Media Factsheets

SHEET 003

1) What example is provided of why visual iconographies are so important?

TV Broadcasting. If someone is sat behind a desk and there are multiple set lights as well as a screen and if they are in a suit, it gives the impression of a news channel. Deep space automatically connotes sci-fi however.

2) What examples are provided of the importance of narrative in identifying genre?

Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow 

3) What is the difference between character representation in action movies and disaster movies?

In Action, the hero is isolated from other people whereas in Disaster movies, the hero is usually with a group of people.

4) What are the different ways films can be categorised according to Bordwell? 

Period or Country

• Director 

• Technical Process, 

• Style

• Series

• Audience

5) List three ways genre is used by audiences.

They use their past experiences to judge whether they will enjoy this film or not.

They try to compare it with something they have already seen. They would describe the genre to someone who hasn't seen it before.

They also use their knowledge of genre to reject a film, they use characteristics of that film to see 

6) List three ways genre is used by institutions or producers.

Production- they use an existing genre to build their idea upon.

Attracting an Audience- The producers use a certain star to gain a loyal fanbase. That way people will ALWAYS go to see their work if it has that same element. An example of this is the Marvel franchise.

7) What film genre is used as an example of how genres evolve? What films and conventions are mentioned?

Gangster genre- Power struggles, conflict, killing.

hybrid genres

SHEET 126

1) List five films the factsheet discusses with regards to the Superhero genre.

Avengers Assemble

Scott Pilgrim

Superman

Batman and Robin

Spiderman
2) What examples are provided of how the Superhero genre has reflected the changing values, ideologies and world events of the last 70 years?

Superman had to adapt to the certain times of the eras of when it was released in. 

During WW2, Superman had to fight off European baddies due to the rise of German and other enemies from Europe.

He also had to fight rich people, Lex Luther. This was during the 30's and 70's where America faced huge economic losses.

The Dark Knight showed how he was a rich billionaire as well as a simple hero who helped others. This was a nod to the various protests about the inequality of income. Particularly, the 1% rich and 99% worse off argument.

3) How can Schatz's theory of genre cycles be applied to the Superhero genre?

Innovation: genre codes are established
Classical: conventions are repeated
Parody: codes become clichéd and are mocked
Deconstruction: the genre is experimented with to establish new or different conventions

This cycle shows that Superhero movies were created and then like like the 'superhero' movie' released in 2009, it was cliched. Producers then began deconstructing and innovating with things like the 'Avengers' in 2013. A strong example of Schatz's theory.