Media Representation Theory Pack Five: Gender as Performance/Butler

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

     The film Little Miss Sunshine exemplifies gender performativity in the way it centers around young women not falling into society's gender norms.  In the movie, the main character Olive enters a beauty pageant, but her performance defies expectations. It’s everything from energetic to awkward, but that's what makes it authentic. The movie highlights what the judges expected of Olive vs. what she felt was natural to her as a young girl. Most girls in our generation feel like they must mature too fast. Although, this isn't the case for Olive. She embodies every joyful aspect of childhood showing that she disregarded gender norms about how she should act. Even other elements in the film developed Olives' "not so feminine" performance. These include her uncle Frank, a troubled figure in Olive's life and her father, who is a very doubtful man. Uncle Frank's accepting character contrasts with her father's heteronormative ideals. This then presents the idea that gender norms are shifting every day. This leads to Olive’s parodic representation of typical beauty pageants. Meaning that she uses playful movements and lively energy to mock the seriousness that comes with stereotypical girl's pageants. This allows the female portion of the audience to reflect on their femininity and consider how they may have fallen into society’s gender expectations. 

Media Representation Theory Pack Four: Postcolonialism/Gilroy

         In the provided trailers, they all highlight Gilroy's theory of postcolonialism through representation of certain settings and how Bond is presented in them. In the scene from You Only Live Twice, we see a man observing women as they walk up steps, these women are in traditional clothing which presents the idea of racial otherness. Meaning that the one white man in this scene is shown as possibly threatening and overall, out of place. This may also imply that there is some sort of divide happening. Whether it's culture or behavior, the man is posing as an outsider. This also connects to the next trailer from Live and Let Die. In the trailer we see Bond (a white man) in an atmosphere with a majority of Black characters. In the video we see him "saving" one of the only other white characters. This movie seems to suggest that non-white characters are causing chaos. This directly correlates with Gilroy's concept of civilizationism. Bond's strong and heroic demeanor seems to symbolize his control over the situation. In the trailer from Die Another Day, there are many elements regarding conflict between foreign orders and James Bond. This highlights the idea that foreign countries cause chaos. By doing this, fear is placed on viewers and ultimately spotlights the "hero" factor of what Bond represents (the west). Finally, in the trailer from Skyfall, we see racial subtext reflected in the action on the train and the environment. Based on prior knowledge, we know that Bond has a primarily western franchsie. Meaning that the contrasting settings of the west and the city implies that the west promotes heroic structures.  Overall, these trailers demonstrate how Bond constructs certain structures through specific settings and representations. 

Media Representation Theory Pack Two: Feminist Theory: Van Zoonen

 

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

a)    The extract resists Zoone's theory about the male gaze regarding the main charcter Clarice. She is presented as having strength and determination which was quite different from the usual depiction of women at the time. The patricarchial element in the sequence is Clarice challenging traditional women structure in media. She does this by succeeding a male enviornment (FBI grounds)

b)    The extract acknowledges the potential power of female objectification by showing scenes of Clarice being active, but not in a sexual way. Instead of Clarice being admired, she is someone to look up to by the other agents on the FBI ground.

c)    Zoonen's concept about masculinity are apparent in the clip through visual cues/signs. These signs include the FBI grounds and Clarice's presence there. In the sequence, we see Clarice having strength in this male-dominated setting. This shows she must be strong/masculine to fit in, in this harsh enviornment.

d)    The extract presents Clarice as an active subject while the male subjects are passive. This is shown when Clarice is physically moving and does not stop the action. We then see the male characters potrayed as observers looking/interacting with Clarice.

 

e)    In my opinon, the extract is infact subversive female representation because it challenges the so called "norms" that women are traditionally portrayed as. The scenes show clarice as a strong professional that is not sexualized. The general focus being her skills/expertise not her relation to a man. This allows for a more impowering image for women.

Media Representation Theory Pack Three: Identity/Gauntlett

    A) Active audience engagement: Love Island (2019+)

The reality TV show, Love Island, exemplifies active audience engagement because of their strong interaction elements and fan culture. In the show, it is tradition to have the viewers vote on the up and coming couples and whether they should stay together. With this being said, viewers have come to even identify with certain islanders (players on the show) and pick teams. These aspects build an extremely large fan base which then goes on to create online discussion, fan theories, and memes.

    B) Aspirational Narrative: A Complete Unknown (2024)

In the film A Complete Unknown, Bob Dylan is shown transforming his personal and musical identity to stand out in the folk industry. In the movie, Dylan is criticized for trying something that was out of the ordinary. In the end, he was accepted by the crowds because of his exceptional talent in this new field. This exemplifies aspirational narrative because viewers see him as someone who doesn't follow stereotypical expectations. Not only does this inspire the audiences to be bold, but it also suggests that identity is something to create yourself, not find in others. Also the film encourages viewers to reflect on there current lives and to perhaps reinvent parts of them that what were ignited by social pressure.

    C) Fluid Identity: Fight Club (1999)

The film Fight Club exemplifies fluid identity by having the main character, also known as the narrator, as the victim and the agent. This is done through a state that goes in-between identity's, thus, fluid identity. In the film, the narrator feels empty and suffers from insomnia then meets the character Tyler Durden. Little does he know, Tyler is him... Just a separate identity of him. Yes it's confusing but this persona allows him to explore certain behaviors that his normal empty self, wouldn't do. This film gives viewers a space to mentally "try on" new identities through media, similar to what the narrator did. Everything is an allusion.

    D) Single ideal identity or multiple leads with diverse identities: Cinderella (1950)

At surface level, Cinderella might seem like an ordinary Disney classic with a fairytale love story. But underneath this, we uncover the single ideal identity that is represented. In the film, Cinderella is presented as a kind, pretty, and calm character. Even through Cinderella's hardships (losing her father and being mistreated by her new family), she still keeps this perfect composure. After this, Cinderella meets a fairy godmother, goes to a ball, and meets a prince. These aspects highlight that women get rewarded through their patientness or kindness. The film is setting stereotypes that limit identity possibility, which changes society's norms. Cinderella's single identity encourages that there is a single way to live when identities deserve to be explored and not restricted.

    E) Encouraging identity play: Coraline (2009)

In the film Coraline, aspects of identity play are used when Coraline discovers the "other world". Coraline's actual world lacked adventure and overall fulfillment. This is until she goes to this new world where her desires come true, active parents, toys and freedom. She got everything that she lacked. Coraline then goes between these two identities until she gets stuck in the "other" one. Once this happens, the excitement becomes fear and she starts to get corrupted by these once "better" aspects. This untimely highlights the idea of imagining alternative selves and exploring different possibilities. 

Media Representation Theory Pack One: Representation/Hall

Spiderman: Into the spiderverse (2018)

        In the opening sequence of the film, we are shown contrasting narratives from one spider-man P.O.V to another. One of these perspectives being a typical comic hero that the audience knows very well. The other being a middle school kid growing up in the modern generation which viewers see as unfamiliar terrain. This shows that the filmmakers used stereotypical spiderman elements and repurposed them to really emphasize the appropriate representation of the updated/modernized spiderman and how life is like in the new generation. These elements of Spiderman's traditional lifestyle include keeping up with expectations and trying to fit in. The extract also uses counter typical representations to highlight the struggles that Miles may face while becoming this new person. So, even though typical spiderman hardships are displayed, there is one that really counter-acts what the audience expects from spiderman, his race. Miles is a Black/Latino character, and this may come with different challenges that the viewers may not expect. Also, the filmmaker uses deconstructed representations to hint that being a hero is not fixed with one single identity. This is done when Miles is shown as having many different lives; these include being a loved son at home, having many friends in your neighborhood, then not having anyone at school. These different identities of Miles represent that no one has one single story. Overall, the filmmakers show that being a "hero" is flexible and must grow with the culture of the audience and society as a whole. There are many spidermen in the universe and they all have different hero stories.   

Media Language Theory Pack Five: Postmodernism/Baudrillard

 

The Princess Bride (1987) 

           The extract above is the infamous scene from Princess Bride where the characters Westly and Vizzini have a "battle of wits" with two cups of wine, one poisoned, one not. The extract uses elements of invasion of private spaces to emphasis the postmodernism. This is done with an intimate feeling from the characters. Not only the setting of the duel but also Westley's calm demeanor allows the audience to feel like we have infiltrated their space. The scene also uses media blending to build tension but also keep it humorous. We see Vizzini scheming about the logic on which cup is poisoned, but he seems so paranoid that his tactic almost comes across as playful. These elements highlight the postmodern elements used to engage the audience in the film. 

Media Language Theory Four: Structuralism/Levi-Strauss

 

They Live (1988)

The purpose of the scene might be to shift the audience's focus of the world, or more specifically, what the world views as normal. The meaning is created in this scene through visual codes. These visual codes include the sunglasses and when the subject looks through these glasses. When he puts them on, they highlight the contrast between what we generally see and what is really there. The function, to create audience identification, is used within this contrast. The binary opposition (what we see v. what's actually there) functions to invest the audience in what reality really is, and what it is to the subject. 

Spiderman: Into The Spiderverse (2018)

The purpose of the scene might be to showcase Miles' breakthrough. The scene introduces an antagonist (Doc Ock) and shows how her evil actions push Miles to really have a revelation about his skills. Meaning is created in this scene through codes similar to typical hero conventions. Meaning that the battle sequence shows how Miles reacts now that he's becoming a hero. The function of binary opposition, to create identifiable character types, is used in the scene through hero v. villain or power v. unsafe. These functions allow the clip to build meaning and suspense. In the battle when Doc Ock is shown as dominant and Miles as vulnerable, we get a glimpse into how Miles became the hero and why/how he has his significant breakthrough. 

Media Language Theory Two: Equilibrium/Todorov

 

Mission: Impossible - Rouge Mission (2015)

         Proppian Characters in the extract include a hero, a helper, and a dispatcher. The hero is Ethan, the helper is Benji, and the dispatcher is Brand. 

        An example of equilibrium from the clip is the plane heist. Even though it isn't quite calm, it's balanced. This is done through a typical setup that we already expect from a Mission Impossible movie.  

        An example of disruption from the extract is when the plane is taking off with Ethan still on it. This breaks the equilibrium of the plane heist into quick panic when we realize Ethan is in great danger. 

        New equilibrium is established in the clip when Benji opens the plane door, and Ethan retrieves the package. This allowed the mission to restore balance and order. 

        The sequence uses In Media Res by starting right away with intense action without any build-up. This method creates excitement within the audience. 

        Multiperspective narratives are used in the extract to reveal the roles of the characters and how they add to the plot. This is done through cuts of Ethan on the plane, Benji hacking the plane, and Brand in panic.  

        The clip uses Equilibrium theory to introduce the missions balance that is found through chaos. The scene began with balance but got quickly interrupted, which created uncertainty. After this disruption, Ethan then climbs into the plane allowing a new equilibrium or balance to be restored, revealing that chaos was the key to success. 

 

Media Language Theory One: Semiotics/Barthes

    Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

         In the opening scene of the film Punch-Drunk Love, we see many different elements referring to Semiotics. Together, these elements create the emotion and mood that we perceive.

        A sign used in the extract is the Piano. When the piano is dropped off in the street, there is no explanation why it is there showing possible mystery. Also, this quiet and small piano arrives right after the loud car crash. These elements contrasts each other, drawing our attention to them.

        A signifier in the extract is the arrival of the piano and how it looks. When the van drops off the piano, it's done quick and in a wide shot. These details help us understand the emotion behind the piano and the possible calmness entering his life.

        The signified is what the piano suggests. So in this case it's an interruption in the characters life. This is displayed when the subject is shown working and answering the phone with very dull emotion then right after watching the sudden car crash with the arrival of the piano. These two elements change the emotion that the subject portrays.

        The denotative meaning is the piano being dropped off. The scene where the car crashes then the piano is dropped off is quite literally showing this sign entering the mans life. This chain of events, alters what we see and why we see it

        The connotative meaning is the emotion and mood that comes with the denotative meaning. Thus, the meaning is why the piano appears in front of the subject. This is most likely representing his emotions or thoughts towards his life.

        A films code can refer to a variation of things, this extract uses color code. This code is made of many color signs/symbols like his suit, the lighting, and the sky. These elements suggest calmness or even loneliness towards the subject

        The extract uses Semiotic theory to assert the purpose that the subjects calm/lonely life is about to be interrupted. In the clip, the subject is shown leaving a boring monotone call to watch a violent crash then receiving a piano. This chain of events suggests a disruption in the characters life that may lead to an emotional change.

Media Language Theory Three: Genre/Neale

 

Everything Everywhere all at once (2022) 

 

        I believe the genre might be sci-fi/fantasy because of the high use of the "multiverse" 

        Out of the five conventions, I think that the best used to determine the genre is character conventions. This is because the trailer focuses on the main character (Mrs. Wang) and her relationship to the sci-fi elements (the multiverse) which helps determine the genre. This also allows for the tone to develop. 

        Cultural effects apply to the trailer by the strong Asian representation. These elements seemed to really bring the film together because the women is going through different versions of herself and comparing them to her real self. This highlights what struggles may come with people of certain cultures. 

        One aspect of Genre Hybridity is comedy + sci-fi. These genres seem relevant because the trailer shows that in the midst of the chaotic sci-fi multi-verse madness, comedic jokes were used to bring us back down to earth. This allowed the trailer to seem appealing to viewers. 
 

Phantom of the paradise (1974) 

        I believe that the film genre might be a comedy because of how often humorous elements are linked to the horror elements. 

        Out of the five conventions, Iconography is the best used to determine the genre. The extract uses elements like funny masks and costumes to emphasize the comedic genre.  

        The trailer applies audience saturation effects to the film because they already knew what their audience had already been exposed to. This specific genre and plot seemed to be common for the era of its release. This allowed the trailer to mock what the audience previously knew. 

        One aspect of genre hybridity is Comedy + Horror. The extract uses scary elements with ironic comedic lines to keep that hybridity. This is relevant because it highlights certain aspects the audience will like. 

Electric Dreams (1984) 

        I believe that the film genre might be romance. We see many lines from the extract regarding the characters' love for each other. 
 

        Out of the five conventions, the trailer uses narrative considerations to support the genre of romance. The extract focuses on love (perhaps a love triangle) and how it is told, it is a large part of the narrative we see. 

 

        The extract applies to cultural effects because of the new invention of technology. As shown in the trailer, computers were a fairly new idea to society. This allowed the audience to connect with the culture of the film. 
 

        One aspect of genre hybridity is sci-fi + romance. This extract applied elements of technological fiction to relationships to make light humor about what computers may bring.