Assignment 5 media
- 1. By Jodie & Jhane Assignment 5:Film study & Conventions Target audience=Green Jodie = Red Jhane = Blue Together = black
- 2. Target=Green • Things which we have to consist of: • Title page • Level checklist • Exploration of films • Film of choice and reasoning • Genre • Subgenre • Hybrid • Stam’s theory • Mittel’s theory • Fuerer’s theory • Semantics(characters, locations, story traits, costumes, props, rituals) • Syntax • Iconography • Conventions of list of genre in relation to all films(at least 8 conventions) • Conventions analysis (at least 4) with examples from film + comparision to other similar films + use/develop or challenge? • Dominant ideology (at least 3-4) • Audience (a + b ) + explanation + c • Audience theory (all four reasons)
- 4. Other Possible films of choice and the reason why we picked them The idea of a secret island which no one Demonstrates that hard work is aware of always pays of The beach The pursuit of happiness Focuses on the Half Slumdog problems of a Drama Explores the Nelson millionaire Indian ethnicity drug addict and rituals I am legend My sisters keeper Emotional and explores Shows how it is to fend for real life sicknesses and the yourself, alone in the outside effects on the family world
- 5. Film of choice : Half nelson • I chose this film ‘Half Nelson’ due to the facts It interests me how he has such a close relationship with one of his students, and made me question why he feels the need to always care for and protect her. • Secondly, we chose this film because it is a good representation of ‘Drama’ genre as it shows issue that we face in society today. It uses many drama conventions and interested us as it educates to some extent and also allows them to learn about positive role models.
- 6. Subgenres Drama is not the only Genre within this film, there are also a variety of subgenres such as Addiction Drama(i.e. the teacher has a drug addiction) School Drama(i.e a lot of the film is based in a school environment) romance( i.e. the girl that he had sexual relations with.) domestic drama( because the film focuses on the everyday issues of someone's life) Fiction- The historical content which is included in the film are with the students who learn about the American history and other historical events which have occurred previously and are said and shown to the audience. Crime- The criminal activities which occur on the streets and in the local area which can consist of drug dealing and crime related activities such as gangs at the end of the street which can be perceived negatively and indicate that their suspiciously involved in un-scene activities. Romance-the relationships which the teacher (main character) which occur with main women throughout the film including interests in a an ex-girlfriend and also a former student. Romance Fiction Crime
- 7. Genre • The main genre that this film falls under is drama because the film is based on nelson’s unpleasant drug habit, the way in which the film is concerned with Nelsons everyday dilemmas is very typical of a drama film. • Dramas are usually based on some sort of issue or personal problem regarding the main the main character, and how they try to overcome it or deal with the situation this is explored throughout the film.
- 8. Many types of sub-genres within the film ‘Half-Nelson’ was displayed due to the occurrence of scenery. This consist of: Addiction/issue/drama School /addiction/drama Historical Drama Domestic/romance/ Hybrids drama Problem/ addiction /drama Friendship/addiction/drama Crime Drama
- 9. Stam’s Theory • Stam’s theory says that genre is not so easily defined under the ‘main genres’ but can be classified in other ways such as budget, ethnicity focus or performer based. • Another way to classify ‘half nelson’, in my opinion is, ‘Friendship’ because this film is strongly based on friendships and close bonds that are formed throughout the film. • Another way to classify your film which is not in relation to a main genre can be social class and status or region. • For example the teacher and the student, or the student and her brothers friend.
- 10. Fuerer’s theory • Fuerer’s theory is based on the idea that genre is abstract, meaning that it is not easily defined because defined because everyone has different ideas, ideals, cultures and therefore interpret conventions differently. What is familiar to one, may differ to someone else. • This theory can be related to the film chosen as the genre ‘drama’ can be defined due to the use of different life experiences, cultural differences, racial conflict/prejudice etc. and again is all down to the viewer/audiences perceptions. • For example: • Person A will see this film as a drama due to the emphasis of racial prejudice displayed. • Person B can classified this film as a drama due to the cultural differences.
- 11. Mittel’s theory • Mittels theory is that genre is used to sell products. • This can be related to half nelson simply because the trailer demonstrates that the film is a drama film, as it reveals that the it is based on a drug addiction, • This also shows a man having quite a strong relationship with a young girl. • This can also be related to ‘Half-Nelson’ as the film was based in America and therefore there was American historical content behind it (when the students name events occurred) • This can show awareness of their history but also shows impact of todays society. • This then includes different genres/sub genres linking back to Mittel’s theory such as classifying this film as drama including historical content, sexual content etc. • People are familiar with addiction being a conventional theme of drama which then makes them eager to watch it. Therefore the fact that the film is a drama incises audiences.
- 12. Semantics How these are evident in your Evidence from film film(in relation to its genre/subgenre/hybrid) Characters •Somebody who has an addiction Nelson has a drug habit. issue(Teacher, student(s), drug dealer, absent parents) Locations •Unorganised and untidy houses Nelsons drug habit is taking over him, his •School, local area, Teachers home cleanliness gets the better of him, house is messy. Story traits •Keeping the addiction a secret •He tells his student, not to tell anyone. •Something happened in past to •Broke up with ex girlfriend that he loved. cause addiction costumes •Casual jeans, smart shirts (anything •Nelson is a teacher who wheres shirts, that compliments role of character) which is what teachers are expected to •Glasses where. •absent parent= work clothes •Nelson wheres glasses to hide his tired eyes Props Cigarette, drugs, lollipop and Nelson is repeatedly smoking and using bookwork drugs Rituals •Drug use •Nelson is always sneaking around to take •Balancing addiction with everyday drugs. life •Tries to balance drug habit with being a teacher.
- 13. Syntax of film • The syntax of this film is that when we are involved in situations that may be difficult and life threatening, we must share our problems with others in order that they are resolved rather than getting worse.
- 14. Tone • In the scene where nelson is going for a night jog, the surroundings are tinted, with a dark shade of blue. • The lighting purely reflected from the sky, there is very little use of artificial lights. The pure blue surrounding connotes a feel of relaxation, due to the fact that blue is the colour of the ocean and sky. • Blue also brings about a sense of peace and freedom, this could reflect nelsons mood, and the fact the jogging is the only way he can truly release from the stress and tension caused from his addition. Tinted Dark blue sky Blue represents Calming, (pur freedom e)
- 15. Tone • The lighting sets a dull and romantic tone towards the mood and era in the school disco. With soft lighting which is set creates an uneasy due to the colour blue (which a common use of colour like soft pink) as it is inappropriate between teacher and student. The focus on the teacher and • In this student Case blue creates unease close up (only in this case)
- 16. Conventions of a drama Conventions of Examples from film Use/develop/challenge/ genre/sub/hybrid why Explores real life situations Fish tank Use, due to the fact that half nelson is based on a drug addiction, which many people are faced with Shows the journey of a Slum dog millionaire Challenge, ‘half nelson’ doesn’t really character focus on the journey of a character and how he's grown, but more about his everyday battles Some sort of conflict Kidulthood Use as there is conflict with the teacher and a black man, regarding the child. Happy ending Pursuit of happiness Use, as half nelson ends with the teacher and student being very content and making jokes Audience can relate to My sisters keeper Use, as many individuals can relate to character the drug issues within the film. Violent scenes Crash Challenge, as ‘half nelson’ doesn't explore a wide range of violence Addiction 28 days Nelsons drug habit
- 17. More conventions Conventions of genre/sub/hybrid Examples from film Use/develop/challenge Racial prejudice Freedom writers Challenge, ‘half nelson’ does not involve racial prejudice, this is shown as the white teacher, and black student get on very well, which wouldn’t have been the case many years ago. Abuse/men controlling women Stories of Tina turner Use because in the film ‘half nelson’ there is a scene whereby he unwillingly forces a lady into sex Romance/sex scenes Dirty dancing Use, as there are sexual relations between Nelson and a woman Divorce A separation Challenge as Half nelson is not based on a divorce, it is focussed on addiction
- 18. Audience • In my opinion, this film is for a mass audience because it reflects and shows audiences in many different regions, life in undeveloped areas and occurring scenario's which could happen. Details of audience Target audience Secondary Audience Explanation of why they would be attracted (watch) the film. Age Teenagers Young adults Teenagers-they would see elements and wonder what inappropriate behaviour is occurring Young adult- again question what man would be a teacher(being a role model for children but does drugs) Gender Women Men Women-head teacher and child/student Men: lower teacher Ethnicity Black White Black-majority black area; white-main teacher Social Class Lower class Middle Class Lower-students/ drug dealer; Middle-teachers/parents Social group Gangsters Chavs etc. Gangsters run the area, following by others Sexual orientation Straight Lesbian, BI, Gay Mixed-teacher and student; Same- the teacher with women. Profession/role Teachers Students Teachers-main character Students- focus point C) The trailer(which is a marketing tool) attracts the target audience because it highlights the conflict and elements of the film which seems heightened by tension or even clips which make you question as to why. This draws the audience in and allows them to query and possible go on to watch.
- 19. Conventions analysis Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to Use, develop of genre/sub- film (bullet points other films in the challenge? genre/hybrid and screen grabs) same genre/ sub- How/why? genre/hybrid? Drama-conflict - When both men Crash- the battle The film develops after the disco between pride it because there is was wanting to and regulations a divide of races drop Drey home. (the police man which cause - When both men feeling the black conflict, however (drug-dealer and mans wife) the film develops teacher want to it because they spend time with learn to get Drey after she along/ put up lost her key and with each other got locked out. for Dreys sake.
- 20. Conventions analysis Conventions of Examples from Comparison to Use, develop of genre/sub- your film (bullet other films in the challenge? genre/hybrid points and screen same genre/ sub- How/why? grabs) genre/hybrid? Romance- sexual -The Asian women -Twilight- when This uses it to intercourse and Gosling was in they began to have provoke emotion Goslings house. sex to impact the from the audience -unexpected visit to audience and adding a twist woman's house. to the film.
- 21. Conventions analysis Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to other Use, develop of genre/sub- film (bullet points and films in the same challenge? genre/hybrid screen grabs) genre/ sub- How/why? genre/hybrid? Historical Drama-facts - The student are Freedom writers-again Uses-to provoke and called up at the the learning in a emphasis more front of the class to school of pre- emotion to on read facts to the historical events. particular subject audience - History teacher (Gosling) teaches about pre-historic events
- 22. Conventions analysis Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to other Use, develop of genre/sub- film (bullet points films in the same challenge? genre/hybrid and screen grabs) genre/ sub- How/why? genre/hybrid? Drama-Stereotypes -Blacks are drug Freedom writers- Develop-as their was dealers Blacks were loud and the teacher who is -White people are gang members higher empowerment teachers or of higher was taking drugs just status like the gang members.
- 23. Dominant Ideology DOMINANT IDEOLOGY EXAMPLE/EVIDENCE FROM WHY THIS DOMINANT FILM IDEOLOGY IS PRESENT IN THIS FILM/GENRE. • That black people are • The little girls brother is • To reinforce troublesome and in prison stereotypical views of involved in crime black people. • Constant Drug trading • Gangs hanging around • To highlight the idea from black people street corners that there is high crime rate in an undeveloped area • White people are • The majority of • It reinforces entitled to better job teachers were white, stereotypical views on positions even the head teacher. the system however, is developed by his abuse of drug usage • People who are drugs, • When he is at home • To aware and educate the are not in the right alone contemplating on audience to some extend of the lifestyles which can state of mind and his life's turmoil come alone with drug use. alone.
- 24. Audience theory Mcquail Reasons why people watch the film Explanation Entertainment Half nelson may be watched party for entertainment purposes. Certain scenes such as where he is dancing in the disco, are quite humorous and therefore entertaining. Information This film gives information. It shows reasons as to why people may become so addicted to drugs. In this case drugs makes the teacher happy, due to the fact that he cant do anything without having drugs first. Personal identity People who have suffered or are suffering from an addiction, and therefore seek personal identity with the character, as they have experienced certain real life situations that the character has. Integration & social interaction Social interaction may occur when people discuss the situations that are explored throughout the film, they may also inform others about the film.