EXAM PRACTICE

EXPLORE HOW NARRATIVE IS CONSTRUCTED IN YOUR THREE MAIN TEXTS 

Narrative is a mechanism used differently according to the individuals intent when creating a film, this intent differing due to many factors, constructing a story that sparks interest within an audience being the ultimate objective for many films in order to create a level of engagement. In basic terms the narrative is how the story is told , however the narrative can have a major impact on many factors surrounding how the film is consumed and received as a media text. As said previously the narrative is often responsible for the level of engagement and interest within a film, my selected texts effectively demonstrate contrasting narratives that have both been constructed differently, I will attempt to explore how narrative is constructed in my selected films, detailing the various approaches that can be taken when constructing a narrative , and why the particular structures have been chosen and employed. Immediately a difference in narrative can be seen in two of my focussed texts in film due to the juxtaposing scale each film is based on , 'Weekend' (2011) directed by Andrew Haigh literally taking place over a weekend and covering a limited amount of locations , this completely contrasting the narrative found within 'Skyfall' (2012) directed by Sam Mendes, which like any bond film follows a more 'complex' narrative which is carried out on a much more expansive scale. The two very different narratives found within independent film; 'Weekend' and film; 'Skyfall' drawn out of a well established sequel are clearly both constructed differently, narrative structure being an element that divides the two films in terms of how the story is told. 'Weekend' taking a linear approach in which events happen chronologically, as appose to 'Skyfall' which takes a non linear approach, allowing for much more exposition, and ultimately a much more in depth story as appose to an insight. 

EXAM PRACTICE

Explore the different audience appeals of your three main texts

Audience appeal is a device all media texts use differently in order to attract their target audience , often installing elements such as levels of reliability within the films. This immediately allowing audience members to become engaged with the media text due to a commonality with a character,situation or location , causing them to feel involved, and consequently leading them to become more immersed in the film. All though the majority of western mainstream cinema either possesses an aspirational or relatable aspect within the film , some films differ in audience appeal as they construct stories that may cover a slightly more controversial topic that is under represented due to a surrounding stigma formed by the media, and the majority of society. I will explore the juxtaposing audience appeal within my selected media texts, focussing particularly on the major appeal of masculinity within film, detailing why so many films display and rely on such stereotypical dominant male roles. My selected films effectively exemplify the various elements used to appeal to a particular audience, on both a global and a rather minuscule, communal scale. This audience appeal undoubtedly influenced by the dominant ideology's assumed perspective on society, many of the films we consume reflecting what they personally believe will appeal to us, taking into consideration the dominant ideologies limited understanding of various aspects within society they may not be familiar with. It becomes clear the majority of films are created to appeal to their desired audience , purposefully constructed to reflect this skewed ideal society they strive for. I believe this major impact within the film industry through influence swiftly explains the very stereotypical ideology surrounding masculinity within films that I intend to explore further within the remainder of the essay. 

MOONLIGHT - ADDITIONAL CASE STUDY

'Moonlight' is a a 2016 drama directed by Barry Jenkins , I have selected this particular film as an additional case study due to its commonality in challenging stereotypes associated with masculinity , the films success in winning the most prestigious award at the annual oscars being another prominent element I would like to expand on within the analysis. This film provides us with an insight into the protagonists life through three different stages of his life, allowing us to see clear character development as he continues to battle with his sexuality throughout the stages .This revolving element of his sexuality being a major focus for audience members due to the environment which surrounds him , a neighbourhood in Miami where gang culture is immediately evident  being a location where an individuals masculinity stands as a major feature of their reputation , 'Moonlight' was effective in subverting this stereotype and detailing the irrelevance of the stigma associated with homosexuality in a rather subtle manner. Obvious comparisons with my previous case study 'Weekend' can be made due to the intimate insight into a homosexual relationship we can gain from viewing the films, the low productions budget and juxtaposing success also a aspect of the two films that requires a more in depth exploration , the success of both films immediately inferring there is an audience for films that explore this controversial topic, even though homosexual relationships and characters are underrepresented on a whole , this  underrepresentation most definitely due to the stereotypical ideology surrounding masculinity in modern society.    

MASCULINITY IN FILM

The portrayal and ideology surrounding masculinity is an element of film that is definitely to be questioned , the underrepresentation of homosexual men within film and expectations surrounding  men created by various film is what I shall attempt to explore within this analysis, looking particular at four focus films that I personally believe exemplify various aspects of masculinity within film, the major influence of film as a form of media consumption being an element I will focus on in exploring the film industries extremely traditional stance revolving male sexuality. The definition of 'masculinity' states ; 'possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men', these so called qualities are created and portrayed to be essential to all men through various media sources, the hypodermic needle theory illustrating exactly how this information is received. Being received 'wholly' causing people to automatically assume this is the only option , in this example the constant injection of media which only represents and portrays heterosexual relationships leads people who may differ in sexuality to feel rejected by society due to the fear of not being accepted, acceptance being a universal theme almost all humans strive for in life. The traditional dominant masculine character evident in most mainstream cinema may be a contributing factor surrounding the stigma of homosexual relationships in the modern day, this due to many people in society today consuming film from a young age, the combination of constant implication of heterosexual relationships and underrepresentation of homosexual relationships possibly responsible for this ancient stigma. The dominant ideology of both the UK and USA undoubtedly in control of and extremely influential in this particular industry, using media texts as a social mechanism to frame how the majority of people constantly consuming the media think , this power passively effecting most people who are unable to escape the projection of the media. Due to the dominant ideology of both major countries being white,straight, and male ,it seems the storys in much of mainstream film seems to reflect this demographic , concluding in the majority of western cinema possessing common traits, common traits that may subconsciously form ones opinion or leave a person feeling a particular way.

WEEKEND FILM ANALYSIS

'Weekend' (2011) is a romantic drama directed by Andrew Haigh , the film explores the sudden relationship sparked between two homosexual men and how their relationship develops and progresses over a weekend, providing the audience with a detailed and at times intrusive insight into the various elements contained within their relationship. Including major themes such as acceptance allowed the film to accurately portray the struggle many homosexual men may face due to an underlying stigma surrounding the topic , this stigma created and continuously projected through various sources in society, the defined outline of masculinity contributing to many men unable to accept their sexuality. I personally think the film effectively reflected the controversy often associated with this particular topic, elements such as the cinematography were very effective in provoking a reaction from the audience due to the intimacy between the two main characters being shown in its true light. The cinematography displayed within the film was key in emphasizing this often unspoken of topic, focussed lengthy shots were used through out the film in order to create a sense of awkwardness among audience members, mirroring the awkwardness of the topic and leaving us in thought , causing audience members to think if we would react the same to a scene featuring a heterosexual couple. Due to constant exposure and consumption of media many people have become desensitized to how men and women are portrayed in the majority of  media texts , men often portrayed in a very dominant masculine manner , juxtaposed to this women are often objectified and sexualised. With reference to the hypodermic needle theory this constant injection of stereotypical gender roles through the media results in many people assuming that their sexuality must fall into one category , meaning masses of people feel unable to explore or express their sexuality due to fear of not being accepted by society. 'Weekend' perfectly exemplifies many of the elements and challenges included within being a homosexual man in the modern day, as well as detailing many of the similarities between heterosexual and homosexual relationships.

A2 MEDIA EVALUATION

In evaluating my A2 media production I shall explore how my production has been informed by my research findings, focusing on both the strengths and weaknesses of my personal production process, as well as realizing the comparative links between my initial research. For my MS3 coursework I conducted an investigation into the representation of black males in UK music videos, the investigation looking specifically at two focal artists; Loyle Carner & Skepta. As a result of my investigation I discovered:

 · a commonly misunderstood negative representation in UK music videos featuring black males
· an uprising diversion from the more stereotypical elements often found in UK music videos which feature black males
· a clear creative element being implicated into many UK music videos, partly responsible for the change in representation among black males
· a newly found appreciation of black males in UK music videos among both audience members and media company’s

 To display what I discovered in my research investigation I decided to create a front cover and double page, which subverted the negative connotation usually associated with black males in UK music videos, glamourizing the art form of music video through a minimalistic layout, this minimalism could be closely compared to the approach Loyle Carner often takes in his music videos. Even though I decided to divert from the usual grimy aesthetic associated with this particular type of music video I did purposefully include elements in the double page spread such as photographs that I personally thought celebrated the harsh nature of the street, this celebration evident in much of Skepta’s work particularly.                

After an in depth research into Loyle Carner and his music I thought it would be interesting to extract the resurgence of a particular genre and entail this in the article itself, due to the production subverting stereotypes found in my research investigation I decided to particularly look at the resurgence of jazz, jazz being a genre often found combined with hip hop in Loyle’s work. My article definitely reflecting the resurgence of a less popular UK genre, this differing to the norm as it is usually grime which is discussed when it comes to UK music/UK music videos due to rising popularity. 

Visual elements displayed in the music videos of both my focal artists inspiring my final production, harsh aspects of the street exposed through both visual links of graffiti and primary photographs, these particular elements of my production linking more to the atmospheric vibe created in Skepta’s music videos. I contrasted these visuals with a minimalistic approach , an approach often taken in Loyle Carner’s work in order to portray and provide a more emotional effect on the audience. Combining both colour and negative space often evident in Loyle’s work I was able to provide the double page spread with a particular mood that fitted my selected genre and desired effect successfully. I personally believe my final production effectively challenged the stereotypes often associated with black males in UK music videos. Manipulating visual elements from my initial research investigation to create a professionally formatted front cover/double page spread of a magazine that successfully subverted the stereotypes explored in my initial research.

WHAT DOES MUSIC MEAN TO ME ?

Music has always been an important aspect of my life and even more so in recent years as I have expanded my music taste and discovered a love for genres that I never initially found appealing. Music has the power to change or enhance a particular mood an individual may be feeling, I personally feel as if music can also be inspirational in terms of creativity, for me this down to the combination of subject matter, lyrical flow and the instrumental beat involved. Having grown up in an era where the uprise of continuous sampled pop was prominent, I decided to delve into much of the music my Dad was listening to growing up, this knowledge combined with music often heard at the skatepark environment I immersed myself in left me with artists in genres of hip hop, rap, punk and rock. My taste in music quickly broadening and developing as festival culture allowed me to appreciate the sound of drum and bass and house music on a first hand basis, my recognition of many artists I hadn't yet heard of also catalysed by their appearances at various festivals. Even though I often rotate the music I listen to everyday both old school and modern hip hop seem to be where its at for me personally , the lyrical flow accompanied by a jazzy beat being a sound that I love.