Thursday, 17 November 2016
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
How is Skyfall a product of its time?
Gender
In Skyfall, Bond is a lot more respectful to women. This is shown as in the new skyfall it is shown as a product of its time due to the scene where the women invites Bond into the shower with him to which he goes in and moneypenny's power over Bond rather than irresistability shown in other Bond franchises. This is shown in Thunderball during the bath scene in which Bond is rude towards women and walks in and when she asks him to get some clothes he gives her his shoes .
Terrorism
In Skyfall terrorism is completed by a single person using technology such as computers and digital to use terrorism which is incredibly difficult to trace. Whereas in older films the terrorist had to actually go out and do it themselves.
Sexuality
In Diamonds are forever, Gay people are seen as a product of fun to be laughed at and not taken seriously. Whereas in Skyfall, they are more subtly put across and it isnt seen as too obvious that someones sexuality effects there personality.
In Skyfall, Bond is a lot more respectful to women. This is shown as in the new skyfall it is shown as a product of its time due to the scene where the women invites Bond into the shower with him to which he goes in and moneypenny's power over Bond rather than irresistability shown in other Bond franchises. This is shown in Thunderball during the bath scene in which Bond is rude towards women and walks in and when she asks him to get some clothes he gives her his shoes .
Terrorism
In Skyfall terrorism is completed by a single person using technology such as computers and digital to use terrorism which is incredibly difficult to trace. Whereas in older films the terrorist had to actually go out and do it themselves.
Sexuality
In Diamonds are forever, Gay people are seen as a product of fun to be laughed at and not taken seriously. Whereas in Skyfall, they are more subtly put across and it isnt seen as too obvious that someones sexuality effects there personality.
Tuesday, 8 November 2016
Genre Consideration Points
Skyfall (2012)
American Psycho (2000)
Creed (2015)
What are the generic identities of the two films you have chosen?
American Psycho- Drama
Creed- Drama
Is there any evidence of sub-genericity?
American Psycho- Crime and slasher/horror
Creed- Sport
How do you know? (icons, signifiers, narrative structure, characters types, actors associated with certain genres etc)
American Psycho-
Slasher- Sharp objects, Unsettling music, blood and gory, murders, violence, serial killer, victims and targets,
Drama- Christian Bale in a drama film, Lots of action, dramatic music, excitement, twists
Creed
Sport- Boxing, Real sports arena, real fighters, Sylvester Stallone associated from Rocky, Gyms, Association to other Rocky films.
Drama- Lots of action, Unpredictable, Todorovs equilibrium theory
In what ways do the films challenge the genre conventions?
American Psycho- The film challenges the character type in a slasher film as they are normally very masculine and in a sense psychopathic whereas The main character in this film is very metrosexual and in touch with his feminine side and has a normal everyday job and seems quite normal at the start of the film but turns out to be a psychopath himself.
Creed- It could easily be mistaken as just a sport film due to the whole thing being basedon sport however the scenes with no boxing in show his life which makes it a drama and makes it more realistic.
Outline the films generic identities using non icongraphic means
Choose a key sequence from each film and explain how it captures the film's genre.
American Psycho- The main part of the film is the scene where Patrick chases a prostitute with a chainsaw and instead of chasing her with it throws it down a couple of flights of stairs which then hits her. Also when Patrick kills Paul by hitting him over the head with an axe multiple times gives us the signs that it is a slasher film. The films genre of drama is captured at the beginning of the film when Patrick is going through his daily routine to the audience.
Creed- The part of the film that signifies that this is a Drama is when Adonis meets Rocky and the talk about Apollo Creed someone who Rocky fought in the sequences of them films. The Sport genre becomes clear when Creed is in the gym training for fights which is recomended by Rocky.
American Psycho (2000)
Creed (2015)
What are the generic identities of the two films you have chosen?
American Psycho- Drama
Creed- Drama
Is there any evidence of sub-genericity?
American Psycho- Crime and slasher/horror
Creed- Sport
How do you know? (icons, signifiers, narrative structure, characters types, actors associated with certain genres etc)
American Psycho-
Slasher- Sharp objects, Unsettling music, blood and gory, murders, violence, serial killer, victims and targets,
Drama- Christian Bale in a drama film, Lots of action, dramatic music, excitement, twists
Creed
Sport- Boxing, Real sports arena, real fighters, Sylvester Stallone associated from Rocky, Gyms, Association to other Rocky films.
Drama- Lots of action, Unpredictable, Todorovs equilibrium theory
In what ways do the films challenge the genre conventions?
American Psycho- The film challenges the character type in a slasher film as they are normally very masculine and in a sense psychopathic whereas The main character in this film is very metrosexual and in touch with his feminine side and has a normal everyday job and seems quite normal at the start of the film but turns out to be a psychopath himself.
Creed- It could easily be mistaken as just a sport film due to the whole thing being basedon sport however the scenes with no boxing in show his life which makes it a drama and makes it more realistic.
Outline the films generic identities using non icongraphic means
Choose a key sequence from each film and explain how it captures the film's genre.
American Psycho- The main part of the film is the scene where Patrick chases a prostitute with a chainsaw and instead of chasing her with it throws it down a couple of flights of stairs which then hits her. Also when Patrick kills Paul by hitting him over the head with an axe multiple times gives us the signs that it is a slasher film. The films genre of drama is captured at the beginning of the film when Patrick is going through his daily routine to the audience.
Creed- The part of the film that signifies that this is a Drama is when Adonis meets Rocky and the talk about Apollo Creed someone who Rocky fought in the sequences of them films. The Sport genre becomes clear when Creed is in the gym training for fights which is recomended by Rocky.
Monday, 7 November 2016
Sunday, 6 November 2016
Essay 1st draft
This essay
will explore the representation of masculinity in the American crime films; The
Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Drive (2011), The Silence of the Lambs
(1991) A representation is the portrayal of something in a particular way.
Representations are important in the media as they can influence the way in
which the audience views the subject. The media is able to shape people's
opinions on certain things easily due to the popularity and the amount that is
in the media now in which people take in.
Stereotypes are held all over the world about
different groups of people. A stereotype is a belief held about a certain group
and can be either positive or negative. Masculinity has both positive and
negative stereotypes and these are displayed within the three films that have
been explored. John Price states that 'Masculinity tries to stay invisible by
passing itself off as normal and universal.' (2003, p115). George Fields states
that 'The association of male value with aggression, dominance, and power
is one of the most destructive forces in the world'. These two quotes show the
dominance that masculinity can have in society. Laurie Penny states "Labour
MP Diane Abbott is not the first person to kick up a fuss about the 'crisis of
masculinity' (The Guardian 16th May 2013). "The concept
of 'The new man' set to challenge the preconceived notion about
masculinity by aiming new ideals to young middle-class males: Emotional
vulnerability, Be more in touch with their feminine side, Treat women
as equals, Take pride in their appearance" (A2 sociology mass media
representations prezi.com). These two quotes show the change in masculinity
over the years and how different it has become from what it used to be and how
it is perceived now. Society has several different stereotypes regarding
masculinity including; asserting power (fighting and being aggressive),
manipulative, serious, strong, successful, dominant, humorous, work on cars,
drug users, rich, serial killers.
The three films which i have investigated; The
Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Drive (2011), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) focus
the different stereotypes that are attached to masculinity and therefore
reinforce the stereotypes.
In the film The Wolf of Wall Street the
stereotypes that are reinforced are; power, control, rich, manipulative,
successful and drug users. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is based on a true
story about Jordan Belfort, who was a wealthy stockbroker who lived the high
life showing the story of his dramatic fall involving crime, corruption and the
Federal Government. The Wolf of Wall Street is based on true
story that rose a wealthy stock broker and lived high life to his fall from
crime. Belfort is a stock broker who's career as a stock broker is terminated
by the Black Monday and takes up a job in a penny stock where he makes a small
fortune. Jordan and friend Donnie Azoff create their own company called Stratton
Oakmont where Jordan recruits his friends and trains them into the art of hard
shell. Jordan becomes highly successful and slides into a lifestyle of drugs
and prostitution. The film displays power as Jordan's ability to teach people things and to be in control of
making the business he has one of the best of the lot. He makes himself
rich by selling fake stocks to clients and ripping them off and ends up in a
mansion with his wife, which shows that he is rich and successful. Jordan is
manipulative as he rips off people buying stocks on the phone to make money for
his company throughout and teaches other people to do it order to make even
more money. Jordan is successful for making millions out of nothing, even if it
isn't the legal way to do it. Jordan and his friends are also drug abusers as
they take a drug called 'ludes' and cocaine all the time as seen throughout the
film.
The film Drive reinforces the stereotypes of
masculinity; working on cars, serious, power, serial killer and strong. Drive
(2011) is a film about a stuntman and getaway driver who gets in trouble trying
to help his neighbour out. The Driver gets to know his neighbours family
however, as seen in the film, he helps people commit robberies by driving them
away once they have committed a crime. The Driver gets a bag full of money that
belongs to the people who forced the father in the family of his neighbour’s
child to rob it and resulted in his death meaning he is blackmailing the people
who were the cause of it. The driver shows dominance by defending himself kills
people along the way and gives the people an ultimatum, which causes them to go
after him. He ends up meeting to give money back which leads to him getting
attacked and leads to him killing the man and drives off in the distance. Also
just before he meets to give the money back, he kills the main culprit by
drowning him in the sea after driving into the side of his car off a cliff
after spinning it off the road prior. The film shows the driver as enjoying
working on cars as he is a mechanic by trade with the secret of being a getaway
driver, which conveys his interest in cars. He is serious throughout the film
as he doesn't speak much and hardly cracks a smile at any point in the film and
keeps to himself most of the time. The driver shows power by asserting
dominance over the men who are trying to go after him who's debt is on the
family he is friends with. The driver is shown as a serial killer as he commits
several murders he drowns the main culprit in the sea after crashing into his
car to send it off a cliff; he beats someone to death who attempts to
attack him in a lift, which he is in with his neighbour.
The film the Silence of the Lambs (1991)
reinforces the stereotypes of masculinity; power, serial killer, manipulative,
serious, strong and in control. The Silence of the Lambs is a film about a young
F.B.I. agent who must confide in a manipulative killer to receive help on
catching anther killer who skins his victims. During the film the F.B.I agent
visits Hannibal Lecteur not knowing her mission of getting information of
another killer who kills people almost the same way he did. He helps her get
information on the killer but is very difficult about it and is transferred to
a different prison in which he escapes. The serial killer is eventually caught
due to the information given by Hannibal and is named as Buffalo Bill and the
F.B.I agent goes to find him on her own to make the arrest, however has to be
careful as he is hiding a victim in which he has kidnapped down a well in his
house. Two characters, Hannibal Lecteur and Buffalo Bill, show the power.
Hannibal shows power when he is in prison as he always seems like he is in
control of the prison guards and that they fear him and Buffalo Bill shows his
power by kidnapping Catherine Martin and keeping her at the bottom of a hole
and winding her up. The serial killer is both Buffalo Bill who decapitates his
victims and Hannibal who eats the body parts of the people he kills. There is
an enigma code that Hannibal is manipulative, as he seems to have control over
prison guards and over many people. Clarice and Hannibal are both serious
characters. Clarice is serious throughout her investigation of Hannibal and
Hannibal is serious at all times especially when talking to Clarice although he
seemingly seems to relax more around her than anyone else. Hannibal and
Buffalo Bill both like to be in control, which is seen when Hannibal escapes
from the prison by tying up the officer with the handcuffs he has escaped from
and eats his face before escaping through a lift. Buffalo Bill shows control by
having Catherine Martin at the bottom of the well and continues to mock her
throughout the film from the top of the well. However within this film, unlike
Drive and The Wolf of Wall Street, this film challenges the stereotypes of
masculinity. This is shown in the scene where Buffalo Bill dresses up as a
woman, which is not something that as an audience member is expected of a butch
serial killer in this film. This goes against the usual stereotype that Buffalo
Bill has for a large majority of this film as he is seen as someone who has
very masculine features and is stereotypically very masculine and this film
shows Buffalo Bill deviating against the norm of masculinity rather than
everyone being the same. This makes you think that Buffalo Bill is mentally ill
and gives you the feeling that much of his serial killing could have been
avoided if this would have been apparent.
All three of the films show similar masculine
stereotypes such as men being powerful and being in control. There are a lot of
similarities within Drive and The Silence of the Lambs as these films are more
similar than The Wolf of Wall Street as this film is a more unique film than
the other two. However The Wolf of Wall Street shows different stereotypes that
may not be shown in many other crime films.
Overall, my research has conveyed how
masculinity can be shown in different media texts and the different ways in
which masculinity can be shown within these three texts. The research has shown
very similar results in how the media shows masculinity and that many of the
stereotypes surrounding masculinity are reinforced. However the example of
Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs shows the 'crisis of masculinity'
mentioned by Laurie Penny and that sometimes stereotypes are seriously
challenged. However the media can sometimes be biased but the amount that
people get from the media is a lot more than they used to get and people can be
tricked into believing something which is all over the media which may not well
be the case.
Thursday, 20 October 2016
James Bond representation questions
1)Using 3 characters, summarise how males are represented in Skyfall
2)Using 3 characters, summarise how females are represented in Skyfall
3)Using 3 examples, explain how stereotypes are challenged in Skyfall
1) Q- gentle, soft and very feminine compared to Bond. He is dressed as the typical nerd and is incredibly smart compared to James Bond and is incredibly young and to be running the MI6 is good for his age.
James Bond-
2)Using 3 characters, summarise how females are represented in Skyfall
3)Using 3 examples, explain how stereotypes are challenged in Skyfall
1) Q- gentle, soft and very feminine compared to Bond. He is dressed as the typical nerd and is incredibly smart compared to James Bond and is incredibly young and to be running the MI6 is good for his age.
James Bond-
Thursday, 13 October 2016
Narrative Assessment
1) Give three examples of the use of the action codes are used in the film Skyfall and explain how these help to tell the story (3)
2) Give three examples of the use of enigma codes in Skyfall and explain how these keep the audience engaged (3)
3) Analyse the film's narrative structure using a narrative theory, and argue which event in the film corresponds with each stage of the theory (8)
4) Explain how the narrative help to maintain audience engagement (6) (clue- you will need to explore the film's content as well as the devices outlined below)
Answers
1) -Through action codes we as an audience see that Silver is homosexual. This is done by the actor when he strokes James Bond's leg and unbuttoning his shirt shows that Silver has a sexual attraction to Bond.
-Another action code is when M finds out that Bond has been shot. This is shown through facial expression of M as her face conveys worry and shock and indicates to the audience that something tragic has happened to Bond and that the mission has failed.
-Furthermore, action codes are used is that Money penny and James Bond have a sexual attraction towards each other. This is shown through facial expressions and things they are saying to each other which becomes clear to the audience that there is some sort of attraction there.
2) One enigma code is shown at the start of the film. The enigma is why is Bond after the hard drive and whats on the the hard drive
Another enigma is that of the word uttered at the start where they say Sky fall and creates the question to the audience what is Sky fall.
Another enigma is Whats going to happen to silver when he gets caught which is later found out that he wanted to get caught. This makes the audience think about where they will take him and whats going to happen next.
3) This James Bond film follows Robert Mckee's classic five part narrative theory. The inciting incident occurs at the very start of the film when James Bond walks in to get the computer and finds that the hard-drive is gone and he finds a few of the agents dead. The progressive complications is where Bond is chasing Patrice, who is the person who has the hard-drive, and ends up with a fight on the train in which Money penny accidentally shoots Bond which then leads onto the opening credits of the film. The crisis is when the information gets put out about the secret agents due to Silver and all the names are released of all the MI6 agents. The climax is where Silver escapes from prison and then comes after M by setting the house on fire and turning up with multiple men with guns. The resolution is solved when Silver is shot by Bond in the final scene. There are also Binary opposites of good v evil as Bond is the good guy and Silver is the bad guy.
4) The narrative engages the audiences due to the enigmas and by following the Narrative structure theories so that the audience know what they're going to see. However besides the narrative, there are things that engage the audience. This includes the clothing that they wear which is very smart as James Bond wears tailor made suits and Money Penny's ball gown in the casino. Also the exotic locations such as Morocco are another thing that would attract an audience as they are unusual and are good on the eye to look at. Daniel Craig being James Bond is another attraction for the audience as he is a well known name and a big star therefore it is likely to attract a bigger audience due to the main actors popularity. The fight sequences are also an attraction for the audience as people like to see violence and it adds effect to the film. The villain is also an attraction for the audience as he is the one out to disrupt the narrative and to stop James Bond and MI6 adding suspense to the film.
2) Give three examples of the use of enigma codes in Skyfall and explain how these keep the audience engaged (3)
3) Analyse the film's narrative structure using a narrative theory, and argue which event in the film corresponds with each stage of the theory (8)
4) Explain how the narrative help to maintain audience engagement (6) (clue- you will need to explore the film's content as well as the devices outlined below)
Answers
1) -Through action codes we as an audience see that Silver is homosexual. This is done by the actor when he strokes James Bond's leg and unbuttoning his shirt shows that Silver has a sexual attraction to Bond.
-Another action code is when M finds out that Bond has been shot. This is shown through facial expression of M as her face conveys worry and shock and indicates to the audience that something tragic has happened to Bond and that the mission has failed.
-Furthermore, action codes are used is that Money penny and James Bond have a sexual attraction towards each other. This is shown through facial expressions and things they are saying to each other which becomes clear to the audience that there is some sort of attraction there.
2) One enigma code is shown at the start of the film. The enigma is why is Bond after the hard drive and whats on the the hard drive
Another enigma is that of the word uttered at the start where they say Sky fall and creates the question to the audience what is Sky fall.
Another enigma is Whats going to happen to silver when he gets caught which is later found out that he wanted to get caught. This makes the audience think about where they will take him and whats going to happen next.
3) This James Bond film follows Robert Mckee's classic five part narrative theory. The inciting incident occurs at the very start of the film when James Bond walks in to get the computer and finds that the hard-drive is gone and he finds a few of the agents dead. The progressive complications is where Bond is chasing Patrice, who is the person who has the hard-drive, and ends up with a fight on the train in which Money penny accidentally shoots Bond which then leads onto the opening credits of the film. The crisis is when the information gets put out about the secret agents due to Silver and all the names are released of all the MI6 agents. The climax is where Silver escapes from prison and then comes after M by setting the house on fire and turning up with multiple men with guns. The resolution is solved when Silver is shot by Bond in the final scene. There are also Binary opposites of good v evil as Bond is the good guy and Silver is the bad guy.
4) The narrative engages the audiences due to the enigmas and by following the Narrative structure theories so that the audience know what they're going to see. However besides the narrative, there are things that engage the audience. This includes the clothing that they wear which is very smart as James Bond wears tailor made suits and Money Penny's ball gown in the casino. Also the exotic locations such as Morocco are another thing that would attract an audience as they are unusual and are good on the eye to look at. Daniel Craig being James Bond is another attraction for the audience as he is a well known name and a big star therefore it is likely to attract a bigger audience due to the main actors popularity. The fight sequences are also an attraction for the audience as people like to see violence and it adds effect to the film. The villain is also an attraction for the audience as he is the one out to disrupt the narrative and to stop James Bond and MI6 adding suspense to the film.
Monday, 26 September 2016
Introduction Draft 3
This essay will explore the representation of masculinity in the American crime films; The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Drive (2011), The Silence of the Lambs (1991) A representation is the portrayal of something in a particular way. Representations are important in the media as they can influence the way in which the subject is viewed by the audience. The media is able to shape people's opinions on certain things easily due to the popularity and the amount that is in the media now which people take in.
Essay Plan
1) Link what was found in the films to the secondary research
'Masculinity tries to stay invisible by passing itself off as normal and universal'- John Price 2003 page 115 AS media studies. ORIGIN- What a man's gotta do, Paladin 1986
'The association of male value with aggression, dominance, and power is one of the most destructive forces in the world.' thefedralist.com, Masculinity is about dominance and that's a good thing, George Fields, August 12 2014
"Labour MP Diane Abbott is not the first person to kick up a fuss about the 'crisis of masculinity'." The Guardian, We need to talk about masculinity, Laurie Penny (Feminist), 16th May 2013
"The concept of 'The new man' set to challenge the preconceived notion about masculinity by aiming new ideals to young middle-class males: Emotional vulnerability, Be more in touch with their feminine side, Treat women as equals, Take pride in their appearance"
Prezi.com, A2 Sociology mass media representations (masculinity), 17 September 2013
2) Outline the typical stereotypes linked to masculinity.
Use facts and examples of the stereotypes
Examples- power (by fighting and being aggressive), Rich with big houses, Serial killers, Manipulative, Serious, Strong, Successful, Like to be in control, Humorous, Enjoy working on cars, Drug users
3) Explore how masculinity is represented and if the stereotypes are reinforced or different within these 3 films.
The Wolf of Wall Street- The ability to teach people things and to be in control of making the business he has one of the best of the lot. He makes himself rich by selling fake stocks to clients and ripping them off and ends up in a mansion with his wife. He is manipulative as he rips off people buying stocks on the phone to make money for his company. Successful for making millions. Abuses drugs by taking what is named as 'ludes' and cocaine almost all the time.
Drive- The driver who the film is based on is a mechanic, Serious throughout the film doesn't speak much and hardly cracks a smile at any point in the film. Shows power by asserting dominance over the men who are trying to go after him who's debt is on the family he is friends with. Kills multiple people; drowning, beat to death, drove into side of car to knock it off the side of a bridge.
The Silence of the Lambs- The power is shown by two characters, Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill, by Hannibal as even if when he is in prison he always seems like he is in control of the prison guards and that they fear him and Buffalo Bill shows his power by kidnapping Catherine Martin and keeping her at the bottom of a hole and winding her up. The serial Killers is both Buffalo Bill who decapitates his victims and Hannibal who eats the body parts of the people he kills. Enigma code that Hannibal is manipulative as he seems to have control over prison guards and over many people. Clarice and Hannibal are both serious characters. Clarice is serious throughout her investigation of Hannibal and Hannibal is serious at all times especially when talking to Clarice although he seemingly seems to relax more around her than anyone else. Hannibal and Buffalo Bill both like to be in control.
Different stereotypes represented within all of the films.
4) Representations that are shown within the three films that keep continuously come up.
All three films show that males like to be in control and like to show power. More similarities between Drive and Silence of the Lambs as they are both much similar crime films whereas Wolf of Wall Street shows different stereotypes that may not be shown in the other crime film.
5) Discuss the films and what stereotypes are represented in each one and how they're represented within the films.
Drive (2011)- Uses phrase "Do you understand" often, Stuntman and getaway driver gets in trouble trying to help neighbour out. Driver gets to know the family but helps people commit robberies by driving them away once they have committed crime. Gets a bag full of money that belongs to the people who forced the father in the family to rob it and resulted in his death. Shows dominance by defending himself, kills people along the way and gives the people a ultimatum which causes them to go after him. Ends up meeting to give money back gets attacked but ends up killing the man and drives off in the distance. Also kills main culprit by drowning him in the sea after driving into the side of his car off a cliff after spinning it off the road prior.
Stereotypes- Enjoy working on cars, serious, Power, Serial killer, Strong,
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)- Multiple motivational speech's, Becomes incredibly rich with an incredibly big house.Based on true story, rose a wealthy stock broker, lived high life to his fall from crime. Belfort is a stock broker who's career as a stock broker is terminated by the Black Monday and takes up a job in a penny stock where he makes a small fortune. Jordan and friend Donnie Azoff create their own company called Stratten Oakmont where Jordan recruits his friends and trains them into the art of hard shell. Jordan becomes highly successful and slides into a lifestyle of drugs and prostitution.
Stereotypes- Power, Rich with big houses, Manipulative, Successful, In control, Humorous, Drug users.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- A young F.B.I. must confide in a manipulative killer to receive help on catching anther killer who skins his victims.
Stereotypes- Sense of entitlement, power, serial killer, Manipulative, serious, strong, In control.
Against stereotype- Buffalo Bill dressing up as a woman. Goes against the usual stereotype. This is where to begin to discuss deviating against the norm of masculinity rather than everyone being the same.
6) Evaluate all the sources which I used
Discuss
Use when nearing conclusion- The media can sometimes be biased but the amount the knowledge that people get from the media is a lot more than they used to get and people can be tricked into believing something which is all over the media which may not well be the case.
more modern representations of masculinity as a counter argument. Dianne Abbot quote looks to be on these lines but I think you need to delve into metrosexuality and "queer theory" a little more
'Masculinity tries to stay invisible by passing itself off as normal and universal'- John Price 2003 page 115 AS media studies. ORIGIN- What a man's gotta do, Paladin 1986
'The association of male value with aggression, dominance, and power is one of the most destructive forces in the world.' thefedralist.com, Masculinity is about dominance and that's a good thing, George Fields, August 12 2014
"Labour MP Diane Abbott is not the first person to kick up a fuss about the 'crisis of masculinity'." The Guardian, We need to talk about masculinity, Laurie Penny (Feminist), 16th May 2013
"The concept of 'The new man' set to challenge the preconceived notion about masculinity by aiming new ideals to young middle-class males: Emotional vulnerability, Be more in touch with their feminine side, Treat women as equals, Take pride in their appearance"
Prezi.com, A2 Sociology mass media representations (masculinity), 17 September 2013
2) Outline the typical stereotypes linked to masculinity.
Use facts and examples of the stereotypes
Examples- power (by fighting and being aggressive), Rich with big houses, Serial killers, Manipulative, Serious, Strong, Successful, Like to be in control, Humorous, Enjoy working on cars, Drug users
3) Explore how masculinity is represented and if the stereotypes are reinforced or different within these 3 films.
The Wolf of Wall Street- The ability to teach people things and to be in control of making the business he has one of the best of the lot. He makes himself rich by selling fake stocks to clients and ripping them off and ends up in a mansion with his wife. He is manipulative as he rips off people buying stocks on the phone to make money for his company. Successful for making millions. Abuses drugs by taking what is named as 'ludes' and cocaine almost all the time.
Drive- The driver who the film is based on is a mechanic, Serious throughout the film doesn't speak much and hardly cracks a smile at any point in the film. Shows power by asserting dominance over the men who are trying to go after him who's debt is on the family he is friends with. Kills multiple people; drowning, beat to death, drove into side of car to knock it off the side of a bridge.
The Silence of the Lambs- The power is shown by two characters, Hannibal Lecter and Buffalo Bill, by Hannibal as even if when he is in prison he always seems like he is in control of the prison guards and that they fear him and Buffalo Bill shows his power by kidnapping Catherine Martin and keeping her at the bottom of a hole and winding her up. The serial Killers is both Buffalo Bill who decapitates his victims and Hannibal who eats the body parts of the people he kills. Enigma code that Hannibal is manipulative as he seems to have control over prison guards and over many people. Clarice and Hannibal are both serious characters. Clarice is serious throughout her investigation of Hannibal and Hannibal is serious at all times especially when talking to Clarice although he seemingly seems to relax more around her than anyone else. Hannibal and Buffalo Bill both like to be in control.
Different stereotypes represented within all of the films.
4) Representations that are shown within the three films that keep continuously come up.
All three films show that males like to be in control and like to show power. More similarities between Drive and Silence of the Lambs as they are both much similar crime films whereas Wolf of Wall Street shows different stereotypes that may not be shown in the other crime film.
5) Discuss the films and what stereotypes are represented in each one and how they're represented within the films.
Drive (2011)- Uses phrase "Do you understand" often, Stuntman and getaway driver gets in trouble trying to help neighbour out. Driver gets to know the family but helps people commit robberies by driving them away once they have committed crime. Gets a bag full of money that belongs to the people who forced the father in the family to rob it and resulted in his death. Shows dominance by defending himself, kills people along the way and gives the people a ultimatum which causes them to go after him. Ends up meeting to give money back gets attacked but ends up killing the man and drives off in the distance. Also kills main culprit by drowning him in the sea after driving into the side of his car off a cliff after spinning it off the road prior.
Stereotypes- Enjoy working on cars, serious, Power, Serial killer, Strong,
Stereotypes- Power, Rich with big houses, Manipulative, Successful, In control, Humorous, Drug users.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- A young F.B.I. must confide in a manipulative killer to receive help on catching anther killer who skins his victims.
Stereotypes- Sense of entitlement, power, serial killer, Manipulative, serious, strong, In control.
Against stereotype- Buffalo Bill dressing up as a woman. Goes against the usual stereotype. This is where to begin to discuss deviating against the norm of masculinity rather than everyone being the same.
6) Evaluate all the sources which I used
Discuss
Use when nearing conclusion- The media can sometimes be biased but the amount the knowledge that people get from the media is a lot more than they used to get and people can be tricked into believing something which is all over the media which may not well be the case.
more modern representations of masculinity as a counter argument. Dianne Abbot quote looks to be on these lines but I think you need to delve into metrosexuality and "queer theory" a little more
Thursday, 22 September 2016
Introduction Draft 2
This essay will explore the representation of masculinity in the American crime films; Drive (2011), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and The Silence of the Lambs (1991). A representation is the portrayal of something in a particular way. Representations are important in the media as they influence the way in which the certain subject is viewed by the audience. The media is able to shape people's opinions on certain things easily due to the popularity and the amount that is in the media now which people take in. The media can sometimes be biased but the amount the knowledge that people get from the media is a lot more than they used to get and people can be tricked into believing something which is all over the media which may not well be the case.
Monday, 19 September 2016
Introduction
This essay will explore the representation of masculinity in the American crime films; Drive (2011), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), The Silence of the Lambs (1991). These three films show masculinity in a number of different ways. Drive is a film about a mysterious getaway driver and stuntman and gets himself in trouble when helping his neighbour out. The Wolf of Wall Street is based on the true story of a wealthy stock broker, who lived the high life which lead to his demise when involved in crime and corruption. The Silence of the Lambs is based on a young F.B.I agent having to get a manipulative killer to help to catch another killer who has been skinning his victims. A representation is the portrayal of something in a particular way. Representations are important in the media as they influence the way in which masculinity is viewed by the viewers.
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Coursework Initial Ideas
Representation of Masculinity in American crime films e.g.
Drive (2011)- Uses phrase "Do you understand" often, Stuntman and getaway driver gets in trouble trying to help neighbour out. Driver gets to know the family but helps people commit robberies by driving them away once they have committed crime. Gets a bag full of money that belongs to the people who forced the father in the family to rob it and resulted in his death. Shows dominance by defending himself, kills people along the way and gives the people a ultimatum which causes them to go after him. Ends up meeting to give money back gets attacked but ends up killing the man and drives off in the distance. Also kills main culprit by drowning him in the sea after driving into the side of his car off a cliff after spinning it off the road prior.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)- Multiple motivational speech's, Becomes incredibly rich with an incredibly big house.Based on true story, rose a wealthy stock broker, lived high life to his fall from crime.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- A young F.B.I. must confide in a manipulative killer to receive help on catching anther killer who skins his victims.
Represented in different ways- all different types of crime, shows males dominance,
General stereotypes of Masculinity linked to the three films-
Sense of entitlement, power
Rich with big houses
Serial killers, suicidal
Manipulative
Serious
Drive (2011)- Uses phrase "Do you understand" often, Stuntman and getaway driver gets in trouble trying to help neighbour out. Driver gets to know the family but helps people commit robberies by driving them away once they have committed crime. Gets a bag full of money that belongs to the people who forced the father in the family to rob it and resulted in his death. Shows dominance by defending himself, kills people along the way and gives the people a ultimatum which causes them to go after him. Ends up meeting to give money back gets attacked but ends up killing the man and drives off in the distance. Also kills main culprit by drowning him in the sea after driving into the side of his car off a cliff after spinning it off the road prior.
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)- Multiple motivational speech's, Becomes incredibly rich with an incredibly big house.Based on true story, rose a wealthy stock broker, lived high life to his fall from crime.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)- A young F.B.I. must confide in a manipulative killer to receive help on catching anther killer who skins his victims.
Represented in different ways- all different types of crime, shows males dominance,
General stereotypes of Masculinity linked to the three films-
Sense of entitlement, power
Rich with big houses
Serial killers, suicidal
Manipulative
Serious
Wednesday, 6 July 2016
Genre Research Task
Genre Research Task
1)Choose a genre
2)Outline the repertoire of generic elements (make sure you include exactly what it is that makes it the genere it is)
3)Give examples of typical products from this genre
4)How has this genre acheived repetition and difference? Give examples
5)Chart the genre's historical development (its popularity, its changing identity hybridity)
1) Horror
2) One of the repetoires of generic elements of a horror film is that there is often a location in which is typically seen as a place where you would not want to be e.g. abandoned house, cabins etc. Darkness is also a generic signifier as the darkness has connotations of death and is used to frighten the audience. Music is used in the background to build the tension as the anticipation of something scary happening arises. There is almost always a character who terrorises other characters in horror films as this makes the genre more realistic.
3) Typical products from this genre are paranormal films such as paranormal activity, the conjuring and grave encounters. Other products are not made to make you jump and are more gory instead such as hostel, the human centipede and silence of the lambs.
4) The genre has achieved repetition as there are sequels such as paranormal activity and hostel where the same things are happening in different places. Also repetition occurs as there are many films made to be like other films that have been successful e.g. The conjuring was made on the basis of the success of paranormal activity.
5) The horror genre has developed massively due to advances in technology. This means that more dramatic music is used and things can be made a lot scarier even the look of characters and ghosts can also be included using effects with computers. These advances aloud more horror films to made that are different and are more unique. It's popularity has grown over the years as more people are aware of this genre however some people are put off watching horrors as it is not for everybody's taste.
Monday, 4 July 2016
Pulp Fiction Opening Sequence
Using generic signifiers, how is the genre of the film made clear in the opening two scenes?
In the first scene the genre of crime is established through Ringo and Yolanda who are discussing the robbery they are setting out for the cafe that they are targeting. In the second scene they introduce Jules and Vincent in a totally different scene who are on their way to the apartment to confront the people who have crossed their boss Marcellos Wallace which signifies the crime that unfolds in this film.
What enigmas are present in these two scenes?
In the first scene the genre of crime is established through Ringo and Yolanda who are discussing the robbery they are setting out for the cafe that they are targeting. In the second scene they introduce Jules and Vincent in a totally different scene who are on their way to the apartment to confront the people who have crossed their boss Marcellos Wallace which signifies the crime that unfolds in this film.
What enigmas are present in these two scenes?
Monday, 20 June 2016
Have an opinion
The increase in remakes,reboots and sequels and the lack of original ideas in the film
What is the current situation regarding regarding your chosen issue?
The amount of original films from 1996-2015 has majorly changed as before this it was nearly half and was then reduced to one quarter of films being original in this time frame. Also sequels have increased and reboots have been introduced in this time frame whereas before there were hardly any reboots.
How did it get this way?
The amount of increase in remakes, reboots and sequels has increased as film creators are beginning to run out of ideas and are trying to make more money off making more films that have had success in the past e.g. Star Wars, Titanic. The Titanic and Grease made sequels were unsuccessful in comparison to the first movie as they tried to carry something on from the first film with another film as a ploy to make money but has harnished the reputation of the film. Batman has had many successful films which shows that not all sequels are unsuccessful.
The amount of increase in remakes, reboots and sequels has increased as film creators are beginning to run out of ideas and are trying to make more money off making more films that have had success in the past e.g. Star Wars, Titanic. The Titanic and Grease made sequels were unsuccessful in comparison to the first movie as they tried to carry something on from the first film with another film as a ploy to make money but has harnished the reputation of the film. Batman has had many successful films which shows that not all sequels are unsuccessful.
What is your informed opinion about the issue?
I believe that the film industry is beginning to run out of ideas due to the fact that there has been a much more major increase in sequels and remakes as people who are writing movies are finding it difficult to find success in original ideas and choose to play it safe by releasing content which has before been popular and has a popular brand name.
What do you foresee happening in the future?
I can see this trend continuing as there has been a major growth in the past few years and movies that were made a long time ago having an extra film brought out to meet demand of fans e.g. Star Wars.
Review of AS Media
Year 12 Recap
WWW- I found the course interesting as it was interesting and was easier to revise for. My coursework was completed on time and therefore was happy with my overall grade in the coursework.
EBI- To have a wider knowledge of representations in the media today.
A2 Targets
Meet deadlines
Revise throughout the year
Get wider knowledge of representations
WWW- I found the course interesting as it was interesting and was easier to revise for. My coursework was completed on time and therefore was happy with my overall grade in the coursework.
EBI- To have a wider knowledge of representations in the media today.
A2 Targets
Meet deadlines
Revise throughout the year
Get wider knowledge of representations
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)