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.