Genre blog task

 Task 1: Genre factsheets


Complete the following tasks using the Media Factsheets available on the Media Shared drive. You'll find them in our Media Factsheet archive: M:\Resources\A Level\Media Factsheets or can access them online using your Greenford Google login here.

Create a new blogpost in your Exam blog called 'Genre blog tasks' and complete the following:

Read Media Factsheet 03 - Genre: Categorising texts and answer the following questions:

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

Visual iconographies are so important as familiar images, objects and settings help audiences recognise a genre .

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

Narrative is important as the storyline and events help audiences identify a genre.

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

The different ways films can be categorised according to Bordwell is by period, country, style, series and genre.

4) List three ways genre is used by audiences.

Three ways genre is used by audiences is to choose films they think they will enjoy , to understand what might happen in a film or to compare films.

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

Three ways genre is used by institutions or producers is to market and advertise films to target audiences, to help plan films and to attract audiences.

Read Media Factsheet 126 - Superheroes: A Genre Case Study and answer the following questions:

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

Avengers assemble (2013)
Scott Pilgrim (2010)
Chronicle (2012)
Super (2010)
Spiderman 3 (2007)

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

Some examples that are provided of how the Superhero genre has reflected the changing values, ideologies and world events of the last 70 years is seen as it mirrors the social movements and reflects on the real world.

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

Schatz's theory of genre cycles can be applied to the superhero genre since we continue to watch them at the cinema meaning media producers will continue to provide us with more superhero products.


Task 2: Genre analysis case study

Carry out your own genre analysis using the model provided by media theorist Daniel Chandler. Choose a film or TV text and answer the following questions - brief answers/bullet point responses are fine:

General

The Dark Knight (2008)



1) Why did you choose the text you are analysing?

I chose this text as it has exciting action scenes and memorable characters.

2) To what genre did you initially assign the text?

This film is apart of the superhero and action genre.


3) What is your experience of this genre?

This genre conveys a lot of crime scenes.


4) What subject matter and basic themes is the text concerned with?

The subject matter of this genre is seen from the criminals and how it focuses on the themes of crime.

   
5) How typical of the genre is this text in terms of content?

This film is typical of the superhero genre as it features a superhero fighting criminals to save innocent people.

6) What expectations do you have about texts in this genre?

Expectations about texts in this genre is that it should include exciting fight, a powerful villain and a hero who saves people.


7) Have you found any formal generic labels for this particular text ?

The Dark Knight is officially labelled as an action and crime film being widely recognised as a superhero film.


8) Which conventions of the genre do you recognize in the text?

- A villain causing problems for society
-A battle between good and evil
-A hero protecting innocent people

9) To what extent does this text stretch the conventions of its genre?
The film stretches the conventions of the superhero genre as it has a more realistic storyline. This is presented through its focus on crime and psychology.


10) Where and why does the text depart from the conventions of the genre?

It departs from typical superhero films as it shows batman struggling with decisions. The villain which is presented through the joker displays how he uses manipulation rather focusing on physical strength.

11) Which conventions seem more like those of a different genre (and which genre(s))?
Some conventions are more like crime thrillers. Some examples of these are police investigations and criminal gangs.


12) What familiar motifs or images are used?

Some familiar motifs or images that are used are seen through the superhero's images such as Batman's black costume and the Joker's clown makeup representing crime and danger.


Mode of address
1) What sort of audience did you feel that the text was aimed at (and how typical was this of the genre)?
This film is mostly aimed towards teenagers and adults that enjoy superhero films. This is seen to be typical of the genre as it contains action and suspense.


2) What assumptions seem to be made about your class, age, gender and ethnicity?
The film is aimed at a wide audience and doesn't show aspects of focus towards any age, gender or ethnicity as many people enjoy superhero and crime films.


3) What interests does it assume you have?
It assumes the audience is interested in crime, action ,mystery and stories about evil versus good.



Relationship to other texts
1) What intertextual references are there in the text you are analysing (and to what other texts)? Intertextuality is when a media product references another media text of some kind.
The film refers to the Batman comic also connecting other Batman films and stories featuring characters such as the Joker.


2) In terms of genre, which other texts does the text you are analysing resemble most closely?

It resembles other superhero films such as Spider-Man (2002).


3) What key features are shared by these texts?

Some key features shared by these texts are that they feature superheroes that protect people, include villains that threaten people, contain good fight scenes and include danger and suspense.

4) What major differences do you notice between them?
Some major differences I notice between them is that the Dark Knight is more realistic than other superhero films and focuses heavily on crime and difficult decisions.

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