Tuesday 16 December 2008
Historical
-Calvin Klein- “obsession” (1985)
Women are represented as sex objects as they are an obsession fantasised by men, which men want for only one reason. At the end she says “There are many loves but only one obsession”- suggesting sex is an obsession. Also in the advert she is wearing white which contradicts her actions as white symbolises purity and innocence and her actions are totally opposite, which gives a representation of both “Madonna” and “whore”.
Link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=h7UHA_tr7S0
-Calvin Klein- “obsession” (1985)
Women are represented as sex objects as they are an obsession fantasised by men, which men want for only one reason. At the end she says “There are many loves but only one obsession”- suggesting sex is an obsession. Also in the advert she is wearing white which contradicts her actions as white symbolises purity and innocence and her actions are totally opposite, which gives a representation of both “Madonna” and “whore”.
Link: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=h7UHA_tr7S0
FEMALE DIRECTORS
1- Lynne Ramsey- Born in Glasgow, graduated from UK’s National Film and Television School in 1995. Directed films such as “Small Deaths” and “Kill the Day”.
2- Catherine Hardwicke’s from Texas USA- directed the 2008 hit film "Twilight". It is a hard action packed movie about a love between a vampire and a human. It is based on the number 1 selling series "30 weeks and Counting".
3- Mary Harron- Canadian director- directed the hit film "American Psycho". It's a film about a wealthy man working at his fathers company on Wall Street who goes deeper into his fantasies and kills for no reason.
4- Gurinder Chadha- born in Kenya, grew up in Southall. Directed “Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging”
1- Lynne Ramsey- Born in Glasgow, graduated from UK’s National Film and Television School in 1995. Directed films such as “Small Deaths” and “Kill the Day”.
2- Catherine Hardwicke’s from Texas USA- directed the 2008 hit film "Twilight". It is a hard action packed movie about a love between a vampire and a human. It is based on the number 1 selling series "30 weeks and Counting".
3- Mary Harron- Canadian director- directed the hit film "American Psycho". It's a film about a wealthy man working at his fathers company on Wall Street who goes deeper into his fantasies and kills for no reason.
4- Gurinder Chadha- born in Kenya, grew up in Southall. Directed “Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging”
FIVE REASONS WHY WOMEN DIRECTORS ARE RARE
1- Because they have other duties such as looking after there kids, and they can’t do this as being a director means to fully commit to that and only that
2- It is a very male dominant industry as its business orientated, which is male dominant, and its more about who you know-so men are at every level leaving no space for women.
3- Many women believe they can’t make it
4- There’s a hierarchy of men which means men are in charge of mostly everything making it hard for women. Female directors don't make the effort to send in their projects, which makes people think whether or not they really want to enter the industry
5-Female directors don't make the effort to send in their projects, which makes people think whether or not they really want to enter the industry
1- Because they have other duties such as looking after there kids, and they can’t do this as being a director means to fully commit to that and only that
2- It is a very male dominant industry as its business orientated, which is male dominant, and its more about who you know-so men are at every level leaving no space for women.
3- Many women believe they can’t make it
4- There’s a hierarchy of men which means men are in charge of mostly everything making it hard for women. Female directors don't make the effort to send in their projects, which makes people think whether or not they really want to enter the industry
5-Female directors don't make the effort to send in their projects, which makes people think whether or not they really want to enter the industry
Gender and Advertising
Gunter(1995)
theorist looks at gender and how women are being represented in magazines, in different decades. He found women in magazines adverts before 1970’s are hardly shown in paid work and if they were jobs would be associated with the female gender, ie secretary or a hairdresser. Gunter also concludes that the 'housewife' image was in decline after the 50's but was still quite common in the 60's and 70's. Even though women were shown more as working women, Gunter still found that women were shown to be performing domestic duties.
Cumberbatch (1995) l
ooked at 500 prime time tv ads in the uk and found advertisers had become wary of showing women doing housework, seen in 7% of the ad's, However for the first time it was shown men were doing cooking, but only on special occasions, and not as frequent as women did.
Scheibe (1979)
looked at T.V ad's and did an assessment of what male and female characters were shown to be concerned about. It was concluded women in ad's were more concerned about beauty, cleanliness, family and pleasing others, whereas men were only concerned about achievements and having fun.
Macdonald (1995)
"advertisers generally lagged behind women's magazines in the cultivation of new modes of address, even when the evidence suggested that commercial advantages could be gained from modernising their approach", macdonalds suggests advertisers do nothing to update and modernise women’s stereotypes.
Greer-
"every woman knows that she is a failure if she is not beautiful", This suggests a women is not a women if she is not physically attractive "Thirty years ago it was enough to look beautiful now a woman has to have a tight, toned body, including her buttocks and thighs, so that she is in good touch all over",
Walters (1998).
"If only 4% of men think that they are attractive, we should not be too quick to argue that only women feel cast down by the pressures of beautiful ideals" (1998). She also suggest attractive people earn more money.
Cortese,
wrote in the book called 'provocateur', women are shown to be the perfect provocateur as they are made to look like this through editing ect…. “Displays youth, good looks, sexual seductiveness and [beauty] perfection", in adverts women are made to look perfect promiscuous
Gunter(1995)
theorist looks at gender and how women are being represented in magazines, in different decades. He found women in magazines adverts before 1970’s are hardly shown in paid work and if they were jobs would be associated with the female gender, ie secretary or a hairdresser. Gunter also concludes that the 'housewife' image was in decline after the 50's but was still quite common in the 60's and 70's. Even though women were shown more as working women, Gunter still found that women were shown to be performing domestic duties.
Cumberbatch (1995) l
ooked at 500 prime time tv ads in the uk and found advertisers had become wary of showing women doing housework, seen in 7% of the ad's, However for the first time it was shown men were doing cooking, but only on special occasions, and not as frequent as women did.
Scheibe (1979)
looked at T.V ad's and did an assessment of what male and female characters were shown to be concerned about. It was concluded women in ad's were more concerned about beauty, cleanliness, family and pleasing others, whereas men were only concerned about achievements and having fun.
Macdonald (1995)
"advertisers generally lagged behind women's magazines in the cultivation of new modes of address, even when the evidence suggested that commercial advantages could be gained from modernising their approach", macdonalds suggests advertisers do nothing to update and modernise women’s stereotypes.
Greer-
"every woman knows that she is a failure if she is not beautiful", This suggests a women is not a women if she is not physically attractive "Thirty years ago it was enough to look beautiful now a woman has to have a tight, toned body, including her buttocks and thighs, so that she is in good touch all over",
Walters (1998).
"If only 4% of men think that they are attractive, we should not be too quick to argue that only women feel cast down by the pressures of beautiful ideals" (1998). She also suggest attractive people earn more money.
Cortese,
wrote in the book called 'provocateur', women are shown to be the perfect provocateur as they are made to look like this through editing ect…. “Displays youth, good looks, sexual seductiveness and [beauty] perfection", in adverts women are made to look perfect promiscuous
1970- Jaws
Men are also represented as dominant and in control as they’re the only sexes taking part in the problem solving. In the opening clip females are represented as unintelligent as a woman is floating around in the sea in the middle of then night. Women are also seen only taking part in only family involvement, conforming to Mc Neil (1975) – women’s interaction only to with family or romance.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMLFO6TsFM
Men are also represented as dominant and in control as they’re the only sexes taking part in the problem solving. In the opening clip females are represented as unintelligent as a woman is floating around in the sea in the middle of then night. Women are also seen only taking part in only family involvement, conforming to Mc Neil (1975) – women’s interaction only to with family or romance.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ucMLFO6TsFM
1970- ‘The Godfather’
Mc Neil’s study in 1970 showed men play the dominant roles; this is visible in this text as its only male involvement when serious business is concerned. The men are shown to be wearing suits and ties, showing they’re part of professional and controlled crime, connoting they are powerful and leading. Mc Neil (1975) also said women’s contributions in movies are only to with romantic or family roles. This is shown in this text as the only participation of females is to do with romance.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oAfWMr26KQk
Mc Neil’s study in 1970 showed men play the dominant roles; this is visible in this text as its only male involvement when serious business is concerned. The men are shown to be wearing suits and ties, showing they’re part of professional and controlled crime, connoting they are powerful and leading. Mc Neil (1975) also said women’s contributions in movies are only to with romantic or family roles. This is shown in this text as the only participation of females is to do with romance.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=oAfWMr26KQk
1960-‘Sound of Music’
In this text there’s a different view of women as the main character is Maria, showing the increase in female leading roles. Ina addition she shown to be a “Madonna” through her actions and what she wears- which is a long dress with a apron, and plays the role of housewife as her job is to take care of 7 kids. This is also shown in the last shot of her in a white wedding dress, which connotes she is a virgin, suggesting she innocent and pure. In one shot the farther tells her how to behave, which connotes she is under his orders, showing how women are suppressed by men.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQdYoK64S4
In this text there’s a different view of women as the main character is Maria, showing the increase in female leading roles. Ina addition she shown to be a “Madonna” through her actions and what she wears- which is a long dress with a apron, and plays the role of housewife as her job is to take care of 7 kids. This is also shown in the last shot of her in a white wedding dress, which connotes she is a virgin, suggesting she innocent and pure. In one shot the farther tells her how to behave, which connotes she is under his orders, showing how women are suppressed by men.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQdYoK64S4
1960-‘Bonnie and Clyde’ [1967]
In the 1960’s there was a sexual revolution for women, this movement is clearly shown in the text as the first shot is a close up of her lips, which are red and full-connoting sex. Also she is naked lying on the bed banging the bed post with her hand, connoting she is sexually frustrated. Furthermore the fact she goes up to the window naked suggests she is promiscuous representing her of a “whore”. However when she comes out of the house she is wearing a light coloured dress suggesting she is innocent showing a “Madonna” side to her. In addition the stereotype of blondes being “bimbos” is also shown her actions are very flimsy. Also when Clyde suggests she is a “maid” or “waitress” connotes women are only good for these jobs and are to unintelligent for any important jobs. Moreover Gunter said only 20% of characters were women, this is seen in this text as the only women on screen was Bonnie.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=C0j6ghtjNto
In the 1960’s there was a sexual revolution for women, this movement is clearly shown in the text as the first shot is a close up of her lips, which are red and full-connoting sex. Also she is naked lying on the bed banging the bed post with her hand, connoting she is sexually frustrated. Furthermore the fact she goes up to the window naked suggests she is promiscuous representing her of a “whore”. However when she comes out of the house she is wearing a light coloured dress suggesting she is innocent showing a “Madonna” side to her. In addition the stereotype of blondes being “bimbos” is also shown her actions are very flimsy. Also when Clyde suggests she is a “maid” or “waitress” connotes women are only good for these jobs and are to unintelligent for any important jobs. Moreover Gunter said only 20% of characters were women, this is seen in this text as the only women on screen was Bonnie.
link:http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=C0j6ghtjNto
Tuesday 9 December 2008
Book Research
"Degrading and trivialising views of women"- Dyer, Gillan (1987) "introduction" in Baehut, Helen and Dyer, Gillian, Boxed In: Women and Television, London: Pandora
"viwers were encouraged to identify with the protaganist who tended to be a man" Mulvey, Laura (1975) "visual pleasure and narrative Cinema"
"Highlighting a womens to-be-looked-at-ness"
Wolf argues that "Women's bodies and female sexuality have become commodities and the consequences of this are mental and physical illness, stravation diets and eating disorders"Dr. Work
Alice Embree argued that 'women were seen as bodies, not people (1970, 206)"
Feminism, Femininity and popular culture by joanne howan (02)
'Hollywood films are a narrative cinema and the narrative is usually told via a male perspective' mulvey
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze09.html
Freud argues the 'men unconsciously see women as castrated and this causes them to feel anxiety which is why fertishization objects are used in order to reduce anxiety.'
O'Sullivan,Tim, Jewkes,Yvonne (1997-reprinted in 2004): The Media Studies Reader,Arnold, Edward- whole book relevant as information on womens career representation and useful to my text as Angleina Joli represented as a more superior perosn then the men in the film 'wanted' 08.
“Only 3% of women were represented as housewives as their main occupation”. 92-93 Legates, Marlene (2001): In Their Time. Great Britain: Routledge.
"Degrading and trivialising views of women"- Dyer, Gillan (1987) "introduction" in Baehut, Helen and Dyer, Gillian, Boxed In: Women and Television, London: Pandora
"viwers were encouraged to identify with the protaganist who tended to be a man" Mulvey, Laura (1975) "visual pleasure and narrative Cinema"
"Highlighting a womens to-be-looked-at-ness"
Wolf argues that "Women's bodies and female sexuality have become commodities and the consequences of this are mental and physical illness, stravation diets and eating disorders"Dr. Work
Alice Embree argued that 'women were seen as bodies, not people (1970, 206)"
Feminism, Femininity and popular culture by joanne howan (02)
'Hollywood films are a narrative cinema and the narrative is usually told via a male perspective' mulvey
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze09.html
Freud argues the 'men unconsciously see women as castrated and this causes them to feel anxiety which is why fertishization objects are used in order to reduce anxiety.'
O'Sullivan,Tim, Jewkes,Yvonne (1997-reprinted in 2004): The Media Studies Reader,Arnold, Edward- whole book relevant as information on womens career representation and useful to my text as Angleina Joli represented as a more superior perosn then the men in the film 'wanted' 08.
“Only 3% of women were represented as housewives as their main occupation”. 92-93 Legates, Marlene (2001): In Their Time. Great Britain: Routledge.
Tuesday 2 December 2008
GENDER REPRESENATIONS IN THE PAST
WOMEN AND MEN ON TV
1950'S, 1960'S AND 1970'S only 20-30% of characters were female.
Mid 1980's there were more women leading roles, but there were twice as many men on screen.
Mid 1970's (Miles, 1975) found there were nearly equal proportions of men and women in situation comedies, however, gender roles and humour could still be traditional and sexist.
Only 15% of women were leading characters in adventurous and action shows.
In 1987, it was found female roles to be most common in comedy programmes (43%).
1970's, marriage, parenthood and domesticity were shown to be more important to women than men.
Study by McNeil (1975) concluded that women's movement was largely ignored by television, with married housewives being the main female role.
Studies in the 1970's found men to be the more dominant characters
Men were seen as assertive or aggressive, and women were seen as passive.
Men were also seen as active and victorious and Women were also seen as weak and victimised or merely "Token Females". (Gunter, 1995).
MC NEIL (1970)-found men were to be the more dominant characters and the decision makers
Overall men were more assertive and women were passive
WOMEN AND MEN ON TV
1950'S, 1960'S AND 1970'S only 20-30% of characters were female.
Mid 1980's there were more women leading roles, but there were twice as many men on screen.
Mid 1970's (Miles, 1975) found there were nearly equal proportions of men and women in situation comedies, however, gender roles and humour could still be traditional and sexist.
Only 15% of women were leading characters in adventurous and action shows.
In 1987, it was found female roles to be most common in comedy programmes (43%).
1970's, marriage, parenthood and domesticity were shown to be more important to women than men.
Study by McNeil (1975) concluded that women's movement was largely ignored by television, with married housewives being the main female role.
Studies in the 1970's found men to be the more dominant characters
Men were seen as assertive or aggressive, and women were seen as passive.
Men were also seen as active and victorious and Women were also seen as weak and victimised or merely "Token Females". (Gunter, 1995).
MC NEIL (1970)-found men were to be the more dominant characters and the decision makers
Overall men were more assertive and women were passive
Gender representations today
It was in the 1990’s that gender roles on T.V became more equal and non-stereotyped, however majority of lead roles were males.
In prime T.V 1992-1993 61% of speaking roles were men and in 1995-1996 this increased to 63%.
However in 1995-1996 it was found in a greater range of programmes 43% of major actors were female
In the study done in 1992-1993 it was found only 3% of women were represented as housewives as their occupation- this was a major decrease from the 1970s.
Elasmer, Hasegawa and Brain (1999)- found “women on prime T.V in early 1990s were young, single, independent, and had free from family and work place pressures”
FEMALE ROLE MODELS
Programmes such as "Ally McBeal" (1997) and "Sex and the City" (1998) put successful women at the forefront and focuses on their paths to and for sex, pleasure and romantic love. This then shows women in a different light, representing them as provocative and promiscuous, rather than the traditional House wife and Homemaker.
Friends - shows that there has been an increase in equality between both genders.
A study by psychologists, Muncer, Campbell, Jervis and Lewis (2001), respond to the growing concern of the Media term "Ladettes", these are women who are assertive with an aggressive attitude which are usually associated with "Lads". The study talks about whether "girls power" leads to "girl violence".
GENDER REPRESENTATIONS IN SOME RECENT MOVIES
Lara Croft Tomb Raider (2001)-“girl power icon is dreamt up by video game boys and is 100% resourceful and successful
X-men (2000) - female super heroes are just as important and “cool” as the male ones
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)- Focused around women ho can skilfully beat up everybody
It was in the 1990’s that gender roles on T.V became more equal and non-stereotyped, however majority of lead roles were males.
In prime T.V 1992-1993 61% of speaking roles were men and in 1995-1996 this increased to 63%.
However in 1995-1996 it was found in a greater range of programmes 43% of major actors were female
In the study done in 1992-1993 it was found only 3% of women were represented as housewives as their occupation- this was a major decrease from the 1970s.
Elasmer, Hasegawa and Brain (1999)- found “women on prime T.V in early 1990s were young, single, independent, and had free from family and work place pressures”
FEMALE ROLE MODELS
Programmes such as "Ally McBeal" (1997) and "Sex and the City" (1998) put successful women at the forefront and focuses on their paths to and for sex, pleasure and romantic love. This then shows women in a different light, representing them as provocative and promiscuous, rather than the traditional House wife and Homemaker.
Friends - shows that there has been an increase in equality between both genders.
A study by psychologists, Muncer, Campbell, Jervis and Lewis (2001), respond to the growing concern of the Media term "Ladettes", these are women who are assertive with an aggressive attitude which are usually associated with "Lads". The study talks about whether "girls power" leads to "girl violence".
GENDER REPRESENTATIONS IN SOME RECENT MOVIES
Lara Croft Tomb Raider (2001)-“girl power icon is dreamt up by video game boys and is 100% resourceful and successful
X-men (2000) - female super heroes are just as important and “cool” as the male ones
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)- Focused around women ho can skilfully beat up everybody
Friday 21 November 2008
5 key points of the essay
The introduction is very clear and precise, it doesn’t waffle on about any irrelevant points and shows clearly what the essay is about.
Women are rising in status throughout the media down to the use of naked and explicit photos spread and images.
Good textual analysis and includes critical analysing the text using key concepts.
Media Theory is used throughout such as - Mulvey
"Modern magazine follow the conventions of Playboy, in which women are depicted as objects for men's contemplation and enjoyment".-use Sophisticated language and makes it flow.
The introduction is very clear and precise, it doesn’t waffle on about any irrelevant points and shows clearly what the essay is about.
Women are rising in status throughout the media down to the use of naked and explicit photos spread and images.
Good textual analysis and includes critical analysing the text using key concepts.
Media Theory is used throughout such as - Mulvey
"Modern magazine follow the conventions of Playboy, in which women are depicted as objects for men's contemplation and enjoyment".-use Sophisticated language and makes it flow.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Pluralists or Marxists?
The hegemonic model developed by Gramsci suggests the audience is passive and controlled by the dominant ideologies fed to them by the ruling class, who own mass media i.e. Rupert Murdock. Marxist theorists such as Marcuse suggest the audience is in a “false consciousness”, meaning we the audience believe were making our own choices, but in actual fact we’re conforming to expectations of what the ruling class wants us to be like. The Marxist theory was developed around the 1920’s which is clearly seen by it’s old fashioned views, although it does relate to contemporary media, it doesn’t take into account how much the media and it’s audience has developed.
Furthermore there is a much wider range in what we want to view, and the Pluralist model acknowledges the audience as active. There are theories to back this up such as Kat and Blumer’s Uses & Gratification theory, which suggests the audience, uses the media, moreover the Reception theory states the audience have different readings of the media. This theory argues the media reflects the societies shared beliefs and ideologies, and if it doesn’t, because the media has become polyvalent the audience will choose a different text to watch.
The hegemonic model developed by Gramsci suggests the audience is passive and controlled by the dominant ideologies fed to them by the ruling class, who own mass media i.e. Rupert Murdock. Marxist theorists such as Marcuse suggest the audience is in a “false consciousness”, meaning we the audience believe were making our own choices, but in actual fact we’re conforming to expectations of what the ruling class wants us to be like. The Marxist theory was developed around the 1920’s which is clearly seen by it’s old fashioned views, although it does relate to contemporary media, it doesn’t take into account how much the media and it’s audience has developed.
Furthermore there is a much wider range in what we want to view, and the Pluralist model acknowledges the audience as active. There are theories to back this up such as Kat and Blumer’s Uses & Gratification theory, which suggests the audience, uses the media, moreover the Reception theory states the audience have different readings of the media. This theory argues the media reflects the societies shared beliefs and ideologies, and if it doesn’t, because the media has become polyvalent the audience will choose a different text to watch.
Monday 17 November 2008
Analysis of clip
-One major symbol in the clip is Fox’s gun which symbolises the phallic symbol. In other words it makes up for what she hasn’t therefore giving her power. This connotes in order to be powerful you need to have a penis or something that can replace it, in her case it’s a gun.
-In the first couple of seconds there is a long shot of Wesley crouching with his hand on top of his head whilst a truck id driving straight for him, this connotes he is scared and to terrified to move, then the fact Fox comes out of nowhere with her fast car and saves him shows how much more braver she is than him. This it self connotes women are becoming more powerful and independent, which reflects the way women are in this day and age.
-Also the fact she is driving shows she is in control, which is further emphasised when he begs her to “please drive faster”, this shows she is more dominant in the situation which connotes women are more powerful in situations between themselves and men, it also connotes men are beginning to loose control ie “crisis of masculinity”.
-However at one point Fox is exposed to “male-gaze” as she went over the sun screen to shoot, her legs were in Wesley’s face as he makes the remark “woohoo” the music becomes more light hearted which connotes only one real purpose for a woman
-It’s a Hollywood movie, distributed by Universal Pictures mainly in multiplex cinema.
-It is an Action-Fantasy. It follows conventions of both as the fast cars, explosions, and guns clearly connote Action, where as an ordinary guy turning into the number one assassin clearly convoys fantasy.
-Women are represented as powerful in this clip, but also as sex objects due to her revealing clothes and camera angles directly looking at her legs.
-Men are represented as the sex which is loosing control and also the more dumber sex, also the fact the people after them are men and in the end of the clip she wins also shows women are becoming much more powerful in society today.
-This appeals to both a male and female audience aged 17-30.
-The narrative roles are interesting as Propps theory of the male being the hero and women being rescued is reversed as Fox is rescuing him.
-Todrovs theory can also be applied as they are a disequilibrium phase and need to get out of it.
-One major symbol in the clip is Fox’s gun which symbolises the phallic symbol. In other words it makes up for what she hasn’t therefore giving her power. This connotes in order to be powerful you need to have a penis or something that can replace it, in her case it’s a gun.
-In the first couple of seconds there is a long shot of Wesley crouching with his hand on top of his head whilst a truck id driving straight for him, this connotes he is scared and to terrified to move, then the fact Fox comes out of nowhere with her fast car and saves him shows how much more braver she is than him. This it self connotes women are becoming more powerful and independent, which reflects the way women are in this day and age.
-Also the fact she is driving shows she is in control, which is further emphasised when he begs her to “please drive faster”, this shows she is more dominant in the situation which connotes women are more powerful in situations between themselves and men, it also connotes men are beginning to loose control ie “crisis of masculinity”.
-However at one point Fox is exposed to “male-gaze” as she went over the sun screen to shoot, her legs were in Wesley’s face as he makes the remark “woohoo” the music becomes more light hearted which connotes only one real purpose for a woman
-It’s a Hollywood movie, distributed by Universal Pictures mainly in multiplex cinema.
-It is an Action-Fantasy. It follows conventions of both as the fast cars, explosions, and guns clearly connote Action, where as an ordinary guy turning into the number one assassin clearly convoys fantasy.
-Women are represented as powerful in this clip, but also as sex objects due to her revealing clothes and camera angles directly looking at her legs.
-Men are represented as the sex which is loosing control and also the more dumber sex, also the fact the people after them are men and in the end of the clip she wins also shows women are becoming much more powerful in society today.
-This appeals to both a male and female audience aged 17-30.
-The narrative roles are interesting as Propps theory of the male being the hero and women being rescued is reversed as Fox is rescuing him.
-Todrovs theory can also be applied as they are a disequilibrium phase and need to get out of it.
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Bibliography so far
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/03/99/tom_brook/387291.stm -women getting under paid
http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8606038721/m/1980067829 -representation of women
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=how+much+does+a+male+actor+make&meta= male actors income in Hollywood and female
http://www.funadvice.com/q/who_is_the_highest_paid_female_actress female actors in come
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=14586&s=Reviews
http://living.scotsman.com/movies?articleid=4208635
http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/movies/27want.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493464/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452608/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146316/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475394/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1999/03/99/tom_brook/387291.stm -women getting under paid
http://community.channel4.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8606038721/m/1980067829 -representation of women
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=how+much+does+a+male+actor+make&meta= male actors income in Hollywood and female
http://www.funadvice.com/q/who_is_the_highest_paid_female_actress female actors in come
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=14586&s=Reviews
http://living.scotsman.com/movies?articleid=4208635
http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/movies/27want.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0493464/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452608/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146316/
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475394/
10 WEBSITES AND HOW IT CAN BE USED IN MY STUDY
http://www.killbill-volumetwo.blogspot.com/ - Looks at female representation in kill bill, I haven’t actually looked into this text yet so this will help me have a better under standing
http://www.c-angels.blogspot.com/ - same with this text, I haven’t yet analysed this movie yet so this will help me have a better understanding
http://www.uiowa.edu/~commstud/resources/GenderMedia/femmedia.html looks at feminist take on the media representations which is what I need to look at a lot more
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze09.html has detail notes of Laura Mulvey’s “male gaze” which really helps me get a better understanding of it.
http://www.uk.rottentomatoes.com/ - help me research more film reviews and gather more quotes.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23400606-details/Mother+Angelina/article.do about Angelina Jolie and her life in show biz and being a mother.
http://virtual.clemson.edu/caah/women/flc436/mulvey.html note on the gaze and links to other notes which I can use to further my knowledge on her.
http://www.keltawebconcepts.com.au/ewommed1.htm detail of womens representaion in media in the past and opresent, looks at a feminist perspective.
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss3307_summer2008/2008/06/angelina_jolie_is_a_feminist_i.htmlmn feminist perspective of Angelina Jolie which looks into the way she is represented ie passive and as a sex object. I can use this when analysing her in movies
http://www.wifp.org/radicalfeministanalysis.html radical feminist approach on women in media which can be applied to my study
http://www.killbill-volumetwo.blogspot.com/ - Looks at female representation in kill bill, I haven’t actually looked into this text yet so this will help me have a better under standing
http://www.c-angels.blogspot.com/ - same with this text, I haven’t yet analysed this movie yet so this will help me have a better understanding
http://www.uiowa.edu/~commstud/resources/GenderMedia/femmedia.html looks at feminist take on the media representations which is what I need to look at a lot more
http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/gaze/gaze09.html has detail notes of Laura Mulvey’s “male gaze” which really helps me get a better understanding of it.
http://www.uk.rottentomatoes.com/ - help me research more film reviews and gather more quotes.
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23400606-details/Mother+Angelina/article.do about Angelina Jolie and her life in show biz and being a mother.
http://virtual.clemson.edu/caah/women/flc436/mulvey.html note on the gaze and links to other notes which I can use to further my knowledge on her.
http://www.keltawebconcepts.com.au/ewommed1.htm detail of womens representaion in media in the past and opresent, looks at a feminist perspective.
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss3307_summer2008/2008/06/angelina_jolie_is_a_feminist_i.htmlmn feminist perspective of Angelina Jolie which looks into the way she is represented ie passive and as a sex object. I can use this when analysing her in movies
http://www.wifp.org/radicalfeministanalysis.html radical feminist approach on women in media which can be applied to my study
10 KEY WORDS
ACTION CODE- Term used to describe a dramatic sequence of events often leading to a violent resolution; I can use this in my independent study to see whether or not the film follows typical conventions of this
PATRIARCHY- Male dominance of political, cultural and economical system, I can use this in my study as it relates to males always going to dominant and female not truly being empowered role models
RADICAL FEMINISM- See men as the enemy-acts of sexual intercourse is seen as rape and violence-female nudity is “rape fantasies” for men. They are the most extreme feminists in the world. I can use them in y study as I can look at their take of how women are represented in media and action movies
FEMINISM- Achievements of women are taken for granted, which relates to my study as I can look into whether the action of women in action movies are praised or not. I can also use a less radical perspective of female representation in action movies.
SCOPOPHILLIA- Used by psychologist Sigmund Freud- it means 2the pleasure of looking”, which relates to the way females in action movies are viewed.
FEMME FATALE- French film noir theory – female characters who uses her sexuality in a devious, disreputable, secretive way to get what she desires. It can be a dangerous character who’s sex appeal often disarms the male protagonist and allows her to manipulate the action. I can use this term in my study when describing other texts as some of this happens in “Smokin’ Aces”.
ICONOGRAPHY- Distinguishing elements , in terms of props an d visual details which characterises a genre. In my study I can talk about guns and how it represents the action genre .
IDEOLOGY- set of attitudes, beliefs and values commonly held in a certain culture. I can use this for my study and talk about the western values and beliefs of what women should be like and how it’s shown in my text.
LIBERAL FEMINISTS- Sees gender inequalities as being a result the result of the dominant patriarchal family model and prejudice. I can look at their take on income of female and male actors
MALE GAZE- Term used by Laura Mulvey in her essay “visual pleasures and narrative cinema (1975), camera adopts the male point of view to benefit the male audience. This term will be coming up a lot in my study as its shown through every text I have looked at so far.
ACTION CODE- Term used to describe a dramatic sequence of events often leading to a violent resolution; I can use this in my independent study to see whether or not the film follows typical conventions of this
PATRIARCHY- Male dominance of political, cultural and economical system, I can use this in my study as it relates to males always going to dominant and female not truly being empowered role models
RADICAL FEMINISM- See men as the enemy-acts of sexual intercourse is seen as rape and violence-female nudity is “rape fantasies” for men. They are the most extreme feminists in the world. I can use them in y study as I can look at their take of how women are represented in media and action movies
FEMINISM- Achievements of women are taken for granted, which relates to my study as I can look into whether the action of women in action movies are praised or not. I can also use a less radical perspective of female representation in action movies.
SCOPOPHILLIA- Used by psychologist Sigmund Freud- it means 2the pleasure of looking”, which relates to the way females in action movies are viewed.
FEMME FATALE- French film noir theory – female characters who uses her sexuality in a devious, disreputable, secretive way to get what she desires. It can be a dangerous character who’s sex appeal often disarms the male protagonist and allows her to manipulate the action. I can use this term in my study when describing other texts as some of this happens in “Smokin’ Aces”.
ICONOGRAPHY- Distinguishing elements , in terms of props an d visual details which characterises a genre. In my study I can talk about guns and how it represents the action genre .
IDEOLOGY- set of attitudes, beliefs and values commonly held in a certain culture. I can use this for my study and talk about the western values and beliefs of what women should be like and how it’s shown in my text.
LIBERAL FEMINISTS- Sees gender inequalities as being a result the result of the dominant patriarchal family model and prejudice. I can look at their take on income of female and male actors
MALE GAZE- Term used by Laura Mulvey in her essay “visual pleasures and narrative cinema (1975), camera adopts the male point of view to benefit the male audience. This term will be coming up a lot in my study as its shown through every text I have looked at so far.
WIDER CONTEXT
SOCIAL-
Most women have the idea in their heads that if they aren’t physically attractive, they won’t be accepted in society especially in western culture. This is down to the media showing attractive females being the ones who are successful in life. All the movies I have looked at so far promote this idea, for example in Death race the less attractive female dies and the more attractive female live. More over in the movie industry females have to keep up their physical appearance to be casted, I mean have you ever seen the female being unattractive in an action movie, no, now ask yourself if you’ve seen an unattractive male casted as lead in an Action movie, yes. I can name several, for example Nicholas Cage in Gone in 60 seconds, Slyvester Stallone in Rambo, Bruce Willis in Die Hard, ect….
HISTORICAL-
In the past female lead roles in action movies were pretty much non-existence, females were seen as the weaker sex therefore impossible for them to be looked at as empowered role models. It wasn’t until films like Alien when female began to lay lead role and being represented as stronger. It’s been argued that the zeitgeist Alien came out in effected and influenced the text, as during the 1970’s women were starting to become more equal and won the Wright to vote, therefore the text reflects what was going on in society at that time as there is a female protagonist, showing the strength of females beginning to rise, and the independency.
ECONOMICAL-
A contemporary debate is; are female actors getting the same amount as money as male actors. In the past male actors would paid a lot more then female actors, however now days get paid the same. The top female actors make around £16-17 million.
SOCIAL-
Most women have the idea in their heads that if they aren’t physically attractive, they won’t be accepted in society especially in western culture. This is down to the media showing attractive females being the ones who are successful in life. All the movies I have looked at so far promote this idea, for example in Death race the less attractive female dies and the more attractive female live. More over in the movie industry females have to keep up their physical appearance to be casted, I mean have you ever seen the female being unattractive in an action movie, no, now ask yourself if you’ve seen an unattractive male casted as lead in an Action movie, yes. I can name several, for example Nicholas Cage in Gone in 60 seconds, Slyvester Stallone in Rambo, Bruce Willis in Die Hard, ect….
HISTORICAL-
In the past female lead roles in action movies were pretty much non-existence, females were seen as the weaker sex therefore impossible for them to be looked at as empowered role models. It wasn’t until films like Alien when female began to lay lead role and being represented as stronger. It’s been argued that the zeitgeist Alien came out in effected and influenced the text, as during the 1970’s women were starting to become more equal and won the Wright to vote, therefore the text reflects what was going on in society at that time as there is a female protagonist, showing the strength of females beginning to rise, and the independency.
ECONOMICAL-
A contemporary debate is; are female actors getting the same amount as money as male actors. In the past male actors would paid a lot more then female actors, however now days get paid the same. The top female actors make around £16-17 million.
OTHER TEXTS
LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER- 2001 Action, adventure, fantasy Directed by Simon west
From the start Lara (Angelina Jolie) is represented as a strong and powerful female. In the opening there’s a medium shot of guns strapped around her thighs which represents the phallic symbol and makes up for what she hasn’t got in terms of what truly represents being masculine ie, the penis. Further more she also sleeps with a knife which also represents the phallic symbol. Through out the movie she is represented as an empowered female role model, but a some points she is presented as a sex object, for example shortly after the beginning there’s a shower scene which really has no impact on the narrative of the movie, but is there for male gaze. Lara’s enemy in the film is a man called Manfed Powell (Ian Glen), Lara’s costume through out is quite revealing where as his is nearly always covered up. There is also a contrast of Black and White, Lara’s cosume mostly being white, connoting good and Manfred’s costume being nearly always black connoting evil. In the end good triumphs evil and the women wins where as the man dies, showing strength in females.
LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER- 2001 Action, adventure, fantasy Directed by Simon westFrom the start Lara (Angelina Jolie) is represented as a strong and powerful female. In the opening there’s a medium shot of guns strapped around her thighs which represents the phallic symbol and makes up for what she hasn’t got in terms of what truly represents being masculine ie, the penis. Further more she also sleeps with a knife which also represents the phallic symbol. Through out the movie she is represented as an empowered female role model, but a some points she is presented as a sex object, for example shortly after the beginning there’s a shower scene which really has no impact on the narrative of the movie, but is there for male gaze. Lara’s enemy in the film is a man called Manfed Powell (Ian Glen), Lara’s costume through out is quite revealing where as his is nearly always covered up. There is also a contrast of Black and White, Lara’s cosume mostly being white, connoting good and Manfred’s costume being nearly always black connoting evil. In the end good triumphs evil and the women wins where as the man dies, showing strength in females.
SMOKIN’ ACES- 2006 Action thriller Directed by JoeCarnahanThere are many females in this text all represented in many ways. Near the start were presented with two females Georgia Sykes (Alicia Keys) & Sharice Watters (Taraji Henson) who are contract killers, which basically means when someone (usually leader of a gang or mafia) has put someone else on contract, it means they want that person dead in exchange of money, and who ever killed them will get a large amount of money from the person who put out the contract. In this movie it was a man called Buddy Israel (Jeremy Priven). The fact there is female contract killers they are playing masculine roles as men are normally associated as the sex doing the gritty dirty work. Men playing roles such as contract killers often show a lack of respect for women, well it’s exactly the same for female contract killers. Both Georgia and Sharice refer to women as “bitches” and “pussy”, this raises issues, that if women them selves can’t respect and degrade themselves, how are men going to. However they do use the way men degrade women to their advantage to create a plan to kill Israel as he’s a womanizer, but it doesn’t see through to be successful.
DEATH RACE- 2008 sci-fi action Directed by Paul W.S Anderson The main women role is played by actress Joan Allan who’s name is Hennessey, which is ironic as it’s the name of the famous French cognac (brandy) spelt Hennessy, which is seen as a man’s drink, this immediately connotes she will be a very masculine female character, which further more connotes strength and dominance. Moreover she is the warden of a men’s prison full of rapists, murders, thieves ect…There’s a medium shot of her walking trough the court yard of the prison, then a shot of a prisoner addressing her as “mam”, which connotes the respect the men must have for her, after when she walks off he says “there goes the baddest ass on the court”. This connotes she is the most superior person in prison, which represents her as an empowered female role model, how ever it still presents her as a sex object as when say’s “ass” he directly looks at her buttocks, then makes references of having sex with her to his fiend. Furthermore other female characters in the movie are represented as sex objects to the men in prison
Thursday 23 October 2008
Evaluation
ATTAINMENT- 2 I think my attainment is very good, as I’m in every day and have only missed 2 or 3 lessons.
EFFORT- 3 I do put quite a lot of effort in my work, but sometimes I rush my work just for the sake of getting it done.
PUNCTUATION-2 I am generally on time as I do my best to get to class early, however I have been late sometimes.
SUBISSION AND QUALITY OF HOMEWORK-2 My is on time majority of the time and I do try to do my homework to the best standard I can, but I think once or twice I’ve submitted my homework late.
ABILITY TO WORK INDEPENDANTLY-1 I believe I have excellent ability to work independently.
QUALITY OF WRITING- 3 My quality of writing is average so far this year, the only real piece of writing I have written this year is for Ms Jones and I have to admit it wasn’t to my best standard.
ORGANISATION OF MEDIA FOLDER- 4 I haven’t got an actual folder but all my notes are in chronological order in a plastic folder
ORAL CONTRIBUTION TO CLASS- 4 I do make some contribution to class discussions but I do sometimes keep quiet and don’t say anything.
STANDARD OF MED 5 BLOG- 3 I think the standard of my Med 5 blog is average as I need to add a lot more information about my topic in terms of SHEP and more MIGRAIN analysis of other texts
STANDARD OF MED 6 BLOG- 4 My Med 6 blog is poor as I need to add a lot more information.
WWW
- I have great ability to work independently
- I am in majority of my lessons
- I am always on time and hardly late
EBI
- Need to make a lot of improvements on both blogs
- Need to start making more class contributions
- Need to buy a media folder and fix it up
ATTAINMENT- 2 I think my attainment is very good, as I’m in every day and have only missed 2 or 3 lessons.
EFFORT- 3 I do put quite a lot of effort in my work, but sometimes I rush my work just for the sake of getting it done.
PUNCTUATION-2 I am generally on time as I do my best to get to class early, however I have been late sometimes.
SUBISSION AND QUALITY OF HOMEWORK-2 My is on time majority of the time and I do try to do my homework to the best standard I can, but I think once or twice I’ve submitted my homework late.
ABILITY TO WORK INDEPENDANTLY-1 I believe I have excellent ability to work independently.
QUALITY OF WRITING- 3 My quality of writing is average so far this year, the only real piece of writing I have written this year is for Ms Jones and I have to admit it wasn’t to my best standard.
ORGANISATION OF MEDIA FOLDER- 4 I haven’t got an actual folder but all my notes are in chronological order in a plastic folder
ORAL CONTRIBUTION TO CLASS- 4 I do make some contribution to class discussions but I do sometimes keep quiet and don’t say anything.
STANDARD OF MED 5 BLOG- 3 I think the standard of my Med 5 blog is average as I need to add a lot more information about my topic in terms of SHEP and more MIGRAIN analysis of other texts
STANDARD OF MED 6 BLOG- 4 My Med 6 blog is poor as I need to add a lot more information.
WWW
- I have great ability to work independently
- I am in majority of my lessons
- I am always on time and hardly late
EBI
- Need to make a lot of improvements on both blogs
- Need to start making more class contributions
- Need to buy a media folder and fix it up
Tuesday 21 October 2008
My 10 point action timetable
1. 23/10/08 Need to collect a lot more research in order to fulfil AO5 targets. To do this I must research via interne and books, which means I need to pay a visit to a library.
2. 23/10/08 Need to create a log to keep track of what and when I gathered from various different websites and books. To do this I will buy a little log diary, which I can carry everywhere, so I can jot quickly what I gathered and the date.
3. 25/10/08 While researching I must lo closely into wider context i.e. SHEP. I will look closely into haw my text relate to all 4 aspects and I must view the text a couple of more times.
4. 26/10/08 I need to analyse more movies relating to this text and do MIGRAIN analysis of them
5. 26/10/08 I then need to look into SHEP analysis of those movies and relate it to my text and look at similarities and differences
6. 28/10/08 I need to work on my theorists and describe them in my own words and in detail
7. 29/10/08 Start researching deeper into Historical context and Economical context i.e. Pay salary for male and female actors and how it’s changed if it has.
8. 29/10/08 Start working on my bibliography and keeping track of everything.
9. 31/10/08 Collect everything I have found and begin to summarise it.
10.04/11/08 Begin to plan out what I’m going to put and not.
1. 23/10/08 Need to collect a lot more research in order to fulfil AO5 targets. To do this I must research via interne and books, which means I need to pay a visit to a library.
2. 23/10/08 Need to create a log to keep track of what and when I gathered from various different websites and books. To do this I will buy a little log diary, which I can carry everywhere, so I can jot quickly what I gathered and the date.
3. 25/10/08 While researching I must lo closely into wider context i.e. SHEP. I will look closely into haw my text relate to all 4 aspects and I must view the text a couple of more times.
4. 26/10/08 I need to analyse more movies relating to this text and do MIGRAIN analysis of them
5. 26/10/08 I then need to look into SHEP analysis of those movies and relate it to my text and look at similarities and differences
6. 28/10/08 I need to work on my theorists and describe them in my own words and in detail
7. 29/10/08 Start researching deeper into Historical context and Economical context i.e. Pay salary for male and female actors and how it’s changed if it has.
8. 29/10/08 Start working on my bibliography and keeping track of everything.
9. 31/10/08 Collect everything I have found and begin to summarise it.
10.04/11/08 Begin to plan out what I’m going to put and not.
Monday 13 October 2008
Self evaluation of presentation
WWW- I felt I had a good understanding of my text “Wanted” and good analysis in terms of MIGRAIN and good description of my text it. I also had quite good visual aspects as I had quite a few pictures in most slides making a bit less boring. I also had related issues in my presentation such as how women’s roles have changed.
EBI-I rushed through it to quickly which meant people couldn’t keep up. Also I could have put in the clip which I did a Migrain analysis of which would have been more interesting for the class to have watched, and then ask them what their take was on the clip. I should also have not given the handouts before the presentation as it affected the classes take on my presentation.
WWW- I felt I had a good understanding of my text “Wanted” and good analysis in terms of MIGRAIN and good description of my text it. I also had quite good visual aspects as I had quite a few pictures in most slides making a bit less boring. I also had related issues in my presentation such as how women’s roles have changed.
EBI-I rushed through it to quickly which meant people couldn’t keep up. Also I could have put in the clip which I did a Migrain analysis of which would have been more interesting for the class to have watched, and then ask them what their take was on the clip. I should also have not given the handouts before the presentation as it affected the classes take on my presentation.
Monday 6 October 2008
Self-Assessment of Blog work
AO1-demonstrate knowledge and application of the Key Concepts employed within Media Studies and the evaluation of texts and ideas using the Key Concepts, in my case the representation of women in action movies.
WWW-All key concepts are covered in my blog from media language to representation. I feel I have covered in detail the way women are represented either as empowered female role models or as sex objects, and the ways it is done so. I also feel I have done a lot of MIGRAIN analysis of clips from the movie and the actual movie itself
EBI- The key concepts which I lack the most I believe are theories and ideologies. I need to look more into depth of meanings behind certain connotations, i.e. the Gun in an action movie represents the phallic symbol. Moreover with theorist I need to be more precise and clear with what their theory really believes in and what they say. I also need to look into other theorist other than just Laura Mulvey and “male gaze”.
AO2- demonstrate knowledge and application of the wider contexts (historical, social, political, economic) relevant to Media Studies, In my case looking at the way representation of women in the action genre has changed historically, socially, politically and economically.
WWW- I have covered how women’s role in the media has changed historically and also economically
EBI- I need to cover the SHEP background in a lot more detail and need to find evidence to back up my points. I need to a lot more research into the wider contexts
CRITICAL AUTONOMY
Throughout my blog work I have been thinking for my self and doing the work on my own, however I could be more self motivated as I sometimes only get the work done because I have to not because I want to, but I do enjoy studying my text
QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
My written work is good, however I can improve my spelling by doing spell checks, also the presentation can be improved a bit more
AO1-demonstrate knowledge and application of the Key Concepts employed within Media Studies and the evaluation of texts and ideas using the Key Concepts, in my case the representation of women in action movies.
WWW-All key concepts are covered in my blog from media language to representation. I feel I have covered in detail the way women are represented either as empowered female role models or as sex objects, and the ways it is done so. I also feel I have done a lot of MIGRAIN analysis of clips from the movie and the actual movie itself
EBI- The key concepts which I lack the most I believe are theories and ideologies. I need to look more into depth of meanings behind certain connotations, i.e. the Gun in an action movie represents the phallic symbol. Moreover with theorist I need to be more precise and clear with what their theory really believes in and what they say. I also need to look into other theorist other than just Laura Mulvey and “male gaze”.
AO2- demonstrate knowledge and application of the wider contexts (historical, social, political, economic) relevant to Media Studies, In my case looking at the way representation of women in the action genre has changed historically, socially, politically and economically.
WWW- I have covered how women’s role in the media has changed historically and also economically
EBI- I need to cover the SHEP background in a lot more detail and need to find evidence to back up my points. I need to a lot more research into the wider contexts
A05- demonstrate the ability to use appropriate investigative and research techniques in carrying out an independent study of a media text, topic or issue
I have done excessive research into my actual film which I’m doing, as I have looked into reviews and individual characters, and I also feel my proposal is detailed. Moreover I have analysed different movie clips and the movie as a whole. I am also keeping a log of different websites I have visited and have got quotes from different reviews.
To improve my research I know I have to watch my text again more than 3 times, and I must look at it from different approaches, especially from a feminist prospective as my whole study is about how women are represented. I also have to analyse different texts in the same genre in depth and the way I have analysed my main text, and then go on to compare them with each other. For example comparing Charlie’s Angels with Wanted, I also need to look at more historical texts. Furthermore I need to do a lot more book research into my genre and theoretical perspectives.
SYPNOTIC ABILITY
I have linked my study to MED 4, representation and genre, as I have looked into representation of women in the action genre. However I need to link in more narrative theories, issues and debate also I need to bring in some Guardian stories relating women in the media. Altogether I need to improve my synoptic ability a lot more
CRITICAL AUTONOMY
Throughout my blog work I have been thinking for my self and doing the work on my own, however I could be more self motivated as I sometimes only get the work done because I have to not because I want to, but I do enjoy studying my text
QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
My written work is good, however I can improve my spelling by doing spell checks, also the presentation can be improved a bit more
Tuesday 30 September 2008
MIGRAIN ANALYSIS OF WANTED CLIP
M- Close up of a rat with a bomb attached to it which then explodes, connotes more danger up ahead.
- Medium shot of Wesley running in slow motion with two guns in his hands, connotes he now has the power, guns are a phallic symbol of male dominance and power, the fact he has two makes him more powerful.
- Medium shot of his face, he’s very angry and ready to fight
- Long shot of Wesley jumping through the window, connotes he’s invincible, which is further emphasised when he gets shot in the arm and knifed but still manages to carry on fighting and wining.
- When fighting the butcher, the butcher taunts him by calling him a “pussy”, this connotes the lack of respect men have for women, and the fact Wesley gets more aggrieve because of this remark suggests he doesn’t like being on a women’s level when it come to fighting.
I- Men are the stronger sex, as its only men in this fighting scene fighting back
- It can also connote the ideology of women just being sex objects as the word “pussy” refers to women’s sexual organs.
- There is also a lack of value towards human and animal life as Wesley kill a lot of people and there is no care, instead he is seen as a powerful role model for men.
G- Action- Fast paced music, building being exploded
-A lot shooting, guns in the air, killing of people shown very vivid images of heads being shot and blood spilt everywhere, it all adds to conventions of an action movie
R- The word “pussy” shows lack of respect towards women, it degrades them and puts them below men, and it shows how women are seen as nothing which suggests they have no value or purpose.
- Representation of men is strong and powerful through Wesley, as the gun symbolises his power & control.
A- Appeals to both male and female audiences from ages 16-40, this clip in particular appeals to females as they may find Wesley very attractive however males may watch it and inspire to be like him
-People also may watch, especially the working class for escapism in this more spectacular life
N- In this clip you can see aspects of Todrov’s theory as Wesley is in the disruption phase of trying to get his life back to normal
-There are also aspects of Propp’s theory as Wesley is presented as more of an hero for himself
M- Close up of a rat with a bomb attached to it which then explodes, connotes more danger up ahead.
- Medium shot of Wesley running in slow motion with two guns in his hands, connotes he now has the power, guns are a phallic symbol of male dominance and power, the fact he has two makes him more powerful.
- Medium shot of his face, he’s very angry and ready to fight
- Long shot of Wesley jumping through the window, connotes he’s invincible, which is further emphasised when he gets shot in the arm and knifed but still manages to carry on fighting and wining.
- When fighting the butcher, the butcher taunts him by calling him a “pussy”, this connotes the lack of respect men have for women, and the fact Wesley gets more aggrieve because of this remark suggests he doesn’t like being on a women’s level when it come to fighting.
I- Men are the stronger sex, as its only men in this fighting scene fighting back
- It can also connote the ideology of women just being sex objects as the word “pussy” refers to women’s sexual organs.
- There is also a lack of value towards human and animal life as Wesley kill a lot of people and there is no care, instead he is seen as a powerful role model for men.
G- Action- Fast paced music, building being exploded
-A lot shooting, guns in the air, killing of people shown very vivid images of heads being shot and blood spilt everywhere, it all adds to conventions of an action movie
R- The word “pussy” shows lack of respect towards women, it degrades them and puts them below men, and it shows how women are seen as nothing which suggests they have no value or purpose.
- Representation of men is strong and powerful through Wesley, as the gun symbolises his power & control.
A- Appeals to both male and female audiences from ages 16-40, this clip in particular appeals to females as they may find Wesley very attractive however males may watch it and inspire to be like him
-People also may watch, especially the working class for escapism in this more spectacular life
N- In this clip you can see aspects of Todrov’s theory as Wesley is in the disruption phase of trying to get his life back to normal
-There are also aspects of Propp’s theory as Wesley is presented as more of an hero for himself
Monday 29 September 2008
Reviews
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=14586&s=Reviews – Rotten Tomato review
http://living.scotsman.com/movies?articleid=4208635 –By Siobhan Synnot
"Mostly, her job is to cock triggers and look scruptious"- this quote agrees with my hypothesis as it shows she is only really good for one thig
http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/movies/27want.html -By Manohla Dargis
"Ms jolie-Fox-Few American actresses with pin-skinny arms, can make beating up a guy look so easy and, yeah, man, like fun."- this qoute disagrees with my hypothesis as it shows women are capable of being just as strong
"Sad suck guy is told that to be a man he has to drive a fast car, shoot people, and have an f-off attitude. I say, let's just be who we are and give hollywood the middle finger." This quote shows how it's not women having to change but this time its men, as usually its in chick-flicks were women shange to become more permiscous.
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=14586&s=Reviews – Rotten Tomato review
http://living.scotsman.com/movies?articleid=4208635 –By Siobhan Synnot
"Mostly, her job is to cock triggers and look scruptious"- this quote agrees with my hypothesis as it shows she is only really good for one thig
http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/movies/27want.html -By Manohla Dargis
"Ms jolie-Fox-Few American actresses with pin-skinny arms, can make beating up a guy look so easy and, yeah, man, like fun."- this qoute disagrees with my hypothesis as it shows women are capable of being just as strong
"Sad suck guy is told that to be a man he has to drive a fast car, shoot people, and have an f-off attitude. I say, let's just be who we are and give hollywood the middle finger." This quote shows how it's not women having to change but this time its men, as usually its in chick-flicks were women shange to become more permiscous.
Tuesday 23 September 2008
AO2- To improve my SHEP knowledge i will research more into the wider context, i need to put in more wofk in this area
AO5- i've done research into Laura mulvey and her theory however i need to research more into other texts and historical texts relating to the way females are represented in action movies, also film reveiws and books
AO1- i have done alot of migrain analysis of my movie however i need to look into other movies and analyse them
AO5- i've done research into Laura mulvey and her theory however i need to research more into other texts and historical texts relating to the way females are represented in action movies, also film reveiws and books
AO1- i have done alot of migrain analysis of my movie however i need to look into other movies and analyse them
Thursday 18 September 2008
Film Review
In all, I couldn’t find much to like about “Wanted.” It’s a poser film, trying to appear hip and cool, when it’s derivative and long-winded. It’s all style over substance. I’m sure it will have its fans, though, particularly those who list “Shoot ‘Em Up” and “Smokin’ Aces” among their favorite films. What’s sad, though, is it’s really just the male equivalent of a chick flick. In these so-called women’s films, the sad sack protagonist is told that in order to get the guy, she has to put on make-up, a sexy dress, and act slutty or stupid. In films like “Wanted,” the equally sad sack guy is told that to be a man he has to drive a fast car, shoot people, and have an f-off attitude. I say, let’s just be who we are and give Hollywood the middle finger.
Wanted analysis
Media Representations
Females- To an extent they are being represented as the stronger sex, as Fox is shown to be an empowered female role model as she has control and power mostly through out the movie. However other females in the movie have more of a negative representation, for example Wesley’s girl friend who is represented as a slag/tart who has sex with his best friend occasionally.
Males- Most of the males are represented as strong except Wesley who is seen as a weak man who’s not in control of his life or who he is. This representation changes as the film progresses and he begins to learn how to kill and use a gun which then makes him a stronger person.
Media Languages and form
At the beginning Wesley is being represented as a nobody who has no sense of life. This is shown through his dead end job, girlfriend who cheats on him and also the fact he lives in a dump. Wesley is represented as someone who has no purpose in life; however it all changes around for him when he meets Fox. Fox is represented as the stronger sex in the beginning as she saves Wesley from being shot dead (however we later realise she was saving her self), this connotes she has more power which is emphasised by the fact she’s the one holding the gun. Later we see Fox again saving Wesley as she comes in a fast sports car to his rescue. The audience can male and female roles being reversed as it would usually be the man saving the woman. Fox is represented as the stronger sex again, which is seen when she’s driving into the police to push it off the road, there is then a close up on her face, her face expression is smiling fearless as she rams into the police car. This connotes she is scared of nothing not even the law, also that she live in the fast lane and care only about herself. While all this is going on Wesley is sitting in the passengers’ seat scared to death ad about to cry. At this point in the movie males are being represented as the weaker sex. However this does not follow on throughout the movie as Wesley begins to get stronger and take over, which is seen in the scene where there’s a medium shot of Wesley running into the bombed building with a gun in each hand, which connotes he is now in control of his life. This is also seen earlier when after he meets Fox he feels more enthusiastic towards life so decides to tell his obnoxious boss to “fuck herself”. Furthermore Fox is also seen as a sex object as when she come out of the bath she is naked and exposes her self to Wesley, which connotes she is promiscuous and also conforms to Mulvey’s “male-gaze” theory
Narrative
The narrative linear at time but then also non-linear, for example in the opening sequence we see a guy (Wesley’s dad) get shot in the head, then for about 3 seconds it rewinds back and shows how he got shot. The audience is introduced to a villain who is the guy who shot down his dad and the hero who is Fox, however this turns around as Wesley later finds out that the villain is in fact Fox and the fraternity, which he the has to fight for his life and take down. The main iconography in the film is the gun which represents the phallic symbol as it embodies male generative power and dominance. The fact that Fox is the one holding the gun in the beginning shows she is the one with power, which is later reversed when she throws the gun to Wesley in the end as she knows she will die, which connotes in the end the man will be the last one standing.
Genre
The genre is action/thriller. Being an action movie it conforms to fast car chases, explosions of bombs and cars, gun fights in the middle of public places ect… However it’s also a thriller as it has a mystery story behind it and suspense throughout.
Values and ideologies
There are different values and ideologies promoted throughout the movie , for example in the end Fox dies and Wesley survives, this connotes at the end of the day, even though Fox was represented as an empowered female role model, men are still and always will be the stronger sex. Also the values it promotes through Wesley, is that you have to change who you are to be accepted as someone in society, as he changed his attitude, clothing and kill people to become a man, which kind of glorifies the use of guns.
Media Representations
Females- To an extent they are being represented as the stronger sex, as Fox is shown to be an empowered female role model as she has control and power mostly through out the movie. However other females in the movie have more of a negative representation, for example Wesley’s girl friend who is represented as a slag/tart who has sex with his best friend occasionally.
Males- Most of the males are represented as strong except Wesley who is seen as a weak man who’s not in control of his life or who he is. This representation changes as the film progresses and he begins to learn how to kill and use a gun which then makes him a stronger person.
Media Languages and form
At the beginning Wesley is being represented as a nobody who has no sense of life. This is shown through his dead end job, girlfriend who cheats on him and also the fact he lives in a dump. Wesley is represented as someone who has no purpose in life; however it all changes around for him when he meets Fox. Fox is represented as the stronger sex in the beginning as she saves Wesley from being shot dead (however we later realise she was saving her self), this connotes she has more power which is emphasised by the fact she’s the one holding the gun. Later we see Fox again saving Wesley as she comes in a fast sports car to his rescue. The audience can male and female roles being reversed as it would usually be the man saving the woman. Fox is represented as the stronger sex again, which is seen when she’s driving into the police to push it off the road, there is then a close up on her face, her face expression is smiling fearless as she rams into the police car. This connotes she is scared of nothing not even the law, also that she live in the fast lane and care only about herself. While all this is going on Wesley is sitting in the passengers’ seat scared to death ad about to cry. At this point in the movie males are being represented as the weaker sex. However this does not follow on throughout the movie as Wesley begins to get stronger and take over, which is seen in the scene where there’s a medium shot of Wesley running into the bombed building with a gun in each hand, which connotes he is now in control of his life. This is also seen earlier when after he meets Fox he feels more enthusiastic towards life so decides to tell his obnoxious boss to “fuck herself”. Furthermore Fox is also seen as a sex object as when she come out of the bath she is naked and exposes her self to Wesley, which connotes she is promiscuous and also conforms to Mulvey’s “male-gaze” theory
Narrative
The narrative linear at time but then also non-linear, for example in the opening sequence we see a guy (Wesley’s dad) get shot in the head, then for about 3 seconds it rewinds back and shows how he got shot. The audience is introduced to a villain who is the guy who shot down his dad and the hero who is Fox, however this turns around as Wesley later finds out that the villain is in fact Fox and the fraternity, which he the has to fight for his life and take down. The main iconography in the film is the gun which represents the phallic symbol as it embodies male generative power and dominance. The fact that Fox is the one holding the gun in the beginning shows she is the one with power, which is later reversed when she throws the gun to Wesley in the end as she knows she will die, which connotes in the end the man will be the last one standing.
Genre
The genre is action/thriller. Being an action movie it conforms to fast car chases, explosions of bombs and cars, gun fights in the middle of public places ect… However it’s also a thriller as it has a mystery story behind it and suspense throughout.
Values and ideologies
There are different values and ideologies promoted throughout the movie , for example in the end Fox dies and Wesley survives, this connotes at the end of the day, even though Fox was represented as an empowered female role model, men are still and always will be the stronger sex. Also the values it promotes through Wesley, is that you have to change who you are to be accepted as someone in society, as he changed his attitude, clothing and kill people to become a man, which kind of glorifies the use of guns.
Theory- Laura Mulvey- “male gaze”Mulvey discusses several different types of spectatorship that occur while viewing a film. Viewing a film involves subconsciously engaging in the understanding of male and female roles. The "three different looks", as they are referred to, explain just exactly how films are viewed in relation to phallocentrism. The first "look" refers to the camera as it records the actual events of the film. The second "look" describes the nearly voyeuristic act of the audience as one engages in watching the film itself. Lastly, the third "look" refers to the characters that interact with one another throughout the film.
The main idea that seems to bring these actions together is that "looking" is generally seen as an active male role while the passive role of being looked at is immediately adopted as a female characteristic. It is under the construction of patriarchy that Mulvey argues that women in film are tied to desire and that female characters hold an "appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact". The female actor is never meant to represent a character that directly effects the outcome of a plot or keep the story line going, but is inserted into the film as a way of supporting the male role and "bearing the burden of sexual objectification" that he cannot.
Plot Summary
"Wanted" tells the tale of one apathetic nobody's transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, we're introduced to a hero for a new generation: 25 year old employed slacker, WESLEY GIBSON. Wes is the most disaffected, cube-dwelling, clock-punching drone this planet has ever known. His boss chews him out hourly, his girlfriend ignores him routinely, and his life plods on in interminable boredom and routine. Everyone knows this disengaged slacker will amount to absolutely nothing, and so does he, until he meets the sexy, foxy woman named FOX, and then everything changes. Wes' estranged father is murdered, and the deadly Fox recruits him into The Fraternity, a secret society that trains him to avenge his father's death, by unlocking his dormant powers. And oh boy does he have powers, as she teaches Wes how to develop his lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, he discovers that The Fraternity lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: to carry out the death orders given by emotionless Fate itself. Wes, with his wickedly brilliant and sexy tutor, plus the paternal guidance of The Fraternity's enigmatic leader, SLOAN, young Wes grows to enjoy all the strength and success he ever wanted. But, slowly, he realizes there's more to his dangerous associates than meets the casual eye. And, as he wavers between new found heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one can ever teach him; that he alone controls his destiny. Written by Orange
A young man finds out his long lost father is an assassin. And when his father is murdered, the son is recruited into his father's old organization and trained by a man named Sloan to follow in his dad's footsteps.
Analysis of Fox
From the beginning Fox is represented as being in control. She is represented as an empowered female role model, when we are first introduced to her it is clear to see the amount of tattoo’s she has across her arms and hands. This suggests she is masculine traits; furthermore the tattoo on her hand matches the pattern on her gun. This connotes she sees the gun as being fashionable, it also represents her as having more power. However she is still represented as sexy and promiscuous through her costume and some scenes. For example in one scene there is a long shot of her coming out of water, her back is shown revealing everything from head down to feet which connotes she is seen as a sex object. However she is still shown as a strong independent female role model, for example in the scene where she’s driving in the driver’s seat rescuing Wesley, she’s driving really fast which connotes she has a fast lifestyle, also the fact she rescued Wesley who is a man connotes she has more power.
Analysis of characters
Wesley Gibson-
Wesley is represented as a nobody at the beginning of the movie, his girlfriend is screwing his best friend, he’s stuck in a dead end job, has no hope of being successful. In the beginning there’s a close up of him with his voice as a voiceover as he types his name into the Google search engine, which ends up with “no result”, it shows he’s not known, after theres a long shot of him standing around the office blocks, hes putting on his jacket which is being showed in slow motion, then around him everyone’s moving fast, which connotes he’s alone and as the world is moving around him he’s so isolated. The fact he is nobody is further emphasised when he is walking home and there’s non diegetic music with words saying “I think I used to have a purpose “, again showing he has no use in society. This is all changed when he meets Fox, his life turns around. The fact a women is changing a mans life shows she has power.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
Wednesday 2 July 2008
My Proposal
Title: Are women in action movies represented as empowered female role models or as sex objects?
Hypothesis: Women in action movies are starting to be portrayed as independent, in control and empowered role models but to an extent. Women in action movies are still however being represented as passive sex objects.
Outline of ideas
I’m looking and researching into see if women are just used as sex objects in action movies and to what extent a women can be an empowered female role models, without having to dress half naked and serving the purpose of just entertaining men. I will be looking at various different action movies where the female is the protagonist or not and see to what point females are represented as strong independent role modles.
Theories/Theorists
Theorist I will be looking into are ones such as Laura Mulvey also narrative theories which look at female destiny in movies and others which will relate to my study.
Migrain Analysis of “Wanted” trailer
Media Language- -medium shot of Wesley (James McAvoy) wearing what looks like average work uniform, then suddenly from no where Fox (Angelina Jolie) saves him from being shot dead- this shows the women is the hero instead of the man, it connotes women are more stronger.
- Fox in the drivers seat driving Wesley, and driving very fast & dangerous- Connotes again women are in control
- Fox teaching Wesley how to shoot- shows women are wiser and have more knowledge
- However the end shot is of Wesley holding a gun- connote the man will still always really be in control.
- Voice over is a male voice connoting men are more dominant
Institution- Directed by- Timur Bekmanbetov
- Distributed by Universal Pictures released in 2008
- Produced by; Marc Platt, Jason Netter & Jim Lemly
Genre- Action/Thriller,
Conventions- Fast cars & trains, shootings in shops & open spaces, explosions, train wreckages ect…
Representation- Women- are being represented as empowered role models, in control of situations, wise and strong. However women are still shown to be beneath men as in the end it’s a man who comes out to be stronger, and women can’t be in the movie solely for their brains, there has to be a passionate scene which connotes their only good for one thing really.
Audience- Both female & male aged between 16-35
- People who are looking for escapism or to gain a relationship with the characters
Ideology- Men will always be 1 step higher then women, and in the end men are the stronger sexes.
Narrative- Todrov’s theory is used as Wesley looks as if he’s in the equilibrium stage of his life until Fox comes & creates disequilibrium in his life, then he has to find a new equilibrium and resolve the problem he’s faced with.
Hypothesis: Women in action movies are starting to be portrayed as independent, in control and empowered role models but to an extent. Women in action movies are still however being represented as passive sex objects.
Outline of ideas
I’m looking and researching into see if women are just used as sex objects in action movies and to what extent a women can be an empowered female role models, without having to dress half naked and serving the purpose of just entertaining men. I will be looking at various different action movies where the female is the protagonist or not and see to what point females are represented as strong independent role modles.
Theories/Theorists
Theorist I will be looking into are ones such as Laura Mulvey also narrative theories which look at female destiny in movies and others which will relate to my study.
Migrain Analysis of “Wanted” trailer
Media Language- -medium shot of Wesley (James McAvoy) wearing what looks like average work uniform, then suddenly from no where Fox (Angelina Jolie) saves him from being shot dead- this shows the women is the hero instead of the man, it connotes women are more stronger.
- Fox in the drivers seat driving Wesley, and driving very fast & dangerous- Connotes again women are in control
- Fox teaching Wesley how to shoot- shows women are wiser and have more knowledge
- However the end shot is of Wesley holding a gun- connote the man will still always really be in control.
- Voice over is a male voice connoting men are more dominant
Institution- Directed by- Timur Bekmanbetov
- Distributed by Universal Pictures released in 2008
- Produced by; Marc Platt, Jason Netter & Jim Lemly
Genre- Action/Thriller,
Conventions- Fast cars & trains, shootings in shops & open spaces, explosions, train wreckages ect…
Representation- Women- are being represented as empowered role models, in control of situations, wise and strong. However women are still shown to be beneath men as in the end it’s a man who comes out to be stronger, and women can’t be in the movie solely for their brains, there has to be a passionate scene which connotes their only good for one thing really.
Audience- Both female & male aged between 16-35
- People who are looking for escapism or to gain a relationship with the characters
Ideology- Men will always be 1 step higher then women, and in the end men are the stronger sexes.
Narrative- Todrov’s theory is used as Wesley looks as if he’s in the equilibrium stage of his life until Fox comes & creates disequilibrium in his life, then he has to find a new equilibrium and resolve the problem he’s faced with.
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