Starter LO3 Monday 22th March/ genre essay

Genre 

Theory 1./Repetition and difference (Steve Neal 1995)

Theory 2./industry uses genre for commercial success (Jason Mattell 2001)

Theory 3./Genre must change with society and culture (David Buckingham 1993)

Theory 4./Generic pleasure that entertain the audience (Rick Altman)

There are many theories about how audiences understand the construction of genre and I am going to discuss these with reference to the action/ hero movie Avengers Infinity war. Specifically the sequence in which the characters are battling against the villains in New York. 

Jason Mittell (in 1999) stated that genre is mostly used by producers to ensure that their product can be commercially succesful. This is proven through this scene as it was used heavily in marketing and trailers showing fan favourite characters and also heavily teasing characters who were yet to be revealed, as to excite and hype up their target demographic. 

The production techniques that show us this include OTS shots and slow motion editing effects that reveal the two new villains. This is clearly used to make the reveal of the bad guys seem menacing and tense. Heightened by the fact that one of the heroes have been handy capped and cannot help.

The clearly demonstrates to the audience that this is going to be an exciting scene. Thus creating hype and excitement for the audience and establishing how this scene was used to make the movie more profitable. 

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There are many theories about how audiences understand the construction of genre and I am going to discuss these with reference to the popular war game franchise Call of duty. Specifically the game Advanced Warfare.

Steve Neil (in 1980) stated that genre all contain instances of repetition and difference and also exclaims that a products genre can be subverted for the audiences. This is shown in Advanced Warfare through the introduction of eco suits and futuristic gameplay. Which completely changed the way to play a call of duty game and subverted the genre of war games.

The product techniques that show us this would be the props that are used in the game. Such as the laser weapons and exo suits the character wears. Which are a drastic difference from games that came before this game. 

This immerses the audience into the futuristic setting and subverting the repetitive genre of war games by making this game a complete overhaul on the gameplay system that was overused in this genre. These sort of production techniques therefore allow the audience to fully immerse themselves in the verisimilitude of the gameplay.

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There are many theories about how audiences understand the construction of genre and I am going to discuss these with reference to Broke back mountain. Specifically the themes and messages the film contains.

David Buckingham in 1993 wrote that genre changes depending on changes in society and culture as a whole. This is specifically shown in the movie Broke back mountain which focusses on a gay relationship between two cowboys. This movie came out as society had become more lenient towards gay relationships and using the wild west genre subverts the norms because it is deeply rooted in heterosexuality.

the product techniques that show us this would be the costumes and props that are used during the film. Such as the cowboy outfit and attire that is normally seen as straight being worn by two gay characters.

The clearly demonstrates to the audience that this film is appealing to societies new norms. Plus showing that as society changes so does genre and how its presented in media. These sort of production techniques therefore allow the audience to fully enjoy the show with new representation and themes.

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There are many theories about how audiences understand the construction of genre and I am going to discuss these with reference to the game GTA5. Specifically the final heist mission in the game in which your crew robs a bank and become rich. 

Jason Mittell in 1999 theorised that genres have different pleasures that entertain the audience via how they respond to them. This is shown in this Grand Theft Auto mission as after fleeing the cops your are sent the money you stole. Which then fills the audience with emotional pleasure as you feel rewarded for your work in the game. 

The product techniques used that show us this is the acting that is presented during the cutscene that plays once you have finished the mission. In this the characters have an argument and seem to cut ties because of  stuff that has happened during the past. This proves Mittell's theory as an audience can feel many types of pleasure towards an emotional scene that happens straight after a gratifying mission. 

The clearly demonstrates to the audience a feeling of emotion while also making us think if it will be ok. This is creating emotional and intellectual pleasure as it is also making us think about the story and characters that we have grown to enjoy. 

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Starter Tuesday 23rd March

Narrative theory 

theory 1./Binary oppositions in media. narrative Is understood via two opposites (Claude-levi straus 1958) 

theory 2./Cause and effect, domino effect in a story (Pam cook 1985)

theory 3./conventional structure, chronological stories, non chronological stories (tventan Todorov 1977)

theory 4./Narrative codes, Action code (a series of prod techniques that show what gonna happen next) and enigma code (mystery or puzzle) (Roland Barthes 1977)

theory 5./Character roles, narratives are defined via character roles (protagonist, antagonist, side character and the damsel in destress) (Propp 1928)

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Representation theory 

Theory 1./male gaze and the sexualisation of women in media (Laura Mulvey 1975)

Theory 2./racial representation and how minorities are represented the same in many different products (Manuel Alvarado 1987)

Theory 3./preferred meaning (Stuart hall 1997)

Theory 4./working class as society problem (David Newman 2006)