Bully ta sample answer
- 1. Video Games Practice Exam - Bully Question 1. Analyse the sequence commenting on: Visual Codes Genre The game ‘Bully’ falls into the genre ‘Open World’ or ‘Sandbox’ game, a category of video game which has seen an increase in titles since the huge popularity of the ‘Grand Theft Auto’ (GTA) series. Whilst Bully shares many of the same characteristics as GTA, a more detailed analysis of the sequence reveals that the game also has many conventions of film genres such as the ‘High School Comedy’ or ‘Teen Comedy’. Whilst the GTA series has themes and visual imagery more in keeping with the crime or gangster genres of film, Bully’s crossover makes it stand out to an audience as a more unique hybrid genre. The gameplay is unmistakably characteristic of the sandbox genre. From a third person perspective the player controls a character called Jimmy. For the most part the audience sees Jimmy framed in long shot and the camera tracks forward following him wherever he is taken by the player. The framing occasionally changes to a much closer over the shoulder shot, this is usually when Jimmy must carry out a task such as the slingshot task, this change in shot type implies that a certain level of skill or accuracy is needed to complete the challenge. The ‘zoom in’ is a convention of sandbox games, but also of other genres of video game such as the First Person Shooter. The task itself will be recognised by many as conventional of the sandbox game as well as various other visual codes that remain on the screen throughout. The clock in the top left corner denotes the amount of time left to complete the task but its old fashioned clock face signifies the school setting. The map helps the player to navigate through the vast virtual environment, a key convention of the open world game. There are also times when writing appears on the screen to assist the player or to give instructions, it is also there to tell the player that the task has been completed with the words: “You Passed”. This convention of the video game not only acts as a sign to end the ‘chapter’ but also to add to the humour and reinforce the High School comedy conventions. In this instance the message is ironic as an audience would usually associate ‘passing’ with something academic, whereas in this case it is for breaking rules and injuring other students. Throughout the cut scene there are various other conventions of the High School comedy, most obviously through the use of archetypal characters. Gary, the Bully, is a conniving and intimidating character, he is taller and than other characters which signifies his dominance. He is slim build and has sharp angular features with dark eyes which give the impression of being sly and untrustworthy. He is in contrast with Jimmy who takes on the role of the ‘Dumb but Strong’ character, who seems easily manipulated by Gary. Jimmy has a shaved head and stocky build with a thick set neck. In one shot he leans towards Petey in a threatening manner. With his clenched fists, protruding jaw and
- 2. sunken eyes he looks more like an ape than a teenage boy, which connotes his animalistic behaviour. There are various other obvious archetypes including ‘The Wimp’, the ‘Jock’ and ‘The Coach’ who’s psychotic shouts at the boys such as: “Why are you stopping, you damn slackers?” is reminiscent of a militant army trainer – but is a character type easily recognised as part of the High School comedy movie. The setting of Bully adds atmosphere to the game, and represents a key binary opposition of the game: ‘Authority Vs Anarchy’. During the gameplay Jimmy runs around the grounds of Bullworth academy, the grey stone slabs, high walls and labyrinthine maze of fountains and pathways make the setting feel more like a prison than a school and connotes that the students are seen as dangerous offenders more than pupils. During the cut scene, this bleak atmosphere is exaggerated by sparse furniture and windows covered by broken blinds, which suggests that although Bullworth may be like a prison, it is the students that really run the place and treat it as they like. The dark drab browns and greys that colour the game reinforce this miserable feel to the setting. Despite the harsh setting, the game is far from serious. The elements of slapstick humour are not only conventional of a comedy genre but also suggest that the game is intended to be fun and not to be taken too seriously. The violence is played out for comic and cartoon effect such as Gary’s kick to Petey which is followed by an elaborate groan, and the Bart Simpson style slingshot attack on the dumb footballers. The preferred reading of the game is that this is an impossibly fictional school and that the aim of the game is to complete challenges and enjoy the absurd characters and situations. However, the game may be read by others as promoting violence and anti-social behaviour amongst young people. It may be read by some outside of the target audience as a deliberate attempt to challenge the dominant ideology of the importance of education and adult control in society.