the two genres, but is a central part of Inception. However, there are no other examples of other characteristics of genres in Inception, which is why I disagree with this theory.
LO3 Genre Theory
What do you understand is meant by the term 'genre'?
Genre is the way of categorising a product, based on features it portrays that are similar it to other products.
Type/category of film.
Film genres:
Action/ adventure
Sci Fi
Comedy (treatment - can have different types, e.g. action comedy etc)
Romance
Musical
Fantasy
Horror
Animation
Thriller
Social realism
Exam questions (examples)
Patrick Phillips (1996)
Said genre offers audience 'Comfortable reassurance'.
Genres fulfil audience expectations by following predictable patterns - we know what to expect from a text.
Branston and Stafford (1999)
Genres help to 'minimise risk and expenditure'.
Are a blueprint for success.
Genre conventions also make it easier to market and sell products to audiences.
Rick Altman (1999)
Genre offers pleasures.
Emtional Pleasures - happy, sad, nostalgic etc.
Visceral Pleasures - 'gut' responses - excitement, fear, laughter etc.
Intellectual Puzzles - Makes the audiece think, has enigmas, insert shots etc.
David Bordwell (1989)
'Any theme map appear in any genre'.
Theme = the ideas, ideologies, concepts, 'myths' etc. that are encoded into a media text.
Key Theory 1 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 2 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 3 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 4 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 5 - back up/ challenge with examples
Examples include diegetic and non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene, editing, themes etc.
Genre is the way of categorising a product, based on features it portrays that are similar it to other products.
Type/category of film.
Film genres:
Action/ adventure
Sci Fi
Comedy (treatment - can have different types, e.g. action comedy etc)
Romance
Musical
Fantasy
Horror
Animation
Thriller
Social realism
Exam questions (examples)
6* Analyse how the production techniques used create meaning in a media product you have studied. (12) MICRO - MACRO
6* Analyse the conepts of 'genre' and 'representation' in a media product you have studied. (12). MICRO - MACRO
Common elements (found in genres) are called generic conventions/ characteristics/ elements or tropes.
Key theories:
Barry Keith Grant (1995)
Said all genres have subgenres. Divided up into more specific categories that allow the audience to identify them specifically by their familiar and recognisable characteristics or Generic Elements.
Subgenres
Slasher (horror), psychological (horror, thriller), zombies (horror), hammer (horror), gothic (horror)
Said genre offers audience 'Comfortable reassurance'.
Genres fulfil audience expectations by following predictable patterns - we know what to expect from a text.
Branston and Stafford (1999)
Genres help to 'minimise risk and expenditure'.
Are a blueprint for success.
Genre conventions also make it easier to market and sell products to audiences.
Rick Altman (1999)
Genre offers pleasures.
Emtional Pleasures - happy, sad, nostalgic etc.
Visceral Pleasures - 'gut' responses - excitement, fear, laughter etc.
Intellectual Puzzles - Makes the audiece think, has enigmas, insert shots etc.
David Bordwell (1989)
'Any theme map appear in any genre'.
Theme = the ideas, ideologies, concepts, 'myths' etc. that are encoded into a media text.
Inception
The genre of Inception is Sci Fi, because it uses fictional science as a central part in it's story.
It could be considered in the subgenre of action/adventure, as it uses action and fight sequences in it's story frequently, and uses fast paced music to buld excitement. But it doesn't feature violence, and the characters try to avoid it, making it a subgenre not a hybrid.
Inception reinforces/ provides familiarity in terms of genre as it uses the basic plot of a staple in Sci Fi, heist based films, to connote to the audience what to expect. For example, it connotes a planning, an action sequence and a pay off at the end, which is has, although the specifics differ slightly to the norm.
This film was successful, as the marketing for the film was original, but it stuck to the Sci Fi methods of mystery and showed off the science elements of the film to appeal to a Sci Fi audience.
Pleasures featured in Inception, and Sci Fi as a whole, are Intellectual (as it features a puzzling plot and problem solving, how to get into Fisher's mind, solving the mazes), Visceral (as it's subgenre action often features excitement, tracking movements, fast cuts etc) and Emotional (sad when shown the backstory of the protagonist, Cobb, and happy at the pay off when he's back wih his kids).
I agree with David Bordwell's theory, as Inception shoed the themes of family, loss and friendship eventhough it's a Sci Fi film with a subgenre of action, both of which typically don't usually exhibit these features. For example, the death of Cobb's wife, him reuniting with his chldren, the emotion Cobb feels at meeting his friend in limbo again.
Inception reinforces/ provides familiarity in terms of genre as it uses the basic plot of a staple in Sci Fi, heist based films, to connote to the audience what to expect. For example, it connotes a planning, an action sequence and a pay off at the end, which is has, although the specifics differ slightly to the norm.
This film was successful, as the marketing for the film was original, but it stuck to the Sci Fi methods of mystery and showed off the science elements of the film to appeal to a Sci Fi audience.
Pleasures featured in Inception, and Sci Fi as a whole, are Intellectual (as it features a puzzling plot and problem solving, how to get into Fisher's mind, solving the mazes), Visceral (as it's subgenre action often features excitement, tracking movements, fast cuts etc) and Emotional (sad when shown the backstory of the protagonist, Cobb, and happy at the pay off when he's back wih his kids).
I agree with David Bordwell's theory, as Inception shoed the themes of family, loss and friendship eventhough it's a Sci Fi film with a subgenre of action, both of which typically don't usually exhibit these features. For example, the death of Cobb's wife, him reuniting with his chldren, the emotion Cobb feels at meeting his friend in limbo again.
KTA 5 Genre analysis essay
Intro that defines genre + InceptionKey Theory 1 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 2 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 3 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 4 - back up/ challenge with examples
Key Theory 5 - back up/ challenge with examples
Examples include diegetic and non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene, editing, themes etc.
Tuesday, 4 October 2016
Use of sound
Diegesis
Diegesis is the narrative construct that everything takes place in, it is the story world/ the world that the fim/ TV programme takes place in.How real the diegesis appears is linked to the level of 'verisimilitude' (which means the appearance of being real).
Diegetic sound examples:
Music from a radio
Speech if someone's talking (dialogue)
Scenery sound, like waves or wind
Traffic, equipment, doors, other misc. objects
Other foley sounds
Anything that could be heard if you were there, in the diegesis (not added on afterwards)
Synchronous sounds
Synchronised or match with what is viewed.
Is a diegetic sound
Footstepts, movement, often instruments etc
Contributes to realism of a film, as it exaggerates something which couldn't be captured while filming
Mostly used in horror and action films, for things like footsteps and punches etc.
Ambient sound
Refers to any sound that are used to establish location
If they are in a city centre there would be sounds of traffic and people talking. In a park there would be various animal sounds etc
Dialogue
Accent - How you pronounce words, usually from where you're from
Dialect - Words ou use , also often down to location
Tone - What intonation you have
Mode of address - Informal or formal, three types: Peer to peer (e.g. some radio, social media), parent to child (explaining something to audience in a realistic way), teacher to pupil (news)
The
Bath
Breadcakes/ baps/ roll/ buns
Non-diegetic sound
Non-diegetic sound examples:Any sound that doesn't have a source in the scene
Theme tunes
Music being played over something
Voice over/ narration
Sound bridge
Lead in or out of sceneCommon transition of continuity editing
Can be non-diegetic and diegetic, as it can start non-diegetic and then bridge to a scene where music or talking has a visual source, and vice versa.
Incidental music
Music composed in a film or play as a background to create or enchance a particular atmosphere.
Can accompany action, give hints at future events, builds tension or fill intervals between scenes.
Stings
Used as distinctive background music to add emphasis to an important moment in a motion picture or television program.
Can be used to introduce a section of a show, or indicate the end of a scene.
Used in:
Any genre; horror, drama, comedy
Radio
Television advertising
Motifs
Condition the audience emotionally for the arrival, or actions of a character.
Acive viewers find the pattern relating it to the character or action.
Can be used to help shape a story hat requires many characters as it helps to sustain the narrative as they help clarify narrative functions of the characters and provide a sound association for those characters as we move through the story.
Examples:
Star Wars (Darth Vader, Imperial death march)
Jaws (Jaws)
Psycho (the killer)
Examples:
Star Wars (Darth Vader, Imperial death march)
Jaws (Jaws)
Psycho (the killer)
Sound - Starter task
Starter task
Why is sound important for creating meaning for the audience?
Sound can be used to control/ influence tha audience's emotions in order for them to relate and understand the scene more. For example, sad, slow music at a funeral scene connotes to the audience that something sad is happening, making them understand the scene more without direct explanation. As a result, it is also used to explain situations to the audience without immersion-breaking explanation.
Sound can also be used to make an action more or less impactful by accompanying an act with a loud or non-matching sound to show the effect of an action on the film.
Unit 1 LO3 KTA 3 Feedback Sheet Mise en Scene
WRITE UP FOR MISE EN
SCENE INSTRUCTIONS: COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR FILM
-
Locations and Iconography (2-3
examples)
-
Characters and Acting Gesture (protagonist,
antagonist)
-
Costume and Make Up (protagonist
v antagonist)
-
Props (2-3 significant props)
-
Lighting and Colour (high key or
low ley examples)
Inception
Locations and
Iconography (2-3 examples)
Lifts are used extensively throughout the film to act as a
transition – a point in the film where something important happens. For
example, the lift Cobb uses in his dream state to access memories, in which it
was revealed the nature of his wife’s death, a turning point in the film. This
iconography was used to represent what a lift denotes – a transition from one
point, or level, from another. This is especially applicable in this film as it
revolves around different ‘levels’ of dreams state.
The ‘totems’ used in Inception represent the characters who
use them. For example, the loaded dice used by Arthur connotes certain things
about his character. For this example, a dice made to fall on a specific number
takes out the element of chance, which represents Arthur’s uncertainty in many
situations – he wants to eliminate chance and always know the result, which the
dice does.
The snow compound in the defender’s mind. The use of such a
remote area, inhospitable all but those who are tough enough (connotes Cobb and
the intruders) or have the knowledge (Fisher) to survive it. As the film is
based in the mind, this gives the initial advantage to Fisher, connoting that
the intruders have a disadvantage in their task. In addition, the snowy tundra,
so different to the metropolis cities the subject was seen in previously,
represents how distant Fisher is to the information stored there.
Characters and Acting Gesture (protagonist, antagonist)
Cobb, the protagonist in the film, always appears to act
confident and on top of things, which can especially be seen with his
conversation with Fisher in the dream state. A confident walk, unwavering voice
and a firm resolution in a plan all support this. However, this masks the
desperation that Cobb sometimes let slip – the desperation to see his wife and
kids again, which is a recurring thought in the film.
The antagonist, Fisher, acts similarly. Feigning confidence
and ability to keep on top of the company which is left for him, he uncertain,
cracking voice and panicked expressions show the audience that in fact he is
uncertain, and even scared, about the situation he is in with his father.
Costume and Make Up (protagonist v antagonist)
The protagonist, Cobb, typically dresses in smart but casual dress –
shirts and jeans or trousers. This could show the always keen and intelligent
nature of Cobb, he always tries to act professional, even though Mal keep
stopping this. In the dream state, he is almost always seen in a suit, showing
his heightened professionalism while working.
The antagonist, Fisher, always wears a smart and expensive suit, apart
from the snow level of dreaming. This is used for a similar reason to Cobb, he
wants to appear professional and able as his father did, in order to gain the
love of his father or to make himself his own man.
Props (2-3 significant props)
The chess piece – Ariadne’s totem. This totem, crafted to a professional
level by Ariadne, represents her planning and creation side – her main role in
the group. Even though no previous reference to woodworking was mentioned, the
wooden chess piece was crafted seemingly professionally, similarly to how she
took to maze and world creation in the dream state. The reference to chess also
shows the planning she typically exhibits in the film; she acts like it’s a
chess game – always a few steps ahead. And the fact that she chose a Bishop
chess piece represents her character – important to the group, but lacks the
experience to be a more prized piece. Also, the Bishop’s restricted movement
could reference her creation of mazes, another restriction of movement.
Other totems were central to the plot as well. Cobb’s spinning top totem
represents order and stability iver changing dream state – the top spins
and never topples, it is always stable. This can represent Cobb’s desire for a
stable life, opposed to the life of a fugitive that he lives. In addition, the
spinning top is often used and thought of as a children’s toy, connoting that
Cobb is always thinking of his children, who are represented by the toy.
Lighting and Colour (high
key or low ley examples)
Limbo, the main fear in the film, is presented in a very
bland light. There are no bright colours (sun, lightning), or dark colours
(night), it is all presented in subtle greys and blues, connoting that the
state really is in between two extremities, dream and reality, dark and light.
The 1st level of dream state is where everything
starts to fall apart. The dark blues and greys suggest negativity, suggesting
something will go wrong. The white van used by the group in this level is used
to suggest they are the good guys, which white usually connotes, and that the
white is fighting back against the danger, which it is.
Cobb’s house, which he is trying to get back to for the film,
is filled with warm browns and greens, connoting a place of happiness. Even the
dark lighting in the house appears warm and welcoming – safe, not threatening.
And the very bright sunlight with the bright greens outside where the children
are, connoting that that is the real place he wants to be.
Gender Theory and representation
In Inception, the roles of gender aren’t explored in great
detail. However, some observations can be made about how each gender was
included and represented.
Mal, the former wife and current nemesis of Cobb, is
presented in a very negative light, even though the circumstances she is in, or
what Cobb puts her in in his head, is a result of Cobb’s interference. Mal is
presented as head strong and stubborn, which are typically seen as male
stereotypes, which resulted in self debilitation to her, which Cobb had to
solve. This could be interpreted as the male looking after the less competent
female, or showing how being headstrong and unreceptive to advice, again,
stereotypically male traits, can damage you and your relationship. So maybe it
was a critique on male actions, but represented through a female.
Adrienne, the youngest and least experienced member of the
group, is placed into a scene dominated by males, and can be seen in some parts
of the film as being ignored. However, this happens to every character, as the
person guilty of this is Cobb, who’s headstrong nature results in him ignoring
everybody, so this may not be a result of her gender. In fact, Adrienne by the
end of the film is perhaps the most influential character over the powerful
Cobb, which is down to her observances and patience, stereotypically female
traits. Showing that a young female in a man’s world can still prosper and take
charge. Because of this, I believe that gender roles in this film are fairly
non-existent, with a possibility of gender being used to emote the audience.
In addition, there is only one scene in the film where women
can be perceived as the subject of sexual objectification. In this scene,
Arthur kisses Adrienne, and it is revealed moments later that while it seemed
like an act of preservation or defence against the threats around them, it was
actually, or at least mainly driven by, Arthur’s attraction for Adrienne, which
can be seen as using her in this context.
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