Textual analysis of 'Interstellar'

Interstellar

Genre:
Interstellar(2014) fits into the genres of Sci-fi, adventure and drama.  Interstellar also fits into the sub-genres of 'space' and 'time travel'. It comes under the sub-genre of 'time travel' because once the characters go in to space the difference between space and time changes, where one year of Space time becomes 7 years of Earth time. So when the main characters does make it back to Earth, it is ahead by many decades.

Key conventions:
The  first key convention of Interstellar is time travel because the space-time continuum changes once the astronauts go to space. The second key convention of the movie is the modern technology used to help to send astronauts into space on behalf of NASA, who are known to create vast amounts of very diverse advanced technology. Also the use of technology is shown in the beginning of the trailer when the characters are chasing after a government issued drone. Another piece of technology shown in the trailer is the space-ship that is used to travel, it can be seen as more advanced than any other rocket ships that astronauts would usually use to travel into space. The third key convention is space because of the use of the outer-space environment, the exploration of different planets and travelling through different dimensions.

Target audience:
The film website IMDB has given Interstellar a rating of 'PG-13' because of the use of treacherous action and strong language. However the BBFC website has given Interstellar a rating of '12A' because of the violent imagery used in the film. The film is aimed at a more sophisticated and educated audience because they would need to understand the basic concepts of science and the universe. Interstellar would appeal to 60% male, 40% female audience due to the fact that the main character is a male.

Textual analysis of 'Divergent'

Divergent

Genre:
Divergent(2014) fits into the genres of Sci-fi, adventure and thriller. Divergent also fits into the sub-genres of 'dystopia' and 'experimental science.' It makes it a Dystopian environment as the movie is set in post-war Chicago and as society is divided into 5 different factions which all control 5 different parts of society. Divergent falls under the sub-genre of 'experimental science' as the characters are required to do a mental test that will assist them in deciding what faction they would be apart of.

Key conventions:
Divergent has a key convention of 'futuristic technologies' as the movie is set in post-war Chicago and the technology they use to create the mind controlling serum is far more advanced than the technology we currently use. Advanced technology is also shown in the structure of the buildings in one of the factions. The weapons are seen as more futuristic for post-war Chicago. It can be seen that the movie is set in an alternate version of earth as the population of the world is converged in one area of Chicago after the war. The political system is run by the faction 'Abnegation' however the leader of 'Erudite' controls the faction who creates all the technology. In Divergent there is conflict seen between good and evil where one faction tries to overthrow another. The costumes represent each faction, e.g 'Dauntless' ( The Brave ) are seen as more daring than other factions and 'Erudite' ( The Intelligent ) are seen as more formal people.

Target audience:
The film website IMDB have given Divergent a rating of 'PG-13' for the use of  violent imagery and action. However the BBFC website has given a rating of '12A' due to the romantic scenes in Divergent. This film is aimed at a teenage audience aged between 13-25. The film features two of the main character, male and female, which suggests of a romantic relationship between the characters. Divergent would appeal to 60% female, 40% male audience as the film revolves around 'Tris' ( Shailene Woodley ) and her adventure.

Textual analysis of 'Inception'

Inception

Genre:

Inception (2010) falls under the genres of Sci-fi and the hybrid of Mystery-thriller. It also fits in the sub-genre of 'firm science', which includes the use of technology and phenomena, which in the case of Inception means the main character is able to go in to other people's dreams and creating real life imagery in their minds.

Key conventions:

 The voice-over that quotes 'a single idea from the human mind can build cities' suggest that it belongs under the hybrid of sci-fi-mystery as it then shows the pavement becoming adjacent to the  standing buildings. Another key convention is the background track, the gradual increase of pace and volume creates an intense atmosphere of the movie. The short sentence 'Your mind' is shown in the trailer as one of the main focuses and fits into the sub-genre of advanced technology as the movie revolves around the scenes that occur in the mind. When DiCaprio states 'an idea can transform the world and re-write all the rules' suggest that it relates to the key convention of advanced technology as the use of technology can change and reform the world to create an alternate reality. The main key convention seen throughout the movie is 'advanced technology' because the use of technology is what helps the characters get into people's minds.

Target audience:

The film website IMDB have given 'Inception' a rating of 'PG-13' for the use of violent imagery and action throughout the movie which would appeal to a teenage audience. However the BBFC website has given a rating of '12A' because it contains moderate violence. The trailer features two of the main characters, male and female, which suggests that there could be a romantic relationship between them. I believe that this would appeal to 50% male, 50% female audience with an age range of 13-45. Inception is a well known, high budget film which could also mean this film would be watched by more educated people who are interested in technology and wanting to know about the 'mind' more.

First blog task!

1.Why did you choose GCSE Media Studies?

 I chose GCSE Media because it seemed interesting to create a music video or a film poster. Also, my brother and sister have done Media too and both of them enjoyed it as well. I wanted to do photography in year 11 so I thought that Media could help me with it.

2.Which part of the course are you looking forward to most?

I am looking forward to create a music video, the aspect that interest me most is the directing and the choreography of the video and learning how to edit my work by using Photoshop.    

                 

3.What knowledge and skills do you hope to learn in Media?

 I hope to learn how to use the Photoshop software which will come in handy when doing photography in year 11.

4.What grade are you realistically hoping to achieve in Media?

 My target is to get an A* but I would be hoping to achieve an A.

5.What was the last TV programme or film you watched?

The last TV show I watched was Pretty Little liars.

6.Why do you think that TV programme or film appealed to an audience?

Pretty Little Liars is a teen-mystery thriller and appeals to teens and young adults. The show has an interesting plot to it and there's always a mystery in every episode that creates tension and leaves the audience wanting to know more.

7.What technology have you used to access the media in the last 24 hours? (Radio, TV, phone etc.)

I have used my laptop, phone and TV to access the media.

8.What device do you use most to access the media?

I use my laptop the most to access the media.

9.Find the trailer for Jurassic World on YouTube and embed it in your blog. What film genres would Jurassic World fit into?

Jurassic World trailer

I would say Jurassic World fits into the genres of action, adventure, thriller and sci-fi.

10.Why does Jurassic World appeal to a family audience?

Jurassic World is shown as a theme park and theme parks are aimed at children and families. Therefore it appeals to a family audience. Some of the main characters are children which shows it would appeal to families. The movie revolves around dinosaurs which appeal to children and this shows why there would be a family audience.