Textual Analysis

My textual analysis is based on the Chronicle trailer

Codes & Conventions: What techniques does the trailer use to catch and hold the attention of the viewers?

The trailer begins with a popular song and the characters singing to the song. However, before the song there is a buffering noise which may turn the audience towards the screen which is a 'natural reflex' when you hear such a sound from any electronic device. This will grab the viewers attention as they may be familiar with the song. The trailer uses diegetic sounds. Screaming and loud noises get the audiences attention and There is an enigma code presented to the audience at the end of the trailer where the audience doesn't find out what happens to 'Andrew'

Representation: How are youths represented in the trailer?

The representations of the youths who are the main characters in the trailer is important. They are shown to be irresponsible, mischievous and very anti-social. This is evident when the boys move the lady's car in the supermarket parking lot. Also one of the boys uses his powers to get rid of an annoyance to them by killing those inside the vehicle he throws of course and into the lake.
However, there are some aspects where the youths do show some care. For example, they go to help the people in the SUV one of the boys threw in the river.

Audience: Who is this trailer aimed at?

The trailer is aimed at teenagers and young adults. This is clear by the choice of music used which fits into this demographic. Also there is a racist joke which is suitable for this target audience as they are less likely to take the joke as seriously as those older than them. While in the store, the characters play a practical joke on two others, this is something teenagers and young adults could relate to. The powers of the characters will get the viewers talking asking each other what each other would do if they had the powers. There is also a clip of a girl without her bra which may suggest the film is primarily aimed at the male audience.

Institution: What characteristics of Hollywood can be seen in the trailer?

There are a few typical characteristics of Hollywood evident in the trailer. The film shows the use of computer generated images(CGI) like when they are inflicting damage to the car, moving the car and also when 'Andrew' is crushing the car with his powers. Also there is evidence of the films big budget, a convention commonly associated with Hollywood. This includes the volume of police vehicles and personals near the end of the trailer. The setting of the film is also very Hollywood, it is a very secluded location near woodlands which add to the production value of the film. Other than that, the film doesn't use big name actors or an original soundtrack. 

Technophobes Questions

To view my presentation about Technophobes, click on the link below.

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Documentary DVD Cover Analysis: Bowling for Columbine

I have chosen to analyse the Bowling for Columbine documentary cover.

Bowling for Columbine is an Oscar winning documentary by written and directed American activist (and filmmaker) Michael Moore. It also won an award at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and a Cesar Award for Best Foreign Film. The documentary expresses Michael Moore’s concerns about acts of violence and firearms and its relation to the Columbine High School massacre. The film was given an ‘R’ rating (over 17) highlighting Moore’s views on who he thinks is responsible for violence in the United States of America. It had a budget of $4 million. The film grossed $58 million worldwide; nearly half of that income was from the United States of America ($21 million).

Immediately our attention is drawn to the bright yellow-orange colours, this would make the DVD stand out on the shelves. The bright colours could mean many things: the fiery colours could represent how controversial the documentary is since Colorado (the state where Columbine High School is located) is very pro-firearms. Columbine is has its own government which cannot be altered by United States government. The colours could also represent that society is burning down.

The yellow-orange layer is on top of a map. The only clear name the audience can read is Littleton. This may be a significant place in the whole scenario. Geographically, Littleton neighbours Columbine. Almost all of the colours used the cover contrast each other. This interprets as everyone having a different viewpoint on the Columbine High School massacre.

Bowling and Columbine are written in black to highlight the darkness of the events that took place at Columbine High School. The DVD cover also shows comments from various magazines. However, some words are bolder and larger than others. This may have been done deliberately by the writer to only show the most positive comments. Also, phrases like ‘very funny’ are smaller as the documentary was not intended to be humorous.

In the centre of the DVD cover stands Michael Moore, the activist behind the whole documentary. This shows that this documentary may be an reflexive type as it may show the views of Michael Moore. He also interviews people in the documentary to ask them their views on the event. In the documentary, he interviewed Marylin Manson and various Columbine victims. He is also holding a globe in his hands. However, the globe only shows the Americas. This may be Moore trying to express another viewpoint showing that the Americas as a whole are different when it comes to violence and gun crime. North America is glowing so that could mean an explosion of society (metaphorically).

The position of Michael Moore’s name may be significant (his name is above the title of the documentary) to show that he is on top of the whole situation and that he has got the reasons behind the Columbine High School massacre figured out.

The DVD cover doesn’t have a rating logo on it. This could mean that Michael Moore wants everyone to see his documentary. Michael Moore also has a serious expression on his face, although not immediately, you can tell that this is a documentary.

Documentary

Definition of Documentary
A documentary is classsed as factual material. This can include a documentary film or a physical record on paper (document; this is where you get the word documentary from).

There are many different types of documentaries:


Expository Documentaries
Expository documentaries are persuasive factual material. They propose an argument and try to get their point of view across to its audiences. Images will be used to help with the argument and persuade the audience to share the creators views.

An example of an expository documentary would be most wildlife films (not all!!). David Attenborough has established himself as a broadcasting legend for his documentaries about wildlife and all things nature related. For example, in the Frozen Planet series on the BBC, he expresses his views about global warming and how it is harming wildlife in the polar regions.

Observational Documentaries
Observational documentaries are films/stills that attempt to document life without interference from the producers of the documentary. It is also known as 'Fly on the Wall' TV.

An example of an observational documentary would be 10% White which first aired on Channel 4 in July 2000. It followed the lives of a group of neo-Nazis. It won a BAFTA in 2000 for the Best Documentary.

Click Here to find out more about 100% White.

Performative Documentaries
Performative documentaries consist of a person experiencing what they are documenting. For example, if they are documenting the lives of tribesmen, then they will join the tribe to fully experience what the tribemen are feeling. It is also supposed to document the emotional response from the presenter.

An example of a performative documentary would be Bruce Parry's Amazon. In the series, which is shown on BBC2, Bruce Parry visits and spends some time with different Amazonian tribes to discover how they are different, in their culture, the way they live, the way they eat etc.