During this clip, there are many similar shots that are used, like several shots where both characters are in frame. These types of shots show the connection between the two, as they fight for the power in this situation, making the character of Alice rival Luther's power, breaking the female stereotype. There are also many close-up shots of Alice's face and lips, showing her attempt to flirt with Luther. Although this can be seen as conforming to the stereotyped representation of women, she does it in order to gain power, breaking it. There are also two shots used back to back, with the first being a low shot of Luther looking down on Alice, showing his self-perceived power from his male stereotype, with the following shot being a low shot of Alice looking up, showing her challenging his power and lusting for more of it, breaking her typical 'weak woman' stereotype.
Sound:
The sound during this clip is used to show the tension between the two characters, which can be seen as sexual or as a gender power struggle. To begin with, the clip has no background sound, diegetic or non-diegetic, with the only sound being their dialogue. This is used to show an tense undertone of the scene. As they begin to start discussing the matter at hand, tense non-diegetic music begins to play, showing the tension becoming stronger between the two characters.
Editing:
The editing during this scene is very soft, with no hard jump cuts, showing the delicacy of the situation, which has become a tense power battle. Nearer to the end of the clip, the editing begins to quickly flip between shots of the two characters to show a power struggle between the two, showing Alice to be further challenging her stereotype by having more power.
Mise-en-Scene:
Alice's apartment in the background of this clip shows a lot about the representation of Alice's gender. The apartment is clean and tidy, perhaps suggesting towards the stereotyped women's role as the cleaner. The room also contains lots of books, art and a telescope, which shows her to be of a high class and highly educated, breaking the older stereotype of women.
7 Seconds into the video there's a close-up glamour shot of the character of 'Stacy', which shows her seductive manner with her facial expression and posture.
At 9 seconds, Stacy's Mom arrives and there are several shots focusing on her legs and bottom. She is also wearing a mini-skirt, adding to the sexualisation. This series of shots last for roughly 15 seconds.
At the 0:27, the setting changes to Stacy's room, where she is wearing only a crop-top and pants, further adding to the sexual image portrayed.
Stacy then moves to the pool, where she stares at the male character and strokes her hair, before proceeding to strip off to a bikini and jump in the pool. The stroking of the hair shows a infatuation with the male character and the bikini further demonstrates her sexual image.
At 0:52, after Stacy's Mom re-enters the video, she proceeds to strip down to her underwear, which the camera lingers on in order to sexualise her further.
Around 1:30, the video goes back to the narrative, opening with images of Stacy smiling in a sexual and seductive manner. She proceeds to seductively suck her drink through a straw.
Several seconds after this, Stacy's Mom re-enters, wearing just a towel. The camera focuses on her legs and pushed-up cleavage. She then proceeds to lie down and receive a massage, where many of the more curvaceous parts of her body are focused on by the camera. This segment carries on for 40 seconds.
At 2:10, the video returns back to the narrative. The camera slowly follows Stacy's Mom as she bends over to reveal her cleavage to the camera, which over sexualises her once more.
At 2:25, the video begins to sexualise Stacy's Mom even further. Firstly by making her do a pole-dance, whilst wearing only stockings and a corset. There are several shots that either focus on her desirable features as well as a few glamour shots, complete with blown back hair.
The narrative then changes to the main male character lustily watching Stacy's Mom as she is sitting by the pool, wearing just a bikini. Her actions during this sequence are also of the seductive nature as she seems dainty, just like the female stereotype.
She then proceeds to enter the pool, with a shot of her remerging, dripping wet and smiling, with the shot's focus on her breasts, further adding to her over sexualisation.
At 3:00, there is a segment of the video where Stacy's Mom is standing on a solid black background, wearing her same red bikini. During this, she seductively strokes her body, whilst smiling, before she begins to untie her bikini top. This sequence lasts for the last 23 seconds, intersected with the ending of the narrative.
To conclude, this video is a perfect example of the male gaze, as most of the video focuses on sexualising the two women involved (Stacy and Stacy's Mom), even with the main male character staring in awe, ironically portraying the outcome of the male gaze through another character.
Producers/ Production Companies: This film was produced by
JJ Abrams (also the film's director), Kathleen Kennedy (previously producing
E.T. and Jurassic Park) and Bryan Burk (previously producing Cloverfield and
Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol). It also was attached to the production
companies of Lucasfilm (which is George Lucas' own production company, now
owned by Disney, which helped to produce the other films in the Star Wars
series), Bad Robot (which is Director JJ Abram's own production company) as
well as True North Productions (an independent British production company).
Director:This film was directed by JJ Abrams, who has previously directed Cloverfield, both Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8 and Mission Impossible III, as well as previously producing several other TV Shows (under his production company) as well as the sequels to some of the films he directed (like Star Trek Beyond, Mission Impossible 4 and 5 or 10 Cloverfield Lane). Screen Writer:It was written collaboratively by Lawrence Kasdan (writer of previous instalments like Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark), JJ Abrams and Michael Arndt (writer of Toy Story 3 as well as Oblivion and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, both of which he wrote under the pseudonym Michael deBruyn). Actors:The movie stars many actors, from the virtually unknown to some of Hollywood's greatest. The Cast includes: Harrison Ford reprising his role as Han Solo, who also previously starred as Indiana Jones, as well as in Blade Runner and Cowboys and Aliens; Mark Hamill returning as Luke Skywalker, who is also famous for being the voice of the Joker in many animated series, cartoons and video games; Carrie Fisher reprising the Princess Leia Organa role, also famous for her role in When Harry Met Sally; Adam Driver as the new baddie, Kylo Ren, who since has went on to star in Midnight Special; Daisy Ridley as the new protagonist Rey, who was virtually unknown before; John Boyega as Finn, who previously starred in Attack the Block; Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, who previously starred in Ex_Machina and has since been in X-Men: Apocalypse; Lupita Nyong'o as Maz Kanata, who previously starred in 12 Years a Slave and The Jungle Book; Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, famous for Frank, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (both parts as Bill Weasley) as well as Ex_Machina; as well as Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, who is famous for her role as Brien of Tarth on Game of Thrones as well as one of the aliens in CBBC's Wizards VS Aliens. Budget:The film had a budget of roughly $245 Million (the second highest of all time). Locations: This film used locations in England, Ireland, Iceland and United Arab Emirates. Green Light Date: 30th October 2012, after Lucas Films was bought by Disney. Screens Shown On:The film was shown on roughly 5,500 screens worldwide on its opening weekend, which was its peak for the first 4 weeks of it being shown. The film lasted roughly 22 weeks at the cinema worldwide Critical Reception: Generally well received with an IMDb rating of 8.2, a Rotten Tomatoes score of 92% and a Metacritic score of 81%. Box Office Figures:It grossed just over $2 Billion worldwide over its time in the box office, with a $528 Million global opening weekend and a $900 Million US Domestic take (record breaking), as well as a record breaking global take of $1 Billion in its first 12 days. Music Composer:The soundtrack was done by John Williams, who was the composer of the prequel Star Wars trilogy, the Indianna Jones films and the Harry Potter films. Marketing:The first teaser trailer was released on 28th November 2014, over a year before the film was released. This was subsequently followed by several full trailers and a wave of TV spots and film clips. There was also several posters released, including the iconic main poster, as well as several individual character posters. There was also interviews on many iconic talk shows including Konan, Graham Norton and Jimmy Fallon.
Tie-in Products:Many products were released to market off of the Star Wars craze, including Lego, action figures, costumes, toy Lightsabers, kitchen apparel and models. Special Effects:Although the majority of the film has practical effects, there is a lot of SFX used. SFX is used for animation, motion capture and digital make-up, which was done by various companies and studios. Any Issues:As with most films, there was many problems with the film. Two major problems both involved Harrison Ford, who had a door on the Millennium Falcon set land on him, breaking his leg, as well as having a plane crash during filming. Daisy Ridley also apparently almost quit due to pressure from JJ Abrams, who thought her acting was stale and was trying to get her to open up. There was also problems with the film's rights as they were transferred from Lucasfilm to Disney.
Our Girl aims to break stereotypes with its representation of women in the military, however, whilst focusing on this with its main character Georgie Lane, it manages to conform to stereotypes in its other characters and classes. The Terrorists manage to conform to their stereotype almost entirely. One of the key reasons for this is by making almost all of them of African, Asian or Middle Eastern descent (with the only exception being one terrorist formally from London), complete with the corresponding stereotyped accents. They also conform to the modern stereotype of being a Muslim radicalised group, even complete with the almost parodied repetition of 'Allahu Akbar' as a sort of war cry. The costumes also conform to the stereotype, with their clambered-together desert-like dress, complete with a balaclavas and weaponry typical to the terrorist stereotype (AK-47s etc). The terrorists' actions also conform to the stereotypes, with threats of beheadings and video messages being sent out (a stereotype also conformed to in Iron Man). The military characters also conform to the stereotype, despite expanding the range of races and genders in its ranks by including women as well as people of black or Asian decent. They mostly conform to the hardened, expert and loyal soldiers portrayed in the usual stereotype, even down to the inclusion of tattoos on many soldiers' bodies. It also mimics the camaraderie usually presented between soldiers with the 'no man left behind' motto and the banter occurring between the soldiers. Despite the show trying to break society's stereotype of women by having a strong female lead, who also is a soldier (a break from society's norm), the show falls into many other stereotypical roles for women, mostly with their other female character, Kicki. Through the character of Kicki, they portray the usual stereotypes of women being weak and giving up, as she refuses to attempt to escape, whilst also following the stereotype that women moan too much, as she spends most of her screen time complaining. Even the main character Georgie is guilty of following stereotype, as she spends a segment of the episode thinking about the men in her life and being love struck. Whilst this isn't enough to fail the Bechdel Test, this still falls into a stereotyped pitfall. Georgie is also shown to be the victim in parts, especially in the opening scene.
To conclude, this show tries (and partially succeeds) to break the stereotypes of our society, however, through the portrayal of terrorists, the military and parts of its portrayal of women, it falls straight back into other stereotypes.
Textual Analysis
Camera Work: The camera work helps to present these stereotypes. It does this for the terrorists by using several shots to establish their power. When the antagonists first show up, a point of view shot is used, so that the viewer feels in on the action, making them surprised and scared, like the characters. It also uses low shots of them to make them look powerful and intimidating, along with a tracking shot of their leader to show him as a powerful onscreen presence. This presented power mimics the stereotype for terrorists even further. It reinforces the victim stereotype using the camera work as well. It does this by using close-uphand held camera on the protagonist to show her confusion and panic with her acting as the victim. There are also close tracking shots of the protagonist as she is dragged away, to show how confusing and distressing the situation is for her, making her appear as the victim. There is also a PoV shot near the end of the opening, as she is being loaded on to the truck, showing that she has been defeated, showing her to be weak. Sound: The diegetic sounds of shouting from the terrorists further adds to the stereotype presented, showing them to be rowdy and intimidating. When the sound focuses to the diegetic dialogue of the terrorist leader, this draws attention to him as the only one with a plan, mimicking that stereotype. The non-diegetic music used adds to the tension by building up during the terrorist's attack, adding to the fear that they create. The diegetic sounds that Georgie makes, like screaming, panting and panicked noises, portray her as the victim of the situation, further conforming to the stereotype. The non-diegetic sound of the music gaining volume as the scene concludes creates the feeling of Georgie's fear, showing her as the victim of the situation. Editing: The editing also adds to the stereotypes presented in the representation. Most of the editing involves quick cuts from different shots, to make the editing fast paced, so it appears tense, action-packed and stressful. This makes adds to the terrorists stereotyped fear-mongers, as well as reinforcing Georgie's woman stereotype, showing her to be the victim as she is stressed by the situation. There is also a situation where the editing slows down to focus on the terrorist leader, reinforcing his stereotype as the only one with the plan. Mise-en-Scene: The set shows a run-down and temporary environment, stereotypical of where the drama takes place. This reinforces Georgie's weak-willed women stereotype by showing a dangerous environment and making her the victim of the situation. It also reinforces the terrorist stereotype, by sticking in a stereotypical area.
Network: BBC Air Date: 30th December 2012 Pilot Summary: Following the infamous 'Jack the Ripper' murder cases in London, a trio of investigators, DI Edmund Reid (Matthew Macfadyen, also famous as Athos in the 2011 Three Musketeers), Detective Sargent Bennet Drake (Jerome Flynn, aka Sir Bron of the Blackwater from Game of Thrones) and the American doctor, Captain Homer Jackson (Adam Rothenburg, known for Mad Money and The Immigrant), investigate a Ripper-like death of a woman, convinced that its not a legitimate Ripper crime. Pros:
The acting in this is fantastic, with even the support cast turning in convincing performances.
The mystery is intriguing and gripping as well as good enough so as not to be predictable, whilst not being so complex that it loses the audience.
The period costumes and set design is very well done, seeming very convincing.
The hour-long format fits this drama as it allows for the mystery and plot to thicken.
Cons:
I felt that, even though the performances were excellent, the characters were not fully developed, so you have no real sense of what sort of person they are (which is expected to a degree by a pilot). This problem is especially relevant to the character of Drake, who isn't even given much to do in the introductory episode.
The ending wrapped up far too quickly and conveniently, making it feel a bit jarring compared to the slow build up from the previous 50 minutes.
Worth Carrying On?: I believe that this drama is definitely worth continuing with, as I feel that the mystery is well constructed, so it isn't as predictable as similar crime dramas. I'm also interested in how the show carries on for the other series. Would it Make the Top 10?: Regrettably, no. The show is very good but, after one episode, I cannot say that it's top 10-worthy.
Lucifer
Network:Fox (Amazon Prime Exclusive in the UK) Air Date: January 25th 2016 Pilot Summary: Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis), also known as the King of Hell, Satan or The Devil, has retired from ruling the underworld, choosing to dwell on Earth, in LA, as a playboy-like bachelor. All is good for him until his friend is murdered in front of him and he follows the investigator Chloe Decker (Lauren German) trying to solve the murder of his friend. Pros:
The show has a fantastic tone, feeling a lot like Constantine with how it presents the demonic and magical elements of the show but dropping its grunge for a more LA-like playboy feel, even down to the visual backdrops and hip-hop-like soundtrack.
Tom Ellis is absolutely fantastic in the leading role, managing to expertly manage the devil's charm and charisma, as well as his deep evilness.
The show has a fantastic pace, moving fast to fit its tone, whilst allow you to get to know the characters and for the plot to thicken.
Cons:
The 'crime drama' aspect of the show didn't fit in with the fantastical characters in it, however this may just be an issue with the pilot in particular.
The initial episode, in my eyes, failed to fully embrace the mystical side of its storytelling, with only a few glimpses at Lucifer's powers.
Worth Carrying On?:
I am definitely going to carry on with this show. It has a great charisma and sense of fun to it that just makes me crave it. Would it Make the Top 10?: Perhaps it will, as it is very similar to Constantine, which managed to make it, so perhaps it will.
Matthew Vaughn (Director) on set of Kingsman: The Secret Service
Development - This is simply the process of 'finding' a story. Ideas for films come from a variety of sources, they can range from novels, real life events to computer game adaptations. Once you've got an idea you'll need someone to write a pitch for you which you take to a film producer in an attempt to get some funding to make your film. Even at this very early stage you need a very clear idea of who you're aiming you film at so you can include elements that will appeal to them.
Pre-production - Once you've got funding you establish your budget and can begin to get a film crew together, you can storyboard the script. You also need break the script down into individual scenes and identify all the locations, props, cast members, costumes, special effects and visual effects needed.
Production - This is simply the process of 'making' the film. Provided you've done your job properly in the pre-production stage making the film should be straight forward. 'Film' is very expensive and difficult to store so an increasing number of film makers are using digital cameras to save money.
Post-production - During this stage you take all the 'film' you've shot and give it to a film editor. They will then begin putting it together. Special effects will be added, a soundtrack will be added, any missing dialogue will be re-recorded and added resulting in a 'rough cut'. This will be shown to the director and a test audience who will offer feedback. Often this causes scenes to be filmed and added or removed.
JJ Abrams (Director) on set of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens
Writer - Person who writes the screenplay of the characters' dialogue and actions taking place on screen.
Producer- Takes care of the business side of a film, which entails pitching the project, obtaining funds and rights as well as managing the budget.
Casting Director - Responsible for selecting the right actor for each role during Pre-Production. Director- In charge of the creative side of filming, controlling its artistic and dramatic aspects and guiding the technical crew and actors to make the film. Film Finance-An aspect of production, taking place in its development stage, to determine the film's potential cost and value.
Camera Operator-In charge of preparing the camera equipment and working with the Director to capture the visual style of the film.
Editor- Works with the Director during Post-Production to craft the different sections of the film together. Production Designer- Works on the visual aspects to the film, like the set and costumes, to ensure they fit the Director's vision.
Marketing-Trying to promote the film, usually involves press tours, interviews, trailers, posters, social media and merchandise.
Exhibition- The public screening of the film, usually at cinemas or theatres but sometimes at festivals like Sundance.
'Unlike pop-star and vlogger-loving Fan Girls, Superfans want niche knowledge, merchandise – and are the most active Geeks of all. Superfans are a new Tribe to accommodate the Alternative online force – the Twitterati, Fan Fiction writers, Tumblr-managers and thousands of other (often very young Tribes) who are Geeking out online and following their passions minute-by-minute'
I disagree with this, even though some aspects are similar (love of geekdom and its knowledge), its just one aspect of my personality, rather than its entirety.
So, if I disagree with this, who am I? Well, I am multiple things...
I don't think I fit into any real class, due to their being many aspects of my persona, that would contrast to any real classification. For example:
I'm a Geek - Much like the UK Tribes result, I do love 'geeky' things like Comics, Cult Properties and Sci-Fi, however, I do not care for Video Games, Fan Fiction or many of the communities within fandom (which, despite all liking the same stuff, seem to hate each other).
I'm a Sports Fan - I love to watch and play many sports, with sports like Rugby, Cricket, F1 and NFL being my favourites. However, I am not necessarily very good at the sports I play (despite enjoying them), meaning I am not a jock.
I'm a Movie Buff -I love watching and evaluating movies! I love a wide variety of films, from big blockbusters to small indie films, comedies to dramas. I also love to read and write reviews on films too. However, until recently, I rarely watched anything in the cinema, so I was always too late to a film for my opinion to be heard.
I'm a Retro Lover - I have a massive love for all things from the 80s! Films, music, TV and even the whole state of pop culture at the time, it all is amazing to me. However, not many people love this era.
I'm a Rocker - I love rock music, in all its varieties (Alternative/Indie and Punk are my more favourable). However, this is my most recent love.
So, considering all of that, if I really were to classify myself, it would just be 'myself'.
Summary: A chain-smoking scouse fights off demons and supernatural beings in this gothic fantasy drama, based off the hit DC/Vertigo comic series, Hellblazer.
Opinion: Occasionally cheesily over-blown and over-dramatic, this source-accurate drama has lots of jump scares, many heart-felt moments and a fantastic charisma to it.
Torchwood
Network: BBC (Season 4/Miracle Day co-produced with Starz)
Air Date: 2006-2011
Episodes: 41
Summary: Spinning-off of a character and concept introduced in the first two series of the revived Doctor Who, Torchwood brings a more adult and terrestrial take to sci-fi. The first two series tell a series of 11 self-contained stories (with the exception of Series 2's midseason two-parter Dead Man Walking and Day in the Death) and a two-part finale, usually with one or two plot threads tying together. However, the last two series follow a more serialised plot, with series 3's 5-part Children of Earth and series 4's 10-part Miracle Day.
Opinion: A fantastically dark show, exploring terrestrial sci-fi. This series has its stand-outs (notably: Captain Jack Harkness, Fragments, Exit Wounds, Children of Earth) but, similarly to all shows, has its flops (Day One, Countrycide, the middle section of Miracle Day). Still hoping for the show's return, as teased by the lead, John Barrowman.
New Blood
Network: BBC
Air Date: June 2016
Episodes: 7 (Representing 3 stories - Case 1 = Ep 1-3, Case 2 = Ep 4-5, Case 3 = Ep 6-7)
Summary: Stefan Kowolski, a junior investigator at the Serious Fraud Office, and Arash Sayyad, a constable turned Trainee Detective Constable, team-up to investigate crimes that their own jobs won't allow them to, in this Crime Drama, written by Anthony Horowitz (author of the Diamond Brothers and Alex Rider series as well as several of the new James Bond novels).
Opinion: Very similar to Sherlock, but lacking its crazy and bombastic writing (bloody Moffat...), making it very down-to-earth, with its more life-like and charismatic characters.
Game of Thrones
Network: HBO
Air Date: 2010-Present
Episodes: 60+
Summary: A fantasy drama taking place in a fictional earth, where there are two main continents (Essos and Westeros - where the majority take place), dragons once ruled the lands and the most powerful families fight over the seven kingdoms of Westeros.
Opinion: Although I'm not fully caught up, this is the pinnacle of escapism. With engaging storylines, charmisatic characters (you might even love the evil ones like Ramsay Snow/Bolton) and gorgeous special effects, this show is a must watch for anyone who can handle its dark themes.
Gotham
Network: Fox
Air Date: October 2014-Present
Episodes: 44+
Summary: A crime drama taking place before the reign of the dark knight in Gotham, showing a young Bruce Wayne on his path to becoming the world's greatest detective as well as many of his villains turning to the darker path (like Penguin or Riddler). However, the series main character is Jim Gordon, who climbs up the hierarchy of the GCPD to clean up Gotham.
Opinion: A great drama, with a strong first series and series 2's half half following suit. Despite the later half of season 2 falling incredibly flat, Gotham is a must-watch for any fan of Batman or crime drama.
Arrow
Network: CW Air Date: Oct 2012-Present Episodes: 92+ Summary: Oliver Queen returns from an island where he spent the past 5 years stranded on, thought to be dead. Upon his return, he takes to the streets of his home, Starling, to clean up his city and avenge his father's death, whilst also trying to lead a double life as Oliver and The Arrow. Opinion: A very strong series, with great action pieces and dramatic moments. The show is at its strongest in series 2, with the end of season 3 and the subsequent season 4 waning in quality.
Agents of SHIELD
Network: ABC
Air Date: September 2013-Present
Episodes: 66+
Summary: Agent Coulson (from the Avengers) returns from the grave to lead a special task force in SHIELD (Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division) to combat the rising influx of meta-humans.
Opinion: A fantastic show, with a variety of interesting characters (personal favourites include Fitz, Hunter and Bobby/Mockingbird). Despite how season 2 wasn't brilliant (with an over-load of plot lines and characters as well as strange changes to some characters), this show is, overall, fantastic!
The Flash
Network: CW
Air Date: October 2014-Present
Episodes: 46+
Summary: Barry Allen, a forensic scientist obsessed with the mysterious murder of his mother, has his life turned upside down after an accident left him with super speed. He then uses this speed to fight crime and other meta-humans, along side his friends Dr Harrison Wells, Caitlyn Snow and Cisco Ramone.
Opinion: Starts off really cheesy and naff but as the series progresses, into the end of series 1 and the entirety of series 2, more sci-fi aspects (time travel, pocket dimensions and alternate timelines) are introduced and emotional tension between characters are created to add to the drama, making it a fantastic show.
Sherlock
Network: BBC
Air Date: Oct 2010-Present
Episodes: 10+
Summary: A modern iteration of the classic Sir Arthur Colan Doyle novels, with Benedict Cumberbatch playing the titular Sherlock and Martin Freeman as his sidekick, Dr Watson.
Opinion: Generally a good show (despite the recent Abominable Bride) that almost feels like a series of short films, with their 90 minute run time. Only gripe would be with the writing, which sometimes can feel over-ambitious and ridiculous.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Network: NBC
Air Date: September 1966-June 1969
Episodes: 79 (And the 1988 re-release of the unaired original pilot: The Cage)
Summary: A Sci-fi, drama series following the adventures of the crew of the SS Enterprise (Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, Ahura, Sulu and Chekov) on their mission to seek out new life.
Opinion: A truely iconic series that stands out from its subsequent spin-offs (Next Generation, Deep Space 9, Voyager, Enterprise and the reboot movies) due to its charismatic and realistic cast, as well as the charm that comes with many other 60s-70s sci-fi (same as the classic Doctor Whos, the original Day of the Triffids and the Twilight Zone).
