Crtical investigation feedback

25 - D

WWW:

• There is a good investigation in here ad you can certainly raise this towards higher levels. However, there are some key aspects to work on..

EBI:

• Written English is a massive problem: When your question and opening sentence do not make sense you are asking for trouble/ Throughout the essay, you don't use capital letters consistently - no where near good enough for A2
• Similarly, you need to learn how to introduce quotes and write stronger topic sentences
• The paragraph on new technology/globalisation makes no sense. Take it out or remove it to discuss feminism
• You don't have enough academic research: books or journal articles. How many of your footnotes have page numbers?
• Similarly, you are lacking media theory... and often you apply media theory where it doesn't fit/make sense, you must add feminist theory now you've covered it in class with Mr Bush
• Some basic errors: confusing equality and inequity at one point 

MEST4 Preliminary exercise: evaluation

Mean Girls - Burn book scene

Original:

Recreation:

1) Why did you choose this particular recreation and how does it link to your main production?

I chose Mean Girls as it shows how the typical teenage girl is represented in the media. However, this movie contradicts my issue as the main characters are females instead of a male being the central image. It shows that other people envy and are jealous of them and all the males are after them.
2) What difficulties did you face in producing this recreation?

Having to find a similar location to the one in the extract and getting the angles right
3) What are the strengths of the production?
The acting was strong and i managed to get every shot in

4) What aspects would you look to improve?

Not having a shaky camera and having props
5) What lessons will you take from this process that will help you with your main production?

To look carefully at my script and shot list and make sure everything i have written down is added in the filming and to be prepared.
6) Now that you are ready to start your actual linked production, explain clearly what you will be creating and how confident you are in delivering this.

A young female is kidnaped by a group of young males to take revenge on her brother who owes them money.  

Preliminary exercise: Recreation task

Name of the text you plan to recreate:
Mean Girls
Scene/section you will recreate:
Burn book scene - Regina George 
43 second to 1:19
Location you will use for your recreation:
My bedroom
Actors you will require for your recreation:
Shirin
Props/costumes you will require for your recreation:
Burn book, scissors, photograph of main girl and friend, stationary, tracky outfit
Equipment you plan to use:
Camera, Tripod

one-to-one feedback - essay plan

Essay plan

Intro: I really like the way you’ve tried to write a snappy opening – it really adds to the overall effect. However, it does need re-phrasing slightly to make it clearer. In general, this is a solid introduction – it needs a bit of re-writing to make it clearer but the main ingredients are all there. 250 words.

Section 1: Historical text and background issues. Wider context. Excellent to see media theories well represented. Quotes from the Guardian are fine but try and get some quotes from books/theories as well. Textual analysis. 350 words.

Section 2: Second historical text – more theory and quotes. Discussing empowerment of women. Gender theory, feminism etc. Try and get some textual analysis in here too. 250 words.

Section 3: Primary text – FF7. At least one paragraph with very detailed textual analysis. Then feminist theory, quotes etc. 500 words.

Section 4: Secondary text – Catwoman linked to FF7 and feminist theory etc. You may want to move some of your current paragraph 6 planning back into the FF7 and Catwoman sections because you always need to return to the question throughout. 300 words.

Section 5: Wider context, feminism in modern society. Bring in some new/digital media – feminism online (Everyday Sexism blog/Twitter etc.) Sometimes called the ‘fourth wave’ of feminism. Effects theory – impact on audience. Why gender stereotypes can be damaging in society etc. You may also want to include here the future of the debate – what will gender stereotypes and feminism look like in 5-10 years? 400 words.

Conclusion: Sum up argument, use similar structure to intro. Aim for a snappy ending that is similar to how you open the essay. 150 words.

Next steps… update/finish your plan based on this tutorial. You don’t need to stick to the above by any means but hopefully it has at least clarified your thinking and provided a potential structure that will be easy to follow.

This essay has great potential – it could be SERIOUSLY good! I particularly like the fact you are already trying to write the essay in a way that is interesting and engaging for the reader. Be aware of word count and don’t go too far over. 

Task 4 - essay plan

Essay plan

To what extend does 'Fast and the Furious 7' reinforces gender stereotypes and how does this differ from Catwomen?

Introduction (250 words)

·         Question: Gender representation. Are they negative, positive or both?

·         Although feminists have progressed in society, the media still shows audiences negative representations for women, however are positive for men.

·         Clearly seen in Fast and furious 7 – audiences can be influenced by this

·         ‘Image is power, image is superefficient’ (Cameron Russel: looks aren’t everything believe me I’m a model) – refer to Catwoman. Her image is powerful etc.

·         FF7 – women are seen as sex objects – pleasure for men

·         Historical text

·         This essay will explore how gender representations are reinforced in fast and furious 7 and how this differs from Catwoman

Paragraph 2 (150 words)

First historical text – ‘The colour purple

·         In this paragraph I will talk about my historical text and how it has similarities and differences to my original media text – Fast and furious 7

·         What were the roles of women and men back then? How is this presented in ‘The colour purple’

·         This can be linked to feminism – say how

·         Some reference to Catwoman – say how she is seen as powerful but in a seductive way
      
      Theories:

·         Dominant representations                           

·         Patriarchy

·         Dominant ideologies

·         Male gaze – Mulvey

·         Levi Strauss – binary oppositions: Masculine VS feminine – Expectations of women in the past was to be feminine, however, the character of Letty in The fast and furious 7 challenges this dominate expectations by embracing her power

Quotes:

·         ‘Guardian research shows that many are over-whelming male dominated - http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/oct/23/women-media-representation-online-news

·         ‘Women have less power and control over things’ - http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/oct/23/women-media-representation-online-news

Paragraph 3 (200 words)

Second historical text – ‘All about my mother’

·         The representation of women and men is different in both media texts – say how

·         Textual analysis

·         Compare to fast and furious 7

·         Connotations & denotations?

Theories:

·         Stuart hall – Oppositional reading

·         Perkins: Stereotypes are not always negative – could use for FF7

Quotes:

·         “The empowerment of women is so important. World poverty, world hunger, health issues – all of this stuff lies within the empowerment of young girls and women” - http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/sep/30/female-leaders-gather-to-underline-importance-of-educating-girls

·         The glass ceiling preventing women from obtaining top job -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKqF0wcGhIE

·         Women being a caregiver, staying at home cooking and cleaning, whilst the husband – a breadwinner go to work and earns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibiwHRVwCyc

Paragraph 4 – Primary text

Fast and furious 7

·         Textual analysis - paragrapgh on this

·       
            Another paragraph on this: Issues/debates: Representation and stereotyping, Ownership and control, Media technology and the digital revolution, The effect of globalisation on the media – expand on each point

Quotes:

·         Liberal feminists, those who believe that men and women are created equal and should be treated as such, would likely consider film franchises such as X-Men and The Fast and the Furious feminist as women fight alongside men, although they inhabit male dominated universes. https://blogs.wellesley.edu/cams20201fa13/2013/12/09/viewing-cams-202-through-a-lens-of-gender-and-sexuality/

·         ‘Previous research shows that few women hold positions of power and importance on screen’

·         Women’s faces and bodies have been advertised all over the media and is portrayed in a dirty way. For example, a woman is seen on the front page of a burger advertisement, her mouth is wide open and the long burger is opposite to her mouth, symbolising a male’s private part - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcpBFFClymY

·         women are often stereotyped and sexualized when they are depicted in popular content

·         ‘Rich, masculine, hot, sexy, Mac Mach, Perfect’

·         ‘In the media, they have become increasingly lean and muscular’

Paragraph 5 – Secondary text

Catwoman

The movie Catwoman contradicts my issue about how females are portrayed as sex objects in the media. Patience, the main protagonist, is seen as dominant and powerful; however she is represented in a seductive way, showing that the progress of feminism has not been that successful.

·         Textual analysis

Quotes:

·         "She spends her time using men as playthings in her scheme to better her life"  http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all

·         TV commercials, ads and billboards stereotype women as sexual objects - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibiwHRVwCyc

·         Women are expected to look and act a certain way in order to uphold a feminine beauty ideal. http://gas.sagepub.com/site/misc/Index/Classroom/Media_Representations.xhtml

·         Male and female bodies are portrayed differently, with women’s body’s often commented on and male bodies, when commented on at all.  Female characters also engage in showcasing their sexiness and men are seen gazing at these women, two stereotypical behaviours of femininity and masculinity - http://gas.sagepub.com/site/misc/Index/Classroom/Media_Representations.xhtml

Theories –

·         Male gaze – Laura Mulvey

·         Dyer – stereotyping and power – those with power stereotype those with less power

·         Medhurst – stereotyping – Shorthand – fighting scene

Paragraph 6 –

This section will answer the question - To what extend does 'Fast and the Furious 7' reinforces gender stereotypes and how does this differ from Catwomen?

·         Fast and the furious 7 reinforces gender stereotypes and does this negatively. Whereas Catwoman does not, although the main protagonist is presented seductively…. ELABORATE…..

Quotes:

·         Women are expected to look and act a certain way in order to uphold a feminine beauty ideal.  – use this to back up Catwomen. http://gas.sagepub.com/site/misc/Index/Classroom/Media_Representations.xhtml

Paragraph 7 – This paragraph will talk about the ideas of feminism

·         What they believe in

·         Are they progressing in society? Yes or no? Use quotes to back this up

Quotes to support - 

  "Female characters have slowly but steadily evolved beyond the universal hostage, victims or conquest archetype and became the heroine of their own action" http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/01/the-rise-of-the-female-led-action-film/251678/

Paragraph 8 – Conclusion

·         Sum up my argument – Are these stereotypes negative or positive? elaborate

·         How does this have an impact on audiences?

·         Are they being influenced by it? How?

Media magazine notes

Media magazine notes

Bill Thompson: What does the internet do for me?

• Open to innovation
• Network is becoming seemless and very fast - accessible

Internet is valuable for free speech but is not yet safe

The internet is replacing many things such as newspapers

Ways to use the internet: 

• Connection
• Information
• Voices in your head
• Political action
• Cartias and campaighning 
• Financial reward
• Games
• Learning
• friendship

Downsides:

• Bullying
• Unwanted porn
• Images of child sexual abuse
• Abuse
• Scams and rip offs
• Fraud
• conspiracy theories
• The dark web

Over 50% of newspapers are controlled by billionaires e.g. Rupert Murdoch

Media representations: 

Stuart Hall - role of society - 'common-sense’

Rob Watson and Pete Fraser - film production

"Never simply about journalists behaving badly - it is about power

Media power:

Power over: 

• Media content
• journalists
• audiences
• government

Power to:

• censor
• mislead
• set the agenda

Media and democracy?

Diversity and plurality

Last few decades - 

• Rolling news
• Free newspapers
• mobile apps
• online news

Cut and paste journalists - 'cut and paste from the daily mail'

Hackgate - corruption of power

Chris Jeffres – documentary

Task 3 - historical text

Chosen historical text

The colour purple (1985)

A Southern black woman virtually sold into a life of servitude to her brutal husband. Celie pours out her innermost thoughts in letter form to her sister Nettie, but Albert has been hiding the letters Nettie writes back, allowing Celie to assume that Nettie is dead. Finally, Celie finds a champion in the don't-take-no-guff Sofia, the wife of Glover's son from a previous marriage. Alas, Sofia is "humbled" when she is beaten into submission by angry whites. Later, Celie is able to forge a strong friendship with Albert's mistress Shug. Emboldened by this, Celie begins rifling through her husband's belongings and finds Nettie's letters. Able at last to stand up to her husband, Celie leaves him to search for a new life on her own. 

How is it similar/different to your main text?

In the movie 'The colour purple', there are many similarities to the 'Fast and furious 7'. The women presented are seen as vulnerable and weak. They are portrayed as less powerful then the male characters.Their bodies have been abused and violate - dehumanising them. The males are seen as dominant and superior and in control of the women. For example, in the historical text, the male abuses the female and in the fast and furious 7, the women are told to dance for entertainment- mainly for males audiences pleasure. 

Although they do have a couple of differences. For example, in FF7 there is an anomaly. Letty is seen as powerful and strong, whereas in The colour purple all the women are helpless ans susceptible. So there is some equality shown in Fast and furious 7.

How does this show how genre/society/issue has changed?

This shows that the gains of feminism have been slightly successful in society today. This is due to the fact that in the past, women were being dehumanised and abused, however due to changes in society women are slowly increasingly becoming equal to men and are more independent rather than dependent. This is clearly seen in fast and furious 7 during the fighting scene between two female characters. The fact that the fight was so intense suggests that women are becoming more and more powerful everyday. 

All about my mother (1999)

The movie is about a single mother in Madrid sees her only son die on his 17th birthday as he runs to seek an actress's autograph. She goes to Barcelona to find the lad's father, a transvestite named Lola who does not know he has a child. First she finds her friend, Agrado, a wild yet caring transvestite; through him she meets Rosa, a young nun bound for El Salvador, but instead finds out she is pregnant by Lola. Manuela becomes the personal assistant of Huma Rojo, the actress her son admired, by helping Huma manage Nina, the co-star and Huma's lover. However, Agrado soon takes over when Manuela must care for Hermana Rosa's risky pregnancy. With echos of Lorca, "All About Eve," and " A Streetcar Named Desire," the mothers (and fathers and actors) live out grief, love, and friendship.

How is it similar/different to your main text?

In the movie 'all  about my mother', there are many similarities to 'Fast and furiois 7'. For example the women are still seen as vulnerable and weak. Their typical stereotypes are being presented for example, women are seen as mothers (Pauls wife) and caring - which is written in the trailer of the movie.

However, there are also a couple of differences between the two texts. In the movie 'All about my mother' the men are portrayed as women, they are presented wearing female clothing and make-up (cross-dressing), whereas in the 'Fast and furious 7' men are seen as powerful and dominant. Also, in the historical text, women are not seen as sexual objects, rather a housewife/caregiver. However, in the fast and furious 7 they are.

How does this show how genre/society/issue has changed?

This shows that womens position in society is still stereotyped negatively. They are seen as weak and helpless compared to males. It shows that there has been no major progress to women gaining equality to men. Inequality between males and females still exist in society today.