Postcolonialism/Gilroy

An audiovisual media text that reflects Paul Gilroy's theory of postcolonialism is the James Bond film series, especially because of its trailers during different eras. His idea about racial otherness and civilizationism are viewed in the way the franchise presents British identity as civilized, and superior while non-western cultures are portrayed to be exotic and dangerous. During the Connery era trailers, the setting and characters were seen to be "threatening". This reinforces the idea that the West have too control the rest of the world because of the power and ranking the Western cultures have above the rest of the world. During the Moore and Brosnan era, the patterns continued. Foreign or non-white villains often times were known for trouble, terror/greed. While on the other hand Bond shows intelligence and order. This difference is an example of civilizationism, meaning the Western people are more advanced while the others are seen to be primitive. The dialogue, music and camera angles all point to this difference, demonstrating the British as flawless in comparison to other rivals. The representation during the Craig era is a little more detailed but it goes back to Gilroy's idea. Although the extracts have more emotions and errors they still depend on the global threats coming from the non-Western areas. Most often, these harsh feelings occur because of resentment to a higher power, possibly a Western one. In all, James Bond franchise shows Gilroy's theory by explaining the British identity with contrast and racial/ cultural groups. Each of the eras reinforce civilizationism, showing viewers the way postcolonial ways still impact the Western media narratives. 

Gender as Performance/Butler

Disney's Mulan, released June 5 1998

 Disney's Mulan (1998) movie is an example of Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity, which says gender isn't about the way you were born but a repeated action made by the worlds pressures. Terms that relate are gender subversion, heteronormativity, gender trouble and parodic representation. In this extract Mulan changes her identity to be that of her fathers (a man) breaking the strict expectations of her culture. Mulan went as far as cutting her own hair, wearing men's armor and deepening her voice, to ensure the chances she can still be seen as a female are slim to none. This emphasizes the idea that gender is performed, rather then being only shown by clothing, posture, and voice. In todays society men can re-align with a "real man" and break gender expectations. In addition, Mulan displays gender subversion, when challenging established boundaries of gender roles and norms. Although Mulan initially expressed more masculinity to survive, her improvement as a female soldier by the end was one to celebrate. Lastly, Mulan pictures the theory of gender performativity, through acting and re-making gender scripts. Mulan helps identify it as a flexible performance, not a biological truth. Heteronormativity is challenged in this extract through Mulan's actions. The men during this time were under the impression that bravery, leadership and strength weren't quality's of a women. But Mulan's success proved that women have these qualities too. Creating gender issues with the army because her peers start asking questions of what actually defines a women and a man. In attempt to blend in, Mulan imitated male behaviors which displays parodic representation. Mulan having a hard time showing her manly side was on of the more humorous times of the film, while showing how unnatural and different these gender performances can be. Though she's trying to act like a male, her feminine traits of compassion and cleverness help her excel. Mulan represents Butler's idea of gender not being fixed but performed. She shows how identity can be flexible through her disguise and actions. As well as how her cultures strict gender roles can be challenged and re-written.

Identity/Gauntlett

Active audience engagement

(A) David Gauntlett's concept of active audience engagement argues that viewers aren't as passive consumers but rather active participants who modify their identities through the types of media they absorb. An extract that displays this is Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse as it uses active audience engagement through creative animation, relatable themes and is wide span of fan-made content. Viewers stay engaged because the idea emphasized that "anyone can wear the mask" as it shows relatable trials a teen goes through. This can draw in further engagement because viewers may interpret these challenges and how they affect the main character differently, based on past experiences of their own life.

Aspirational narrative

B) Spiderman: Across the Universe can be used to show explain aspirational narrative as it can be very meaningful to the audience. This film demonstrates how Miles worked hard to be a better Spiderman (both mentally and physically) for his city so he can better defend them in times of need. This can be encouraging to the audience as we seen where he started, and how far hes come, pushing the idea that if yo strive to be better you can.

Fluid identity

C) In Spiderman: Into the Spider verse it displays fluid identity for many reasons. The first being all the roles Miles juggles. For example, he deals with family pressure, school, and his new role of protecting his city. Later on Miles meets many other Spider-People from alternate dimensions, supporting the idea that being Spiderman isn't a single "identity" but rather fluid. Miles is a representation of fluid identity because he can strengthen and mix different aspect of himself.

Single ideal identity vs multiple leads

D) Spiderman: Into the Spider verse demonstrates the idea of single identity vs multiple identities. Although there are many Spider-People they each have their own unique cultural backgrounds embraced in their clothing, different personalities and unique styles. So Miles does not have to "copy" any of them, because he can embrace himself and all that he believes. This encourages the idea of multiple identities to be valid.

Encouraging identity play. 

E) Encouraging identity play is shown as Miles experiments with his superpowers while swinging and fighting using them for the first time. Miles learning how to use his powers on the spot in ways failed and succeed for his learning. As he met fellow Spider-People it may of gave the viewers the impression that exploring different versions of themselves is totally fine. This extract also encourages the theme that identity doesn't have to get fixed, because it can be mixed as you learn from the world around you.

Feminist Theory- Van Zoonen (Blog Post 12)

The Silence of the Lambs

 5(a) The extract strongly engages with Van Zoonen's theory about "the male gaze" because at 2:54 the camera focuses on the man as he seems to be staring at the young lady run off. The scene complicates Van Zoonen's theory because although the lady is faced with subjectivity, it can be mixed up with her standpoint. 

(b) The extract both reinforces spectacle and allows some spectatorship. This is because the camera objectifies the young lady while also showing viewers her point of view on the world around her, allowing them to have an active viewing position. 

(c) Masculinity in this extract is expressed as dominant, yet weak. This is shown by the professional setting their in, as well as the formal clothing their wearing. But as she walks in and speaks with confidence, they aren't as dominant as they appear. 

(d) The main lady in this extract is expressed actively as she is walking around with purpose and asking questions while the other people aren't the main focus and are objectified by the male camera perspectives.

(e) Rather then supporting Van Zoonen's theory it supports subversive female representation as it  contrast to Liesbet van Zoonen theories. The use of mise-en-scene was also very impactful because her messy hair and sweat stains helped show the protagonist, as her appearance is less valuable as her personality.  

Representation/Hall (Blog Post 11)

 Extract from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse

In this extract from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse, the filmmakers use Miles Morales to show how identity and heroism is redefined through diverse representation. This scene introduces Miles as a relatable, unprepared teenager who doesn’t see himself as a hero, helping the audience connect with him before he even gains his powers. The filmmakers borrows many familiar elements from traditional Spider-Man movies. For example, the different graffiti versions of the logo, Miles singing along to music, and even how he experiments with his webs, all have been see before in prier movies. Theses visuals reminds the viewers of the classic Spider-Man origin story, and help then connect Miles to it. However, these familiar elements are also used to challenge expectations. Miles being a mixed teen, living in Brooklyn, already counters the typical white Spider-Man that lives in Queens "norm". His individuality is displayed through the bilingual dialogue, up beat soundtrack, and his positive community. Emphasizing his uniqueness rather then just his similarities to the other Spider-People by being a hero. The different animations on his drawings shown in the beginning, each with different styles expresses how every Spider-Man is different and even shaped by culture and media. Aligning to Hall's theory of meaning not being fixed, but negotiated. This allows the audience to recognize the familiar superhero codes and the new cultural lens Miles represents. Using appropriation, counter-typical imagery, and self-aware deconstruction, the filmmakers shape Miles's story to counter the norms of a superhero's identity and show that representation evolves with people and the culture it reflects.

Postmodernism / Barthes (Blog Post 10)

Example: Spider-Man: Across the Spier-Verse 2023

Meeting the Spider Society Scene

In this extract, Miles enters into to Spider Society headquarter and sees hundreds of unique Spider-people, each from a different universe. This moment captures the postmodern effect of, replication and duplication. The scene is displaying how the idea of Spider-Man is continuously remixed and used in every reality, making it impossible to tell which Spider-Man is the original. It also demonstrates the postmodern concept of hyperreality. Each of these Spider-people come from universes with different art styles, animation techniques, and tones. When mixing all these different styles it creates that hyperreal world that feels more real then real, even though its entirely fake. It blurs the lines between the real and the duplicated and highlights the endless remixing, layered realities. 

Structuralism – Claude Levi-Strauss (Blog Post 9)

1. Clip C: Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

  In this extract, Peter is guiding Miles through his first real mission as Spider-Man, while they are being chased by Doc Ock and her workers. This moment is important to the story because it marks the first life-or-death situation Miles has been on as a hero. Forcing Miles to quickly learn how to effectively use his powers to ensure his survival as well as the success of the mission. This scene emphasizes not only how nervous Miles was but also how unprepared he was. Showing his struggles to live up to his expectations as "Spider-man". Through this extract, the filmmaker wants the audience to feel the anxiety and stress Miles is carrying in this tense situation. The scene is built on the binary opposition of fear vs courage. The scene displaying this was when Miles first jumps off the balcony and swings straight into a tree. From that moment on, Miles started running under Peter. As the tension rised and the enemies got closer he realized he had to get off the ground, and swing. Here is when Miles became courageous and learned how to use his powers. Shifting from self-doubt to self-belief. This binary opposition functions to create compelling narratives because the opposite fear vs courage help create tension as the viewers wait to see if Miles learns how to use his power in time or not.

2. Clip B: They Live

  In this extract, the main character, put on magical glasses and discovered the world around him through a alternate perspective that highlights the purpose of the bill board ads he was looking at. This moment is important to the story because it shows his reaction to seeing the internet through a new lens, it even showed him how persuasive the internet truly is. Through this extract the filmmaker wants the audience to feel enlightened but also curious. He shows this by the lack of verbal usage. But rather, letting the viewers experiencing these moment for the first time with the man. This scene is built on the binary opposition of indirect vs direct. As he looked around the streets, and later on, to newspapers he slowly realized what the glasses do. He realized the actual purpose of the billboards were hidden but made to look appealing or enticing through the ad. Which is where the meaning of the ads became direct to him. 

Genre Theory – Steve Neale (Blog Post 8)

 

  Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

1. Genre

- Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-fi

2. Genre Convention to Determine Genre

- Narrative Considerations: The multiverse fast paced concepts reveal sci-fi elements

- Character Conventions: In this extract there is not a specific protagonist, it's in everyone, Which is common for sci-fi movies

- Audience Appeal: Humor, emotional connection with action or comedy genres, spectacle

3. Text Genre Subversion

- Culture Effects: Challenges family narratives

- Social Context: Immigrant family experiences, diverges typical just sci-fi

- Historical Effects: Multiverse story telling and incorporates absurd comedy

4. Genre Hybridity  

-  Mixture of sci-fi with comedy and action to become appealing to several audience groups

Phantom of the Paradise

1. Film Genre

- Horror, musical/rock

2. Genre Conventions to Determine Genre

- Iconography: Gothic, masks, horror music and genres

- Character Conventions: The villain and helpless female, which is a stereotypical horror trope

 - Audience Appeal: Viewers who are also interested in horror, the visual styles or the music used may be drawn in

3. Text Genre Subversion

- Cultural Effects: It points at the music industry, and challenges basic horror musical norms

- Social Context: Possibly displays pop cultures love for fame/corruption

- Economic Context: Mainly for a small or specific group instead of everyone

4. Genre Hybridity

- Mixture of horror and comedy, creating an entertaining option for both groups

 Electric Dreams

1. Film Genre 

-Romantic, comedy, sci-fi

2. Genre Conventions to Determine Genre

- Narrative Considerations: Love triangle involving a human, a robot, and technology, showing romantic comedy

- Verisimilitude: Urban setting mixing everyday life with sci-fi fantasy

- Audience Appeal: Appeals to both romance fans and sci-fi fans

3. Text Genre Subversion

- Social Context: Explores human-technology relationships before they were mainstream concerns.

- Cultural Effects: Challenges romantic narratives norms by adding an AI as a love rival.

- Historical Effects: Points out the computers and futuristic technology

4. Genre Hybridity

-Blends romance, comedy, and sci-fi, using technological to drive romantic tension and plot development on

Narrative Equilibrium – Tzvetan Todorov (Blog Post 7)

 

    

Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

(5) Proppian characters 

Hero- Ethan Hunt  

Villain archetype- The members on the plane and pilot 

Princess archetype- Big box on plane

The dispatcher- The man at the base guiding the mission  

 

The helper- The man in the grass and the crew watching the diagrams 

 

Equilibrium- Stopping threats before they get out of hand 

 

Disruption- The threat on the plane forcing Ethan into action 

 

New Equilibrium- The threat is on and the mission is in progress, Ethan is engaged 

 

In medias res- This extract begins in action with the plane already in motion and the mission starting 

 

Multiperspective narrative- All view points connect to the same plot, with Ethan outside the plane, one teammate hacking the doors, and another monitoring the coordinates to ensure Ethan's safety as well as the success of the mission.

(6)

The extract suggests that heroic intervention is essential to maintain order during chaotic moments. We see Ethan Hunt clinging to the side of a plane while his team remains on land hacking the systems and providing additional support, which highlights the disruption and the team's desperate attempts to restore balance. Therefore, the extract conveys that in times of great danger, a “heroic equilibrium” can only achieved through risk, teamwork, and determination to reestablish security.

Semiotics – Roland Barthes (Blog Post 6)

Punch Love (2002)

                                                            Sign- The art in Barry's life

                                                            Signifier- Piano
                                                            Signified- Music

                               Denotative meaning- Sudden crash in calm and silent street 

                            Connotative meaning- It suggest a sudden shift or indicates an 
                             important event in the main character's life.

                              Code- Hermeneutic code 

                              Ex- “Why does he continue to make purchases?”

In this extract from Punch Love, mise-en-scène is effectively used through the introduction of the piano. The sudden appearance of the piano may foreshadow an unexpected event approaching in Barry's life, potentially one that might correlate to music. The hermeneutic code is established through the question, "Why does he continue to make purchases?" This idea is supported by the numerous boxes stacked in the background as Barry walks outside, possibly emphasizing the severity of his buying behavior.