Media Studies Unit 1

'Audiences are no longer just consumers of media texts but producers too.' To what extent is this true of the media products in your case study?

2010-03-04T08:32:00.002Z

Audiences do consume media texts as well as producing them. For example there are both media texts that are consumed and produced by audiences for the 2009 series Pushing Daises- fantasy crime series aired on ABC and ITV1. There are many articles about the third series of Pushing Daisies being cut, such as an article from the Guardian. This is a text to consume from e-media. As a result an online petition had been produced by a fan, which was sent to ACB executives. This shows how texts that audiences consume can lead to and influence what audiences produce.

Audiences could be seen as producers because they select what media texts they choose to consume. For example, when Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, released in 2009, the trailer could be found on YouTube. YouTube is a User Generated Content website. This means people (audience) can upload and select what video clips appear in their channel. There are channels that have chosen to upload the Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince trailer and behind the scenes video clips. This shows how the process of mediation can make the person a producer.

Another example of mediation process making the audience a consumer and producer is for The Twilight Saga: New Moon. There is a website that gave audiences the chance to download the soundtrack of the film, which makes them consumers of the media text. As they had the option of what songs to download, they went through a selecting process also therefore making them a producer.

There are many examples, especially on E-Media where audiences can produce their own texts. For example there is an online quiz for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. In this quiz, it tests whether you know the differences between the film and the novel, basing it on the fact audiences have consumed both texts. This again shows how media texts consumed influence media texts audiences create.

Another example of audiences producing texts is though Fan Fictions. For example there is a fan Fiction website for Pushing Daises where people create and upload their own short stories for the series. Again, this is based on the account that these audiences have viewed the series. The user can comment and select which stories are posted, making them the producer of the website.

In conclusion, it is strongly agreeable that audiences do consume and produce media texts. In most cases the produced media texts are based on or inspired by the consumed media texts. Most produced media texts are found on the E-Media platform. This is because the internet allows people to upload their own content (UGC), and becomes media texts as the internet is very easily accessed by everyone.

"The Cell" Essay Analysis (New and Improved)

2010-01-05T22:16:00.007Z

This clip begins at 0:50 and ends at 3:46.

"THE CELL" is a psychological thriller, and this particular scene is where the protagonist first enters the mind (dream world) of a serial killer. This film was distributed by a mainstream institution called New Line Cinema and released in 2000.

The beginning sequence is a montage. This builds up tension as is fast paced to create enigma for its genre: thriller. During this, the diegetic sound is enhanced to signify each subject matter’s importance. This could also connote the confusion of the serial killers mind. It is also low key lighting which could signify the dark thoughts of the killer’s mind and creates enigma.

For example a low angle shot of the character is used, where the audience are looking down on her, wondering if she is ok or she might be unconscious. It could signify the little physical power she has, she unable. This could also connote she is the protagonist hero, one of the narrative roles according to Propp.

Also included in the montage is a range of close up shots of different subject matters. A shot of blood drops in slow motion is used. This slow motion edit could signify its importance and makes it very significant. Dripping blood connotes death or suffering. This could foreshadow her destiny at the end of the film. Repetition of the shot and the sound creates enigma, tension and fast pace for the audience, as it is a thriller. The use of a regular jump cut is an unexpected interruption and could signify the interruption of the blood dripping and fast pace.

Another extreme close up is of an eye that blinks. It has a blue hue to it, added in editing, which connotes coldness or sadness. This could signify how cold, lonely and isolated the protagonist feels.

There is also an extreme close up of a lady bird getting blood dropped on it. The shot jump cuts and repeats the same thing but is slightly zoomed out. This disorientates the audience and signifies the confusion of the serial killers mind and thoughts. A lady bird could represent people or other characters getting hurt in the film. This could foreshadow violence or pain that could happen later in the narrative.

In the mise-en-scene there is a cloth over the protagonist’s face. It could connote death, isolation or the unawareness of her setting. When she takes it off, a sense of clarity for both the audience and protagonist is signified. This makes the audience identify with her. In this shot there is use of a top key light, which signifies the attention is on the protagonist. It also makes her look glamorous and contrasts with her dull, bland setting which is binary opposition.

There is a short shot of a wolf walking off, which creates enigma. Later on the wolf howls which is diegetic and creates more enigma.

There is a close up of her hand with the cloth and the blood on it. It is a point of view shot which means the audience identify with her. This is also signified because both the audience and the protagonist know as little information as each other.

Grasshopper, lady bird and leaf signify nature. This could connote the setting has outside qualities but is inside. This binary opposition could signify the confusion of the setting, protagonist, the serial killer’s mind and the audience.

Camera work of the first shot rotates while tracking which disorientates the audience. It could signify the protagonist is regaining consciousness. The establishing shot signifies distance and the character’s isolation. There is little identification which creates enigma codes, a theory of Barthes. The non diegetic sound is of a cell gate closing. It could also signify isolation or loss of freedom or escapism. This is also signified by the framing; she is positioned in the middle of the frame showing her loneliness.

The use of medium and long shots connote the size of the setting and her loneliness. For example there is a long shot of the protagonist looking into the darkness as she hears a diegetic howl from the wolf. This creates fear for the audience as they and the protagonist are relying on sound as protection, as she is alone. There is then a shot of the wolf shaking bloody water of its coat. This uses reversal shot of the protagonist and the wolf. The shot of the wolf sutures the meaning of the protagonist confused facial expression.

There is a shot of another character running up the stairs. Again there is use of low key lighting with a top key light, which creates a silhouette. This creates uncertainty and enigma for the audience. The top light could also connote foreshadowing of the next setting in the film which is in high key light.

The next scene is of a horse in a room. Again the animal nature reference could connote the binary opposition of the thoughts in the character’s mind. This shot is cross faded from the last which shows a time period of her walking up the stairs. This scene is high key lighting to connote a calm and angelic setting.

The shot pans from the horse to the protagonist. This creates enigma as the audience wouldn’t know what the large shape is. Then there is a long shot of the horse and the boy. This shows the setting to be inside and filled with clocks-props in the mise en scene. A close up of the protagonist shows her caring facial expression. This connotes protagonist’s sense of catharsis and therefore the audience catharsis as the boy is content. Along with this there is a loud enhanced diegetic sound of clocks ticking, this highlights its importance and could foreshadow events in the future.

A point of view shot of the protagonist from the boy’s perspective. This is signified as his head is positioned at the side of the frame- as if we are next to him. The audience identify with him and share his fear.

There is a close up and medium shot of a clock ticking, particularly the hand. At this point the diegetic sound of ticking gets louder. This connotes an action code will happen. It also creates tension and enigma, which is common in this genre.
A low angle shot of the razors in the ceiling create enigma. The angle connotes the razors are scary, intimidating and powerful.

Non diegetic sound builds up to create tension and provoke fear in to the audience. It is fast paced and exciting.

The character of the mind the audience see (the murder) is represented as a confused person. There is binary opposition of the dark side and the innocent side. On one hand it could reinforce their stereotype because many people have come to realise that psychos have their feelings and thoughts based on their past. He starts off as the Proppian villain and almost ends up as the innocent Proppian princess of the film.

This film is about understanding the world of a serial killer. Many people have stereotypical views of criminals which are created by the media. Sensationalist stories in the media about psycho killers recently have created a moral panic about people’s safety and wellbeing; society has not yet become desensitised to this issue. This has created stereotypical views and has stopped people understanding the “truth”. This text challenges these stereotypes and makes people aware of what serial killers think and what their thought processes are. This film therefore has positive ideologies because they want to change or make people aware of their though processes. This text could also have liberal values because it progresses the thoughts of the audience, personal growth.

The narrative of this clip is linear. There is chronology which signifies the audience are going on a journey with her at the present. In terms of Todorov’s theory, this section could be the disequilibrium because the character and the audience have little understanding of what is going on-there is no feeling of normality nor resolution and closure. Narrative pleasures from this clip include suspense, stars and escapism. Jennifer Lopes, the protagonist, is a big celebrity, which would appeal to her followers.

This film would appeal to Explorers and Reformers from Young and Rubicam’s 4C’s psychographics groups. Explorers would appeal to this film because they are willing to try out new and different styles of film such as this one. Reformers are for personal growth and social awareness, so this film will appeal to them as the values and ideologies behind it are similar to theirs.

In terms of demographics the audience would be B, C1 and maybe C2 from the Socio-economic scale. This is because the film challenges very adult values and ideologies. Also the B group would appreciate the creativity in the cinematography in the film as their jobs involve creativity. From the Uses and Gratification Theory, audiences would consume this text mainly for escapism because the settings and action codes are far from reality. It would also provide entertainment and social interaction because people would discuss the ideologies behind it.

To conclude, the clip is full of lots of shot, a montage, which builds up the tension needed for its thriller genre. It is done very well as little is revealed to the audience, engaging them and raising lots of questions. It also reflects the minds, thoughts and feelings of charters in the text creating a powerful, dynamic and "out-there" feel to the text. This is also created through the use of post-production effects:enhanced sound effects, jump cuts and colour hues, and the setting: a binary opposition of high key and low key lighting.

Hush Film Still Analysis

2009-12-06T09:50:00.008Z

This is a film still from Hush (2009)...

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3776743936/tt1093369

The still frame is a low angle shot of a man standing.This makes him look very superior. The medium shot used signifies the little information the audience knows about the man. The low key lighting makes it difficult for the audience to see the man, only a silhouette as is it back lighting. These dark colours connote evil which signifies the man is the villain. The combination of a medium shot and low key lighting makes the villain look very mysterious, which is an enigma code.

The villain is positioned at the side of the frame which signifies he is always around the corner lurking or spying. As the audience see this, they might identity with his victim as they feel his evil, dark presence.

The villain's costume is plain black clothes which again connotes evil or even death. This creates expectaions for the narrative as he might kill or attempt to kill.

Fantastic Four Film Still Analysis

2009-12-04T21:55:00.011Z

This is a still from Fantastic Four...

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm4079720448/tt0120667

In this still, the press are pressurising and interrogating the super hero group. As the audience are looking down on the group, we identify with the press because we want to find out what is going on, which creates enigma. This is signified through the use of a high angle shot.

The group are positioned in the centre of the frame which signifies the are very important to the people around them.

Props in the mise-en-scene such as the microphones and cameras connote a sense of chaos because they are coming from every direction.

High key lighing is used because it might signify the exposure of the group to the public; nothing is hidden in the dark.

Characters behind the group are in police and firemen costumes. Their costumes signify an event has occured such as a fire. As they are standing behind the superhero group, which could signify they are on their side, or they support what they have done. This suggests they might have helped put out a fire which is an action code.

Kill Bill Vol.1 Film Still Analysis

2009-12-04T21:45:00.012Z

This is the link to the film still from Kill Bill Vol.1...

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3613038848/tt0266697

This still from Kill Bill Vol.1 is a low angle shot of two characters. This angle makes the nurse seem more superior to the character lying on the bed. Props in the mise-en-scene such as her eye patch and syringe connote a sinister character because an eye patch is iconographic for pirates who are usually seen as the villain. This is creates enigma for the audience, but also raises certain expectations for the film.

The villain is dressed as a nurse in white. The connotations of white are innocence and purity. However the eyepatch has red on it which connotes sinnister actions. As it is on the eyepatch, it could signify she his hiding her evilness visually; she wants to appear innocent but she isn't.

Due to the low angle shot, the audience are forced to identify with the character lying on the bed because we are positioned beside her. This could signify she is the protagonist. She is also out of focus, which draws the audience's attention to the woman standing. The out of focus could connote that the protagonist is not well or is unaware of what is about to happen. This is binary opposistion because the audience are aware of what she might do, but the protagonist doesn't.

High key lighting is used and could signify the exposure of the villain's actions to the audience.

The Golden Compass Film still Analysis

2009-12-04T21:39:00.007Z

Here is the link to the film still, a shot from The Golden Compass...

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2604636160/tt0385752

This still is a high angle shot combined with a long shot. With this and her happy facial expression, it could signify that she is looking at something bigger than her. A long shot could connote the distance between the protagonist (the girl) and where the camera is, making her look even smaller. A high angle shot could signify a point of view shot because the audience are looking at the girl and she is looking back, maybe at a person or an animal.

The protagonist is in the middle of the frame which connotes she is an important character. The use of props such as her red coat make her stand out. Red connotes passion and love which could signify her passion or love for the person/animal she is looking up to.

High key lighting is used to see the mise-en scene clearly. This might be because there is a distinctive time period that helps create the setting of the film.

A Touch of Evil

2009-12-03T21:29:00.006Z

Watch the opening of A Touch Of Evil (1958), directed by Orson Welles.

Discuss how the cinematography contributes to the telling of the story and the build up of suspense.

The opening sequence is one continuous shot on a crane (crane shot). However the cinematography changes throughout the shot.

A close up shot is used to focus on the activation of a bomb. This creates enigma straight away for the audience and creates expectations for the narrative. A tracking shot is then used to follow the character to the car which also creates enigma. The audience are almost forced to identify with this character as we join him on his journey, though we see he is the villain.

After the bomb is put in the car, the camera zooms out to an establishing shot to show the setting. It also uses a high angle shot which creates a CCTV effect- the audience are almost spying on the characters in the car, which could make us identify with the character who planted the bomb. This might disorientate the audience because we are seeing every thing as if we are joining the villain.

Throughout we lose the subject matter of the mise-en-scene (the car). The camera zooms out of the car or it goes out of view. This creates enigma and almost teases the audience because they know what is inside the car and they have expectations for what might happen, such as the car exploding.

Consider how the cinematography and the music and sound work together.

The use of sound bridge helpes move the plot forward. From the close up shot of the bomb, a female character laughing is herd from the distance, and the camera pans to the couple. This introduces the audience to important characters of the opening sequence.

When the bomb is being planted the non diegetic music is parallel because it fast paced with ticking and clicking sounds. This signifies the rush and excitement of the character planting the bomb and the sound of the bomb itself.

When the car starts the music is interrupted by a more relaxed style of music. This could signify that the couple in the car have no idea what is about to happen. It could also signify an interruption that might happen for the audience…an exploding bomb!

As the crane shot zooms out from the car diegetic sounds of the hustle and bustle of the town overpower the music in the car. This sound is parallel to the camera movement. It could signify that they want to draw attention away from the focus point, again to tease the audience, enigma codes.

Million Dollar Baby Lighting Analysis

2009-11-14T09:31:00.004Z

Low key lighting, which consists of a key light and filler light, is used in this still image. It creates enigma and a strong contrast of light and dark. The very dark shadows are black which connotes death. As she is lying on a hospital bed, and half her face is in the darkness, is could signify she is being consumed by death. It could also signify that her thoughts are “contrasted”; whether to let herself die or not.

The key light is a top light which highlights half of her face. This light makes the audience focus on her including her angry or saddened facial expressions. It also highlights here weak and fragile state.

The top light also highlights some props for the audience, such as the tubes, which signify she is struggling to support herself, which creates a more sad atmosphere.

Mise en Scene analysis- Phantom of the Opera

2009-11-12T17:19:00.014Z

costume

The female character is wearing an old style dress with corset, which signifies this is set in a particular time period such as 1800’s. The male is wearing a black cape. The colour black connotes mystery and evilness which suggest he might be a villain. Capes also connote mythical creatures such as witches and vampires which suggest a magical, mysterious evil character is signified.

Lighting

Low key lighting is used in the mise-en scene. This creates a dark gloomy atmosphere, which creates mystery (enigma codes) for the audience and this is reflected by the female character. This light is sourced mainly from a fire torch held by the male. As he is holding it, it could signify he is the dominant characters making him the protagonist.

The light also draws attention to him, and focuses the audience on him, showing he is the protagonist. The light is shining on the side of his face with the mask. This could signify that people only see the “masked” side of him, other than the “real” side of him that is away from the camera.

Acting

The protagonist is standing in front of the female which signifies he is the dominant one in control. He is also looking ahead, at an unknown object which creates enigma for the audience, as they would want to know what has caught his attention. He is standing sideways, which signifies he is not a welcoming person, creating even more enigma e.g why is he like that?. The masked character has a serious facial expression, which also make him look unwelcoming.

The female’s expression shows she is focused on the protagonist, like the audience. This could signify her excitement of his presence or she may be in a “trance-like” state which also makes him appear as a magical character.

Props

The protagonist is wearing a white mask that covers half his face. A mask connotes mystery and hiding identity. This suggests he is hiding something both from the female character and the audience which creates enigma. However, white connotes innocence and purity. This contrast uses binary opposition, which creates confusion and therefore enigma for the audience, about who he is.

The protagonist is also holding a fire torch. A fire torch could connote power and dominant males, but could also connote passions which suggest he is powerful and may have passion or love for the female he is guiding along.

Setting

The scene is set in a dark castle which signifies the time period. It is dark with only torch light, and the walls are bare and dusty which signifies not may people visit that area. This tells the audience, that the protagonist is taking the female to a secret/unknown location.

Pink Panther- Media Language Analysis

2009-11-10T17:20:00.008Z

Pink panther Inspector Clouseau, airport and the Damburgert (S.Martin)- Media language analysis

Cinematography

In the clip, the camera tracks with a character which helps the audience realise he is the protagonist. A close up shot is then used of another character to show, he is with the protagonist. An over the shoulder shot of the protagonist is used to show his reaction to the object taken from his bag. The camera quickly pans to show the amount of people taking photos of the situation. This could make the audience fell as if they are there, surrounded by photographer, creating panic, confusion and even excitement. Towards the end of the clip lots of panning is used again to created confusion. It also looks like a hand held camera was also used to create this panic.

Editing

Cuts are manily used between shots to create exciting enigma. Towards the end, shots cut very quickly to add to the panic-like atmosphere. Right at the end of the clip, made-up magazines are shown with a mass production of them being printed in the background. This could signify the moral panic he has created and the sensationalist print media text in the film.

Sound

The use of sound in this film adds to its comic genre. Digetic sounds paralell to the non-digetic sounds. At the begining, when the protagonist winks, a comical non-digetic "ping" sound adds comical effect. throughout in the backgound non-digetic music is played. It is mysterious and often reflects what is going on in the film. For example when the guard empties the bag full of weapons, the music is loud and reflects a shocked emotion. Towards the end of the film, a mixture of digetic and non-digetic sound create a exciting, dramatic, confusion atmospehre, slowly building up. For example, the digetic sound included a dog barking, cameras clicking and guards repeatedly shoughting. Added to it was loud, jumpy, exaggerated music.

Mise-en-scene

The protagonist is wearing a brown mac, which usually signifies an inspector. This stereotype is also portayed through his moustache and berret props. Some characters like the guard are wearing uniform, which signifies unity and authority. This tells the audience that the protagonist should avoid getting into trouble with them, though he does.

Props like the case with the weapons in it, also make it clear the genre is comedy. A case creates enigma, but this senario is comic because the owner of the case doesn't know what is in it.

The clip is located at an airport. The connotations of this location is a strict, orderly and authoritative place. In contrast, the protagonist is playing a dramatic/exaggerated, cocky french inspector which also makes the clip comic. He is humiliated by authority and the public, due to his type of character. Binary oppostion is used between an orderly setting with an extravagant character, which creates humour.

Die Hard 2- Mainstream Film

2009-11-05T19:26:00.004Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

The title makes it clear this film is a sequel to the film Die Hard. The tagline is “Die harder.” which suggest the film is bigger and better than the first film. There is an explosion in the background which could represent violence and danger in the film. A very large building is on fire which suggests there is large scale danger in the film, making it more exciting. There is an aeroplane in the poster which is almost flying into the blazing fire which could represent the people in the plane are “getting into” danger. The character in the front looks like the protagonist because a close up shot is used of him to look more important.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

An action genre is signified because in the mise-en-scene, there is a large explosion in the background. The protagonist’s facial expression is serious and he has sweat on his face which also signifies action. Throughout the poster there is a red tint. The colour red connotes fire and heat which also adds to the theme of action.

Who do you think is the target audience?

The film will mainly appeal to males as there is lots of action and danger. The minimum age range would be 15 as this is the certificate rating, and appeal up to the age of 30. The film would appeal to explorers and C1/C2s on the socio-economics audience groups, because the action genre is exciting, daring and extravagant like their audience.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind- Arthouse Film

2009-11-04T15:01:00.013Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

The tagline "You can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of your heart is another story" signifies the story is about relationships. The second sentence connotes a challenge of removing the love for someone. The image of half a face might be the protagonist or hero. The fact he is looking up signifies he is thinking about the top half of the poster, and also links to the word "Mind" in the title. The phrase "Spotless Mind" denotes an empty mind, with no thoughts or meories. This could suggest the film is about forgetting or losing memories and thoughts. The face is positioned at the bottom left of the page, which signifies thoughts are out of the way, in the back of the mind, which also links to the tagline of "forgetting". There is also lots of binary opposition throughout the image. The Bottom half has a dark background, large image and the protagonist is alone. In contrast, the top half has a white background and has two character, who are a small percentage of the poster. This use of binary oppostion could signify the confusions and contrasting themes throughout the film: remembering and forgetting, being in and out of love ect. The title of the film slowly fades out, which reflects the fading of his mind or memory.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

The tagline suggest the genre is Romance. As the protagonist is Jim Carey, it suggest the film is a comedy, as that is his main genre in other films. It could also be seen as a comedy as one of the characters has blue hair.

Who do you think is the target audience?

I think the target audience is males and females who are 20 plus because the characters represent maturer people like 30+, who they could identify with. Also the themes of relationships could also appeal to them. I think this film appeals to a reformer because they would find the film explores the themes of self-discovery and change.

Film Poster Analysis- Pirates of the Carribean

2009-11-03T21:55:00.005Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

I think the film is about pirates because the props worn by one of the characters makes them look like a pirtate. His gun conotes violence or crime. At the bottom half of the page, there are drawings of ship on the rough sea, which suggest the film is about sea adventures. There is a green tint throughout the poster, which connotes a dirty sea, whch could reflect the grittiness of the film. On the left hand side of the poster, there is palm trees which signifies the carribean as the location and it also links to the title.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

As there are pirates an ship, they are iconographic for the adventure genre. There seems to be the leg of a mythical creature attacking a ship which connotes a fantasy genre too.

Who do you think is the target audience?

As the film is produced, promoted or distributed by Disney, it suggest the audience are families. I think it appeals to females as well as males, due to the love stoy in the film. I think the pyscograpic audience is strugglers because the storyline is not based on reality and the audience could escape from reality.

Film Poster Analysis- Sin City

2009-11-03T21:48:00.005Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

The title of the film is bold red which stands out as a known comic book. So people would have an idea of what it is about. The image is a low angle shot which signifies the characters have authority and high importance. The hero or protagonist is looking down and the gun is aimed to the ground which suggests he has committed a crime.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

In the mise-en-scene, the use of props such as guns connote the genre is action or gangster. The use of black and white monotones suggests the film genre could also be film noire.

Who do you think is the target audience?

I think the audience would been teenagers to adults, mainly males because of the action genre and the fact the film is based on a comic strip they might have read. The female next to the protagonist may also appeal to males because she is showing her curves and parts of her body. It would appeal to explores because they would like to watch films with action and also explore a different style of film, film noire.

Film Poster Analysis-Million Dollar Baby

2009-11-03T20:35:00.005Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

The female character looks like the protagonist because she takes up a large percentage of the poster. She is facing away from the camera, but almost watching her back, which gives her power and a sense of authority. Her clothes and hair in the mise-en-scene are not the stereotypical, mainly an alternative stereotype of women. This suggests she is taking on a “manly” role in the film. The characters in the background only show their faces to show the actors in the film who are famous. As they are older actors, they may play more serious, wiser characters, which would be their stereotype.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

Her facial expressions look serious which signifies a drama genre. The colours, black and white, and the use of low key lighting connote mystery and add to the drama genre. The characters almost appear from the darkness, making them mysterious too.

Who do you think is the target audience?

I think the target audience is mainly adults. The demographic audience would be C2, B and A because it is a serious drama film with simple fonts and colours on the poster, appealing to a more sophisticated, mature audience. It may appeal to reformers because they would be interested in inspirational films.

Film Poster Analysis- Bride and Prejudice

2009-11-03T20:11:00.005Z

What do you think the film is about and what might the story be?

I think the story is about love and marriage, as characters on the right side of the background are throwing confetti, which signifies weddings. They also have happy facial expressions on their face which also connotes a romantic/love story. In contrast, the left side of the poster has background characters that don’t look so interested. This use of binary opposition signifies a battle or challenge. The two characters positioned at the centre of the poster, seem important suggesting they are the hero and heroine. As their poses are facing back to back, it could again connote a battle or challenge they may have to face throughout the film.

What genre(s) do you think the film belongs to?

The copy, “Spectacular, romantic, funny…and so sexy”, tells the reader the film genre is romantic comedy. The female character at the centre of the poster is an actress called Aishwarya Rai, who is well known from bollywood films. This also signifies the genre is bollywood. The title of the film “Bride and Prejudice” is a pun of the Austen novel Pride and Prejudice, so this film could also be a parody or spoof.

Who do you think is the target audience?

I think this film is aimed at fans of Aishwarya Rai and bollywood films. This would be families. People who may have read or know about Austen’s novel may also be interested in the spoof. I think the socio-economic audience of this film would be C2, D and E because it’s a parody film which involves elements of another media text, and basic intelligent humour. From Young and Rubican 4C’s I think it is aimed at mainstreamers because the storyline is a typical love story romantic comedy genre. It could also be explores because it is a combination of bollywood and parody film, which is unique.

Self-Evaluation

2009-10-24T20:33:00.001+01:00

1 = excellent, 2 = very good, 3 = good/average, 4 = poor, 5 = very poor

Attainment (2) I’ve learnt a lot of new keywords that I understand well. I have also learnt and understood most of the key concepts and things to comment on about them.

Effort (2) I think I try very hard most of the time but I could put even MORE effort in some of my blog work.

Punctuality (2) I’m always on time, however I have been a couple of minutes late once or twice.

Submission and quality of homework (2) I put a lot of effort into my homework to make it good, and I always do the homework (just sometimes forget to post it!)

Ability to work independently (2) I think I work well independently, especially with homework/blog work.

Quality of writing (2) I think my writing is at a high standard as I used lots of keywords and write in a formal tone most of the time.

Organisation of blog (1) I think my blog is very organised; I title all my work and sometimes add some pictures. It is clear what each post is about.

Oral contributions in class (2) I think I contribute a lot of ideas in lesson and I am willing to guess even if I’m not sure of the answer.

Three achievements...

1. I’ve always tried to use as much media terminology in my answers.
2. I try to comment on the key concepts.
3. I gave a balanced argument for the two questions.

Four targets/areas for improvement...

1.Use more keywords and use them correctly.
2.Refer to more theorists and link them to the media text I am analysing e.g. Todorov, Propp, Hall.
3. Try to comment on ALL the key concepts (MIGRAIN).
4.Add strong introductions and conclusion to my written work.

Who's Bad? Trailer Review

2009-10-22T21:22:00.005+01:00

This teen comedy really captured my attention from beginning to the end.

The protagonist is based on stereotypes of a teen nerd; goofy facial expressions and goofy props such as a very large backpack and glasses. The other characters are your typical dominant teen characters in a school setting, mainly black males who are intimidating and troublesome. This use of binary opposition makes the film exciting and creates enigma as they would want to know if and how the nerd would survive in their “survival of the fittest” world.

The music is non digetic and really links well with the genre and storyline, making it lively and comical.

The Edukated Fools Trailer Review

2009-10-22T20:58:00.003+01:00

The Edukated Fools is all about youth, drugs and violence; surely it’s the next blockbuster film?

Its all about a clever teen, who finds his way into a life of crime…

Firstly I must say the use of editing effects was amazing! The flashy lights really gave a sene of chaos, which reflects the lifestyle of the protagonist.

The mise-en-scene really helps the audience to understand the genre of the film: Crime and Gangster genre. The setting, in a school, gives an insight to their target audience, young people. The use of sherbets to represent drugs is an original idea. There is a particular shot where a character wipes his face, but there still remains a powder on his face, which signifies he has used drugs. The use of iconography also reinforces the genre such as drugs, hooded jackets and fight scenes.

Stereotypes are used to represent characters well. According Stuart Hall’s theory, black people are represented either as criminals, victims or entertainers. This film reinforces a criminal stereotype as the protagonist is a black young male who sells drugs, and gets into a lot of fights (violence).

As the storyline is not over the top, the film doesn’t seem to have that much of an impact on me. It could be because we, as a society, have become desensitised to the issues of violence and crime. Especially as recently there has been a moral panic about knife crime in the UK. However I did feel catharsis as younger teens get up to “Big-Boss Bussiness!”

I think it is a good trailer and storyline, but the real excitement wasn’t there. However with a 3 of 5 stars it’s on its way to success…

Do images of skinny models have an impact?

2009-10-18T21:33:00.001+01:00

In the present, looks seem to be everything. If you don’t have “that” look in the celebrity world, then you are probably not that important. The media focuses on skinny celebrities; the skinnier you are the more publicity you get. But this has an effect on people, especially children and teenagers…

Most celebrities in the public eye are skinny and they are also role models to teens and children. People will do anything to be them even if it means they starve themselves or continuously eat to make themselves throw up. Anorexia and Bulimia are two eating disorders that very recently have been sensationalised by the media. It has created a moral panic as children as young as seven have been diagnosed with these disorders, which has been the cause of skinny models everywhere in the media. Even these made up terms in the media such as “Size Zero” and “Manorexia” have contributed to the moral panics as they have labelled these common problems with exaggerated names.

Many catwalk models are extremely thin. As they’re in the limelight they are seen as role-models, who should be promoting a healthy lifestyle. Instead they are promoting the wrong thing and the media injects this idea to people who also believe its right. This relates to the Hypodermic Model theory that the media impose ideas to their audiences. Also the media effect idea that means people will copy what they see.

Images of skinny models have become “normal” or OK ting to see or even look like; society has become desensitised to it. People who are very skinny or have been diagnosed with the disorder may feel relieved to see celebrities just like them, causing catharsis.

Overall I do believe that images of skinny models. These images have put ideas into people’s heads and now children, women and even men are suffering.

Does watching violence produce violence?

2009-10-18T18:44:00.004+01:00

It has be a question that has been playing on our minds for a very long time, but is there a definite answer?

Over the years people have become desensitised to violence. It’s everywhere on the news, in films, and various other places. The media shows it everywhere that it is almost “normal” to see or hear about someone getting stabbed or ripped into with a chainsaw. 50 years ago, a violent film such as “Saw” would have shocked the audience as they weren’t so exposed to so much brutal violence.

Now days we have all seen a range of violence and it has almost given us a “moral limit”. Seeing the media and society’s reaction to real life violence and violence in different media texts gives us a limit or understanding of what is acceptable or not. We see the effects and problems that violence creates in media texts that we don’t want to do it ourselves; it also fulfils our curiosities and we gain pleasure causing catharsis.

However some may agree that violence is mirrored by violence in media. They believe that viewing violence creates aggressive feelings and thoughts. For example 1993 was the year of The Bulger Case. Three year old James Bulger was kidnapped by two 10 year olds who brutally murdered him. It created a moral panic because the two kids rein-acted a scene from 1991 horror film Child’s Play 3, by splashing Jamie with blue paint, which made people question the acceptability of violence in films. This reinforces the Hypodermic Model Theory- that the media injects ideas into its audiences; and the media effects idea that people will imitate what they see on TV. It could be argued that the boys lived in a neglected house hold and were vulnerable to anything they saw.

Another example of media effects is when a French boy obsessed with the film Scream watched it and the same night decided to kill someone. He admitted to murdering a 15 year old girl, who was stabbed 17 times. However, he said he had hallucinations after watching the fill- hearing voices which said to kill his parents, and the teenager was sent to a psychiatric hospital. Again it could be argued that he was not in a mentally fit state to judge his own actions as right or wrong.

In 2004 Stefan Pakeerah, 14, was murdered by his friend who, according to his mother, was obsessed with the video game “Manhunt”. This created a moral panic due to sensationalisation and companies such as Game removing the sales of the game. However it was found that the game had no link to the murder, but that Stefan owned the game, not his murderer. This shows that the media can exaggerate an idea again reinforcing the Hypodermic Model theory.

At first I didn’t think watching violence produced violence. But now I have reconsidered my opinion: It doesn’t produce violence depending on the individual. It all depends on a wide range of things such as the experiences you have encountered, your mental state and you maturity or age. Some may understand what is morally right or wrong and some don’t. Overall, no, watching violence does not produce violence.

The Seven Spheres of Action

2009-10-08T20:44:00.006+01:00

Stardust is a 2007 fantasy film, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman. It follows a multistrand and linear narrative as there are three naratives following in chronological order . It is about a man in search of a star to prove his love for a woman, but he is not the only one looking for it...

The Hero is Tristan, a young male seeking a fallen star. He’s is the protagonist because the audience see him throughout the adventure and identify with his struggles, success and self-progression. His aim is to restore the new equillibrium. He promises a woman that he will find the star to gain her love. Therefore, he is also the Dispatcher.

The villains are the three witches, mainly the leader Lamia. She is seeking the star for evil, to regain youth, to be evil. The audience know they are evil but the character don’t. Lamia is the charater who contributes to the disequilibrium.

The princess, called Yvaine, at first is thought to be a real star, but turns out to be a woman with “star” qualities. Both the hero and the villain are in search of her, and when she is capture by the villain, Tristan saves her. They also fall in love after the villain is killed, which is common in this fantasy genre. As the film reflects a patriarchy ideology (a female who needs to be protected and saved by a dominant male ), it is clear that she is the princess.

The donor is Captain Shakespeare. He gives Tristan a tube of lightening to trade for a black candle, which transports them back home. He also teaches him a skill, to fight which is valuable to the hero, to defeat the villain.

While the hero was sleeping, he was spoken to by Yvaine’s angel friends who told him she was in danger and the story of the narrative. They help him understand what is going on and how to save her and therefore are the Helper. There is also another helper, Septimus, who at first is in search for the stone for himself, but helps defeat the villain with the hero.

The Golden Age of Hollywood

2009-10-08T20:41:00.003+01:00

The 1940’s and 1930’s was named The Golden Age of Hollywood. It was the beginning of sound and colour and this changed the way film was made, and consumed.

Musicals were popular in the western world. Waner Brothers made the first musical called “The jazz singer” made in 1927. Towards the end of the 1930’s they phase out because people were so sick of them.

After the 30’s when sound was available in films, gangster films became very popular. They reflected the crime and violence that existed in society in that era. For example a real life gangster, Al Capone, and the 1929 St Valentines massacre contributed to the ideas in this genre.

Comedies were mainly the sub-genre screwball-a binary opposition of two ideas in one film eg rich and poor or educated and uneducated. It was a very popular slang word in the 1930’s and was then introduced as a genre in film.

Historical biopics were films based on famous figures or groups from the past. They were also very popular in the 1930’s.

In the 1940’s Social realism film were popular. They were based on political and social issues. Many of these films were based on inequality and injustice. Four films dealt with racism made in the late 1940’s.

Horror films became very popular- it is said to be the classical era. It also involved the Dracula and Frankenstein phase- werewolves, vampires, mad scientist themes ect.

Hollyoaks

2009-10-06T20:07:00.006+01:00

This episode of Hollyoaks was aired on Wednesday 30th September. The primary audience is teenagers, both genders. This is the episode summary...

"Mercedes threatens to sue Spencer over Malachy's accident at The Loft after Spencer refuses to give her a job. Bel and Gov reluctantly agree to let Anita stay in Hollyoaks. "

This episode is a linear narrative, mainly a multiple narrative because the story moves in chronological order, though there are many stories going on at once. A multiple narrative is common in soaps such as Eastenders and Coronation Street, to keep the audience entertained.

Spencer is the protagonist. He is the first character that the audience sees at the beginning of the episode. Spenser is also alone, so all the attention is focused on him making him the most important character.

In this first scene there is a high angle shot and an over the shoulder shot. This makes the audience feel like they are CCTV prying into his personal space or life: they feel they are going to learn something knew about him.

Also, during this first scene the protagonist is standing over a “property sale board” and then pulls out a poster advertising a re-launch of a club. This uses the enigma codes for the audience. This again tells the audience the will learn something new.

This is resolved when he explains he is to open and manage his own night club but two other characters are dismissive to the idea. The audience will believe he can achieve his goal, identify with him, and relate to a time in their lives where they have felt the same.

The episode starts off with Spencer preparing for his launch night which is the equilibrium. This is disrupted when Sasha tries to convince Spencer that he needs help to run the night club, though he doesn’t give in: disequilibrium. The new equilibrium is when Spencer finally asks for help from Calvin and Sasha. This is the main action code of the episode.

Mercedes and Malachy are looking for jobs, this is the equilibrium. Mercedes asks around for jobs. The disequilibrium is when she asks Spencer, who gets angry and says no while freaking out. As revenge Mercedes and Malachy threaten Spencer by suing him for his involvement in Malachy accident. This is the new equilibrium and is another action code of the episode.

The equilibrium is that the Roy Family are planning to move to Middlesbrough. The diseqilibrium is when Leila finds a room to rent, as she wants to stay in Hollyoaks. Her sister, Anita wants to stay to but she is not allowed. Their parents discuss and decide that they can stay along with the older brother Ravi.

Final Destination: Teen Terror

2009-10-04T20:55:00.007+01:00

Equilibrium

A group of normal teenagers enjoy a night out and a fair ground.

Disequilibrium

While boarding a rollercoaster ride, the protagonist, Wendy, has a premonition that the roller coaster will go off the rails and everyone will die. In an attempt to persuade people about what she saw, she only magages to encouage 9 people to leave the ride. Her premonition happens.

One by one the survivors of the roller coaster die off one by one in the order thy came off the ride. Wendy realisies a connection between the deaths and the photographs taken that night. She teams up with another character, Kevin, to attempt to interveane these deaths.

Wendy still manages to narrowly miss avoiding other characters deaths, and three (Wendy, her sister and kevin) are left awaiting their deaths. 6 months later, Wendy meets her sister on the train, and then also Kevin. She sees a promonition that they are killed in a train crash, and attempts to escaped. The film ends.

New equilibrium

The villain or "Fate" wins in this film so there is no new equilibrium. It could be arued that what is expected of the film (that they all die), happens and there is a new balance of what should be right. However it is not certain that they die at the end, though it is suggested.

MacDonalds

2009-10-03T21:49:00.005+01:00

This is about a MacDonalds advert that I saw, aired on ITV1, during the programme "X-Factor".

Equilibrium

The characters wake up tired in the morning. This would be a daily reoccurrence that the audience could identify with. The audience would be working adults, male or female

Disequilibrium

They are so tired that they keep making silly mistakes like putting a bottle of milk in the machine, as appose to the fridge. This leads to a series of mistakes. Again, audiences might socially identify with the characters and therefore find humour in it.

New equilibrium

They go to MacDonalds and indulge in their food. The dominant reading would be that Macdonald’s opens early to provide you with breakfast even when you’re tired. This seems like a win: win situation

Garfield The Movie: Children's Comedy

2009-10-02T20:59:00.002+01:00

Equilibrium

A lazy cat call Garfield lives the ultimate dream- doing nothing all day. His owner, Jon, provides him with everything he wants and waits on him hand and foot, and he believes they have the best friendship ever.

Disequilibrium

In a bid to catch the attention of an old crush, Jon decides to take care of a dog call Odie. Now Garfield has to share his living space, his food, his owner and ultimately, his whole life is rearranged. Odie sadly runs away and Garfield feels guilty as he is to blame. Seeing his owner upset by this, he decided to rescue the dog from the villain who captures Odie on is disappearance.

New equilibrium

Garfield finally finds Odie and the villain is humorously tortured by his own “Dog flipping torture device”, along with a mass of dogs. Everyone is happy and Garfield learns and understands the true meaning of friendship and companionship.

The Sun Front Cover Analysis

2009-09-30T14:57:00.007+01:00

The headline is split up with the word Goal held up on a banner. As it is positioned across the models chest, it draws attention to her body. Depending on the reader, they may respond to it in different ways. A dominant reader would look at the image and enjoy what they see, which is the intent of the image. However some may be oppositional readers who do not find pleasure in the image. A negotiated reader would compromise: Look at the image, find the pleasure in the image then move on…

There is a myth that women with blonde hair are dumb and have large breasts. As she is a blonde haired model, it may signify to the reader that she has large breast. The reader may also fantasies about that too and this would be a dominant reader.

The font is simple because for the dominant reader the most important section of the page is the model and not so much the text.

The composition of the text and the image suggest the model is the subject matter and is important. This is because she is positioned in the middle, and the text is positioned to fit around her.

This is a medium shot and it is close enough for a dominant reader to clearly see her face and parts of her body that maybe visually pleasurable.

Top lighting is used and the model looks into it. This highlights her face which some readers may find pleasurable.

The headline is polysemic because it is a sexual pun. The headline with the image is anchored by the strap line which is talking about the World Cup: football. However as there is an image of a half-naked woman, the heading could signify the idea of “scoring” or getting a woman for sexual pleasures.

Harry Potter and the Half- Blood Prince Analysis

2009-09-27T11:32:00.009+01:00

The poster has a blue tint throughout the image. The colour blue connotes sadness or coldness and therefore creates a cold feel or atmosphere to the poster. This suggests the film has a cold, dark side to it, which are the expectations of the film; as this is the 6th film of a series.

Three of the four characters are leaning forward in the image, which suggests they are leaning forward to counteract another force- maybe evil or a villain. It also shows they are ready for action or a challenge. This could reinforce stereotypical views of teenagers as being fearless and reckless. In contrast the other character is leaning backwards with a wind-swept beard. As he is old, with a white, long beard, he would be stereotyped as a wise, powerful man or wizard. Seeing him lean away with fear, would show this power/force going against him is too much for him. The audience would question why such a powerful man would seem afraid, and want to seek more information by watching it.

The title of the film is very large; so much that only the “Y”, “P” and “O” from Harry Potter are clear. As the characters and the film are so well established, and the font is unique, the title is easily recognised and known.

All written text is angled diagonally, which gives a sense of confusion or chaos, which might reflect the film. Again this is an audience expectation from the film. The tagline and the release date are white, while the institutional information is a blue-grey colour. The white stands out more because it is important information that the audience should pick out and remember.

The main character takes up a third of the whole text: the subject matter and shows he is the most important subject to remember. He is positioned to the left and therefore would be the first character seen, as we tend look from left to right. After the audience recognises who he is, the title of the film then becomes clear.

There is depth in the image, as the image of the main character (subject matter) would be classed as a medium shot. However the other 3 characters would be classed as a long shot. This depth makes the whole poster feel dramatic and hopefully reflects the film.

In the mise-en-scene, in the background there is a famous London landmark which visually states the setting of the film. The characters have serious facial expressions which show the film contains action and/or drama. All the characters have wands (props) in their hands which also show they are ready for action- or to battle.

There is a contrast in light and dark in the poster. This is because low key lighting is used and adds mystery to the poster.

Dying to be Thin Film Review

2009-09-26T18:44:00.008+01:00

“Dying to be Thin” is a powerful production by the commercial broadcasting channel, Channel 4, which explores eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. This documentary really captures you attention from the beginning, with images of models, celebrities and designer shops which represents what our society aspires to have or to be. This reinforces stereotypes and opinions that we believe to exist.

Throughout this social issue documentary, members of society express their views, which reinforces what our society thinks and helps reflect a positive ideology.

This documentary is defiantly targeted at teenagers, mainly females but surprisingly also males. This reflects the topic accurately as men are also prone to these eating disorders as much as women, which isn’t “hyped up” so much by the media. The viewers of this documentary will learn and become more are of the topic- fulfilling the genre expectations.

A positive value is also made to encourage change, well… to at least make people aware of the effects of eating disorders.

Overall, this documentary does make you aware of the social issue in a powerful way, and therefore is given a 4 of 5 stars.