The Anatomy of a
Blockbuster
AS Film Studies
Blockbuster
» More than financial
» But it is key Profit Box office receipts
» More than financial
» But it is key Profit Box office receipts
Blockbuster
» What makes a punter got to the cinema
» Discuss
» What makes a punter got to the cinema
» Discuss
Task 1
» What are the elements which make an international blockbuster? Franchise Literature Other source
» What are the elements which make an international blockbuster? Franchise Literature Other source
Stars
» Expensive» Guarantee?
» Expensive» Guarantee?
Producer/Director
» Reputation» Style» Guarantee?
» Reputation» Style» Guarantee?
Global appeal
» Main issue is accessible to all
» Weather» Global warming» Love story
» Main issue is accessible to all
» Weather» Global warming» Love story
Global Appeal
» Gay cowboys do not fill cinemas
» Gay cowboys do not fill cinemas
Good v Evil
Good v Evil
Culture neutral
» Offends no body» Assumes no cultural knowledge
» Offends no body» Assumes no cultural knowledge
Get it wrong?
» Eg Brassed off Kes Local Hero
» Eg Brassed off Kes Local Hero
Simple characterisations
» Easy to understand
» Straightforward» Understandable » Uses stereotypes» Does not mess
with stereotypes
» Easy to understand
» Straightforward» Understandable » Uses stereotypes» Does not mess
with stereotypes
Stereotypes
Save the world
» Universal interest» Avert disaster» Save mankind
» Universal interest» Avert disaster» Save mankind
Love interest
» Love universal» Sex sells» Romeo and Juliet» Love against the
odds
» Love universal» Sex sells» Romeo and Juliet» Love against the
odds
CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics
CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics
Visual vs dialogue
Branding
» Helps continuity» Note
» Helps continuity» Note
Merchandise
» Additional income» Additional income
Homework Essay
Choose a movie blockbuster and write a essay“Film Title – a blockbuster or not. Discuss”
Choose a movie blockbuster and write a essay“Film Title – a blockbuster or not. Discuss”
» Describe the film (date, director)
» Analyse financial success
» Analyse in what way(s) it conforms to the content of today’s lesson
» 600 words » Tuesday 9th October
» Describe the film (date, director)
» Analyse financial success
» Analyse in what way(s) it conforms to the content of today’s lesson
» 600 words » Tuesday 9th October