During year 12, one of the subjects I have chosen is media. As a media student, I've been asked to self evaluate myself and as a starting point, I thought this short introduction would be nice. I will comment on many things starting with:
1) Attainment: My attainment so far during this course would be a 2 (very good). I have learnt many things that I did not know from the beginning of the year. Media terms, portrayal of media standpoints, certain elements that go into director's thoughts etc. these things and more is what I have learnt. With this understanding, I've learned to think much deeper into media as a whole.
2)Effort: In terms of effort, I would again rate myself a 2. The reason why I think I should get this rating is becuase during class I am determained to get all the key facts and terminolgy written into notes. Using these notes, I could remember this information for future reference. Also, my passion for media is remarkable therefore putting the utmost effort into this subject would be the most logical thing to do.
3)Punctuality: For punctuality, I would rate myself a 1 (excellent). My timings for lessons have been great although there was one occassion when I was late for the lesson by 5 minutes although it wasnt really my fault...(cough). I hope to stay punctual for future lessons.
4)Submission and quality of homework: For this particular area, I would rate myself a 3(good/avarage). Why this area is such a mediocre rating is becuase my homework has been submitted late 2 or 3 times. I hope not to submit it late again and also the quality of the homework has not been outstanding either. Next term I shall put a lot more effort into my homework.
5)Ability to work independently: My ability to work independently is quite good, I would rate it a 2. Why I gave it this rating is becuase I believe that if I put my mind to any task, I can complete it, alone or with a group. While I'd prefer to work in a group for various reasons, working alone can also be a strongpoint of mine becuase it means I have my own original ideas and it would show how well i understand the subject at hand.
6)Quality of writing: My quality of writing would have to be a 2. When writing my work, I make sure I understand what it is that I'm writing, what audience I am writing for and if my style of writing and correct. Many more thought processes go into my work and I therefore make sure that my quality of writing is at its best.
7)Organisation of blog: The organisation of my blog would again have to be a 2. My blog isn't perfect but all the work that has been set in the past is there. I make sure that all work is posted on the blog and not in my book. All my work on the blog is in chronological order and is therefore easy to read to read and also easy to track down any past work.
8)Oral contribution in class: In this last area of self evaluation, I would rate myself a 3. While I do understand what is being taught, I do tend to not give an answer when the class is propmted a question. This may be due to the fact that I would want other people's opinions on a certain topic.
WWW:
- I understand key media terminlogy
- I understand certain thought processes that go into media techniques
- I nuderstand how to analyse a poster or video properly
EBI:
- I contributed more in class
- I put more effort into homework
- I do more revision at home
Friday, 30 October 2009
Friday, 23 October 2009
Review on Two Films Displayed At The Media Awards
At the media awards, many trailer flims were up for many nominations for different awards including best comedy, best drama, best music etc. I have picked two flims that i thought stood out from the rest. There are many reasons as to why i have picked these two flims over the others which wil be explained now:
Who's Bad:
Personaly, I felt that this trailer was the best one. There were many things that made this trailer really good. The camera shots were effective, the acting of stereotypes were superb and the trailer itself was a dominant reading. Who's Bad is basicaly a movie about a modern school-geek trying to fit in with a popular crowd and eventualy get "laid". This movie may be the average collage-party movie but the characters and jokes are so charming you tend forget. The stereotypes of each chracter are as followed: The geek, the bully, the friend helping the geek get laid and the girl herself. From this perspective it seems that this may just be an average movie but the stereotypes are what actualy make the flim seem so interesting. Many flims nowdays want to break away from the usual stereotypes but having them back in a flim is sort of like a refresher. Its understandable why this won best comedy award. I rate this movie 5/5
Zero:
In my opinion, this was the second best trailer. This had won the best original story award and this very understandable becuase this story was very riviting. There are a group of friends who are all extraordinary in a sense that there are no stereotypical characters except for one, the protagonist. The story is about the protagonist doing anything she can to make it into the modeling world. The antagonist in this movie seems to be anorexia itself. Irate this vie 5/5.
Who's Bad:
Personaly, I felt that this trailer was the best one. There were many things that made this trailer really good. The camera shots were effective, the acting of stereotypes were superb and the trailer itself was a dominant reading. Who's Bad is basicaly a movie about a modern school-geek trying to fit in with a popular crowd and eventualy get "laid". This movie may be the average collage-party movie but the characters and jokes are so charming you tend forget. The stereotypes of each chracter are as followed: The geek, the bully, the friend helping the geek get laid and the girl herself. From this perspective it seems that this may just be an average movie but the stereotypes are what actualy make the flim seem so interesting. Many flims nowdays want to break away from the usual stereotypes but having them back in a flim is sort of like a refresher. Its understandable why this won best comedy award. I rate this movie 5/5
Zero:
In my opinion, this was the second best trailer. This had won the best original story award and this very understandable becuase this story was very riviting. There are a group of friends who are all extraordinary in a sense that there are no stereotypical characters except for one, the protagonist. The story is about the protagonist doing anything she can to make it into the modeling world. The antagonist in this movie seems to be anorexia itself. Irate this vie 5/5.
Monday, 19 October 2009
The Effect Media Has On Society Today
In todays society we have to ask ourselves an important question. Just how much influence does the media have on todays society? If we delve deeper into this topic there are a range of other questions that need answering. In this essay I'll answer two two main questions: Does violence in the media create more violence and do skinny models effect society. There are three textual examples on both questions.
Starting on the question does violence in the media create more violence, I have a prime example. The computer game Grand Theft Auto. This game had created mass moral panic and a huge effect on consumers. Why this game is such a controversial subject is because many young people were playing this game and were being heavily influenced by it. Grand Theft Auto is a "free-roam" game where the player is free to commit various crimes and get away scott-free without any penalties (sometimes). If a child or young adult were to get hold of this game there would be cause for concern becuase there have already been reports of people influenced to do crimes becuase of this game.
Another example I have is another computer game. This game is called Manhunt. Already by the title, people can see that this is going to be a violent game. There have also been reportings of crimes and even murders becuase of this game. Manhunt seems to glorify violence along with Grand Theft Auto. It is also obvious that both have dominant readings becuase both games seem to be well made with a good design.
The last example of violence in the media creating more violence is the 1980's cult film The Warriors. When this film came out at the time, it stirred a lot of controversy among the media world. There were reportings that gangs were seeing this movie and killing other gang members along the way. This movie had so much media effect that it had to be cancelled in most cinemas to stop violence in the street. Though this was a long time ago, newspapers still comment on this movie today for contributing to youth violence. Looking at these three examples, it seems that the theory of desensitization has two sides to it. It also seems these examples can be looked at in a catharsis point of view.
Do skinny models have an effect on society? The short answer would be yes. Evidence of this answer would be contemporary celebrities. Modern day celebrities all aim to be as thin as possible. Since almost all celebs are looked up to, society will do as much as it can to keep up with the new trends. Teenagers (mainly girls) would want to be as skinny as possible to look like their idols.
Skinny models and modelling itself has become so popular that even shows are made about it. For example, America's Next Top Model seems to be a favourite among teenagers and adults alike. While there is no protagonist in the show, all the participants are skinny and attractive. This show just seems to promote thiness to the extreme. Having a show like this is like an advertiser for beauty products and can also be seen as a motivator to be thin and look like these models.
The final example is about teenagers themselves. Among teenage girls, there seems to be more and more reportings of anorexia. This is partially due to the fact that these girls think that they cant keep up with "skinny model's" standards. Teenage girls want to look like these attractive models so they will do anything, espcially boycott eating, to look like them.
In conclusion the answer for both questions is yes. This is becuase looking at these examples, we can see that both violence and skinny models have major influence towards all kinds of people.
Starting on the question does violence in the media create more violence, I have a prime example. The computer game Grand Theft Auto. This game had created mass moral panic and a huge effect on consumers. Why this game is such a controversial subject is because many young people were playing this game and were being heavily influenced by it. Grand Theft Auto is a "free-roam" game where the player is free to commit various crimes and get away scott-free without any penalties (sometimes). If a child or young adult were to get hold of this game there would be cause for concern becuase there have already been reports of people influenced to do crimes becuase of this game.
Another example I have is another computer game. This game is called Manhunt. Already by the title, people can see that this is going to be a violent game. There have also been reportings of crimes and even murders becuase of this game. Manhunt seems to glorify violence along with Grand Theft Auto. It is also obvious that both have dominant readings becuase both games seem to be well made with a good design.
The last example of violence in the media creating more violence is the 1980's cult film The Warriors. When this film came out at the time, it stirred a lot of controversy among the media world. There were reportings that gangs were seeing this movie and killing other gang members along the way. This movie had so much media effect that it had to be cancelled in most cinemas to stop violence in the street. Though this was a long time ago, newspapers still comment on this movie today for contributing to youth violence. Looking at these three examples, it seems that the theory of desensitization has two sides to it. It also seems these examples can be looked at in a catharsis point of view.
Do skinny models have an effect on society? The short answer would be yes. Evidence of this answer would be contemporary celebrities. Modern day celebrities all aim to be as thin as possible. Since almost all celebs are looked up to, society will do as much as it can to keep up with the new trends. Teenagers (mainly girls) would want to be as skinny as possible to look like their idols.
Skinny models and modelling itself has become so popular that even shows are made about it. For example, America's Next Top Model seems to be a favourite among teenagers and adults alike. While there is no protagonist in the show, all the participants are skinny and attractive. This show just seems to promote thiness to the extreme. Having a show like this is like an advertiser for beauty products and can also be seen as a motivator to be thin and look like these models.
The final example is about teenagers themselves. Among teenage girls, there seems to be more and more reportings of anorexia. This is partially due to the fact that these girls think that they cant keep up with "skinny model's" standards. Teenage girls want to look like these attractive models so they will do anything, espcially boycott eating, to look like them.
In conclusion the answer for both questions is yes. This is becuase looking at these examples, we can see that both violence and skinny models have major influence towards all kinds of people.
Friday, 9 October 2009
Spheres of action in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
Harry Potter is the extremly successful book written by J.K.Rowling. It is popular among children and adults. Within this book are Vladimir Propp's theory of roles of individual characters (spheres of action).
The Villian: The obvious villain in this book is Lord Voldemort. He is the one that creates complications in the narrative making it hard for the hero to pursue his quest. Also, the actions Voldemort takes in the book are an obvious example of an antagonist.
The hero: The hero in this book is Harry Potter. We can see that he is the protagonist becuase he is the one that saves the day restores equilibrium. He also defeats the antagonist therefore creating a new equilibrium.
The dispatcher: Albus Dumbledore. While he may not be in the book, from the previous book, he send Harry on mission to find Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. Also, his presence is always hinted and Dumbledore had even left Harry clues to help him on his mission so he can also be seen as a helper.
The donor: Along with being the dispatcher and helper, Dumbledore's role could stretch as far as being a donor. He can be presented in this way becuase throughout the book, he leaves Harry items and had even given him items in previous books that help him in this one.
The Villian: The obvious villain in this book is Lord Voldemort. He is the one that creates complications in the narrative making it hard for the hero to pursue his quest. Also, the actions Voldemort takes in the book are an obvious example of an antagonist.
The hero: The hero in this book is Harry Potter. We can see that he is the protagonist becuase he is the one that saves the day restores equilibrium. He also defeats the antagonist therefore creating a new equilibrium.
The dispatcher: Albus Dumbledore. While he may not be in the book, from the previous book, he send Harry on mission to find Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. Also, his presence is always hinted and Dumbledore had even left Harry clues to help him on his mission so he can also be seen as a helper.
The donor: Along with being the dispatcher and helper, Dumbledore's role could stretch as far as being a donor. He can be presented in this way becuase throughout the book, he leaves Harry items and had even given him items in previous books that help him in this one.
Popular 30's and 40's genres
The 1930's and 1940's were described as "The Golden Age of Motion Pictures". Back in the 30's and 40's, the cinema industry was still growing, especially in America. In America was the birth of Hollywood. Soon Hollywood became the world capital of motion pictures. Many European film makers went to Holloywood and some say this was what made Holloywood what it is.
Films like The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind are considered classics in the 30's and 40's. A number of horror movies were released in the 30's and 40's including Frankenstien, Dracula, Wolfman etc. It seems that audiences enjoyed the art or horror caught on camera. It entertained them very much.
Films like citizen Kane. Casablanca and Henry V were out at the time and were also very popular. This tells us that audiences at the time were into historical/drama movies.
During the 30's and 40's, British director Alfred Hitchcock was making a diverse genre of movies ranging from romantic comedies to courtroom dramas. A majority of the audience seemed to like Hitchcock's movies including Shadow of a Doubt and Saboteur. Other films of his including Lifeboat was a World War 2 film and Shadow of a Doubt was a thriller.
In conclusion, audiences in the 1930's and 1940's seemed to like a trip to the cinema and it seems that cinema as a whole was an important factor to peoples lives and growth of a still-growing industry. The genres that seemed to be most popular were historical, thriller and horror films.
Films like The Wizard of Oz and Gone With The Wind are considered classics in the 30's and 40's. A number of horror movies were released in the 30's and 40's including Frankenstien, Dracula, Wolfman etc. It seems that audiences enjoyed the art or horror caught on camera. It entertained them very much.
Films like citizen Kane. Casablanca and Henry V were out at the time and were also very popular. This tells us that audiences at the time were into historical/drama movies.
During the 30's and 40's, British director Alfred Hitchcock was making a diverse genre of movies ranging from romantic comedies to courtroom dramas. A majority of the audience seemed to like Hitchcock's movies including Shadow of a Doubt and Saboteur. Other films of his including Lifeboat was a World War 2 film and Shadow of a Doubt was a thriller.
In conclusion, audiences in the 1930's and 1940's seemed to like a trip to the cinema and it seems that cinema as a whole was an important factor to peoples lives and growth of a still-growing industry. The genres that seemed to be most popular were historical, thriller and horror films.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Hollyoaks Review
Hollyoaks is a tv drama series that is contempory and quite popular amongst British viewers.The episode that I had watched had a linear patter with a multi-strand narrative. It seems that throughout the show we see multiple character's lives progressing towards a similar resolution. The genre of this show seems to be made up of multiple themes e.g. drama, suspense. thriller etc. By taking on these genres, the producers are able to come up with many plot lines and fit in character development.
In the episode I viewed, the protagonist seemed to be a man called Jake. The episode opens with him telling his current affairs to a police officer. He talks about his family's state and then it cuts to his family who are grieving over the death of someone who died in an earlier episode. how its communicated that Jake is the protagonist is that he had delivered the first line of the show. Usually, main protagonists are the ones who introduce the show. He is also given the most character depth throughout the episode.
How we are encouraged to identify with this character is that we can almost empathize with him because he seem to have the deepest story out of all the characters in this show. Later on in the show we find out that he is accused of trying to kill someone but all he wants is his family. We can also identify with this character becuase as we see him interact with other characters we see a good side to him opposed to how he is portrayed by the muder story.
The sequence of events seems to be pretty simple. The overall plot of the episode seems to revolve around a murder. Throughout the episode we see all of the characters deal with this in their own way. Individual stories are explored as we see their individual reactions to this murder. There is an event where one of the characters stops a girl from commit suiciding. This seems to be a key moment because as they become friends after this, this friendship will be an ongoing plot line for future episodes.
In terms of mysteries, there really isnt any in this episode. Everything plot line and device are explained in this episode leaving no mystery or suspense for the viewer.
The equilibrium in this episode begins right at the beginnning when all characters are grieving over the death of someone and it seems life is turning back to normal. The disequilibrium begins when we see that one of the characters is accused for murder and is on the run from the police. Later on he mugs an old women for her purse. Later he sees that a girl is about to jump off a building and arrives just in time to save her.This is where the new equilibrium begins.
In the episode I viewed, the protagonist seemed to be a man called Jake. The episode opens with him telling his current affairs to a police officer. He talks about his family's state and then it cuts to his family who are grieving over the death of someone who died in an earlier episode. how its communicated that Jake is the protagonist is that he had delivered the first line of the show. Usually, main protagonists are the ones who introduce the show. He is also given the most character depth throughout the episode.
How we are encouraged to identify with this character is that we can almost empathize with him because he seem to have the deepest story out of all the characters in this show. Later on in the show we find out that he is accused of trying to kill someone but all he wants is his family. We can also identify with this character becuase as we see him interact with other characters we see a good side to him opposed to how he is portrayed by the muder story.
The sequence of events seems to be pretty simple. The overall plot of the episode seems to revolve around a murder. Throughout the episode we see all of the characters deal with this in their own way. Individual stories are explored as we see their individual reactions to this murder. There is an event where one of the characters stops a girl from commit suiciding. This seems to be a key moment because as they become friends after this, this friendship will be an ongoing plot line for future episodes.
In terms of mysteries, there really isnt any in this episode. Everything plot line and device are explained in this episode leaving no mystery or suspense for the viewer.
The equilibrium in this episode begins right at the beginnning when all characters are grieving over the death of someone and it seems life is turning back to normal. The disequilibrium begins when we see that one of the characters is accused for murder and is on the run from the police. Later on he mugs an old women for her purse. Later he sees that a girl is about to jump off a building and arrives just in time to save her.This is where the new equilibrium begins.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium.
Equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium are the three main driving points of a movie. Within most movies and equilibrium exists (this means there an existing state of harmony at the beginning of the movie. Later on in the movie, there is a disequilibrium which is when the equilibrium is disrupted by an unfortunate event or evil chracter that would then lead to a chain of events involving conflict. At the end of most if movies there is then a new equilibrium, involving the evil forces being defeated, the conflict being resolved and harmony existing once more. Here are a few examples where equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium are present:
(1)Spiderman (film)
Spiderman is a superhero film. The beginning of the movie starts off with Peter Parker living his normal high school life and one day goes on a school trip to a genetics lab. While he is there he gets bitten by a mutant spider making him have super powers.This is where the equilibrium ends and the disequilibrium begins. Harry Osborn (Peter's best friend) is the son of Norman Osborn. Norman is affected by an experiment that turns him insane. He therefore wants to terrorise the city leaving only Spiderman to save it. At the end of the movie there is a new equilibrium becuase Norman is defeated the city is back to normal.
(2)Watchmen (film)
Watchmen is also a superhero film. The film starts off with the eqilibrium of vigilante being banned from the city so society can run normally. This film has a short equilibrium becuase straight after this the disequilibrium begins when an ex vigilante is mudered and another vigilante tries to find out who the killer is. The disequilibrium is the longest becuase all throughout the film we are trying to find out who the killer is. At the end we eventually find out who the killer is an through a series of plot twists we find out that the killer killed the ex vigilante for the greater good. Therefore, anyone who found this out has decided to keep quiet and as a result, society returns back to normal creating a new equilibrium.
(3)Harry Potter (All the books)
Harry Potter is the world-renowned book written by J.K.Rowling that has a definitive equilibrium, diseqilibrium and new eqilibrium. It starts off with Harry as a normal boy living a normal life but then recieves an invitation to go to Hogwarts,a magical wizarding school. At the beginning of each book, the equilibrium is of Harry traveling to Hogwarts for another school year With the exception of the last book, the disequilibrium begins when he enters Hogwarts for another adventure. Through a series of trials, the books end with a new equilibrium becuase the threat of the enemy is gone.
(4)Lord Of The Rings (Film trilogy)
The Lord Of The Rings is a fantasy adventure film. This flim starts with the history of how an ultimate ring was made but then kept in safe hands thousands of years later. One of the protagonists notices this ring then seeks to destory it. At this point the equilibrium is over. The movie then moves over to our other protagonist Frodo, as he must destroy the ring. From this point till the end of the third movie, there is disequilibrium all throughout becuase there is a constant struggle as a number of antogonists try to claim the ring back. At the end of the third film, the new eqilibrium is created as the villians are vanquished.
(5)Home Alone (Film)
Home Alone is a family/advanture film. This film has a basic equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium set out. Our protagonist is called Kevin who's family wants to go on holiday. The next day he awakes to find that his family has gone without him and so he must wait till they get back. The disequilibrium starts when two burglers (our anogonists) start to realise that Kevin is home alone. They then start to put their plan into action and try to get into the house. After a series of traps laid out by Kevin, the burglers are eventually caught and his family make it back home just in time and this is obviously our new equilibrium.
(6)Fight Club (Film)
This film doesnt really fit the standard set up of the equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium theme. This is a action/thriller film. The film starts off with the namless narrator living out his life the way he chooses. He then comes across the man called Tyler Durden and this is when the equilibrium ends and the disequilibrium sort of begins. In a way the middle part of the movie is a disequilibrium becuase chaos is spreading aruond the city but at the same time it isnt because the main character is a part of all this. Later on we find that the narrator's and Tyler Durdun's group want to blow up city banks. At the end of the movie we find out that the narrator and Tyler are the same person and the movie ends with the banks blowing up. This ending isnt really a new equilibrium becuase we dont know weather the narrator will carry on with his chaotic ways.
(1)Spiderman (film)
Spiderman is a superhero film. The beginning of the movie starts off with Peter Parker living his normal high school life and one day goes on a school trip to a genetics lab. While he is there he gets bitten by a mutant spider making him have super powers.This is where the equilibrium ends and the disequilibrium begins. Harry Osborn (Peter's best friend) is the son of Norman Osborn. Norman is affected by an experiment that turns him insane. He therefore wants to terrorise the city leaving only Spiderman to save it. At the end of the movie there is a new equilibrium becuase Norman is defeated the city is back to normal.
(2)Watchmen (film)
Watchmen is also a superhero film. The film starts off with the eqilibrium of vigilante being banned from the city so society can run normally. This film has a short equilibrium becuase straight after this the disequilibrium begins when an ex vigilante is mudered and another vigilante tries to find out who the killer is. The disequilibrium is the longest becuase all throughout the film we are trying to find out who the killer is. At the end we eventually find out who the killer is an through a series of plot twists we find out that the killer killed the ex vigilante for the greater good. Therefore, anyone who found this out has decided to keep quiet and as a result, society returns back to normal creating a new equilibrium.
(3)Harry Potter (All the books)
Harry Potter is the world-renowned book written by J.K.Rowling that has a definitive equilibrium, diseqilibrium and new eqilibrium. It starts off with Harry as a normal boy living a normal life but then recieves an invitation to go to Hogwarts,a magical wizarding school. At the beginning of each book, the equilibrium is of Harry traveling to Hogwarts for another school year With the exception of the last book, the disequilibrium begins when he enters Hogwarts for another adventure. Through a series of trials, the books end with a new equilibrium becuase the threat of the enemy is gone.
(4)Lord Of The Rings (Film trilogy)
The Lord Of The Rings is a fantasy adventure film. This flim starts with the history of how an ultimate ring was made but then kept in safe hands thousands of years later. One of the protagonists notices this ring then seeks to destory it. At this point the equilibrium is over. The movie then moves over to our other protagonist Frodo, as he must destroy the ring. From this point till the end of the third movie, there is disequilibrium all throughout becuase there is a constant struggle as a number of antogonists try to claim the ring back. At the end of the third film, the new eqilibrium is created as the villians are vanquished.
(5)Home Alone (Film)
Home Alone is a family/advanture film. This film has a basic equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium set out. Our protagonist is called Kevin who's family wants to go on holiday. The next day he awakes to find that his family has gone without him and so he must wait till they get back. The disequilibrium starts when two burglers (our anogonists) start to realise that Kevin is home alone. They then start to put their plan into action and try to get into the house. After a series of traps laid out by Kevin, the burglers are eventually caught and his family make it back home just in time and this is obviously our new equilibrium.
(6)Fight Club (Film)
This film doesnt really fit the standard set up of the equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium theme. This is a action/thriller film. The film starts off with the namless narrator living out his life the way he chooses. He then comes across the man called Tyler Durden and this is when the equilibrium ends and the disequilibrium sort of begins. In a way the middle part of the movie is a disequilibrium becuase chaos is spreading aruond the city but at the same time it isnt because the main character is a part of all this. Later on we find that the narrator's and Tyler Durdun's group want to blow up city banks. At the end of the movie we find out that the narrator and Tyler are the same person and the movie ends with the banks blowing up. This ending isnt really a new equilibrium becuase we dont know weather the narrator will carry on with his chaotic ways.
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