ME AND MY MOVIES

JACK DIXON

Media LiteracyMy main source for finding out about films is the internet, I use YouTube to watch trailers and reviews as there are so many on the site. Another good thing about YouTube is the recommended videos at the side of the video you are watching, this helps me to find similar films to those that I enjoy. Social networking sites are also a great way to find out about films; Facebook has sponsored links that appear on the timeline promoting new movies with links to trailers or interviews with the cast. Adverts on TV also help me to find out about new films as there are always advertisements for new movies but it depends on the time and channel as many of them only show children’s films before the watershed.

Active SpectatorshipActive spectatorship suggests that some people will react to a film differently to others such as the way they embrace the meaning or the message in the film. This also leads to cult following of a film; this is a fan base that is very interested in the film and its meaning be it due to a certain scene, plot or quotes from the movie. The cult followers may pay attention to much smaller details than the average viewer due to their passion for the movie or movies; films that are in sagas such as star wars and lord of the rings often gain the largest cult following along with auteur movies such as fight club.

My Movies

Fight ClubDirector- David FincherYear- 1999Genre- Thriller

Pulp FictionDirector- Quentin TarantinoYear- 1994Genre- Crime/Thriller

Never Back DownDirector- Jeff WadlowYear- 2008Genre- Action

Fight ClubInsomniac Jack is tired of doing the same thing day in day out, abiding by the rules, no fun, and no excitement. That is until he meets Tyler Durden; a soap maker with a difference, Jack sees Tyler as a pathway to his new life, after discovering fighting as an escape they start an underground fight club that leads too much, much more.I believe that the preferred demographic of this movie would be males aged 18-25 as there are scenes that would be unsuitable for younger children. This film is not necessarily aimed at an audience with an interest in fighting but those who enjoy reading into the deeper meaning of a film. This film doesn’t use many special effects or have beautiful women in every scene unlike many films made for this age range but it uses the female character well to make the viewer interested in her personality instead of her appearance.Star theory is used in this film as Brad Pitt is the main character along with Edward Norton. Brad Pitt could be seen as a role model to men as he starred in many male targeted films such as the Ocean’s saga and snatch, not to mention that he is married to Angelina Jolie. He could also attract a female audience as women may consider him as very handsome.

Codes and ConventionsThe conventions in this film are very different to those that you would expect to find in a thriller as it is an auteur movie. The characters in the film are unconventional for example ex body builder Bob; who Jack meets in a testicular cancer support group. Due to his illness Bob had developed breasts and when we first meet him he is shown as a very emotional man which is unexpected due to his size. Another unconventional character is Marla Singer who Jack see’s at many of the support groups he attends, they later begin to meet up and this is where we learn about Marla’s unique personality. Unlike most films from every genre the main lady; Marla is not made up to look beautiful and it is because of this why her character is so interesting. Marla is used very well to portray one of the main themes of the film; consumer culture. This is the idea that people do everything they can to impress other people even if it means that they are not happy themselves.

Pulp FictionThis film follows two hit men; Jules Winfield and Vincent Vega whilst on a job to retrieve a suit case for mob boss Marcellus Wallace. There are many obstacles along their path but nothing is too big for these two professionals.I believe that the preferred demographic of this movie would be males between 18 and 30 due to the characters personalities, language used and the violence shown in some of the scenes. As with Fight Club this film uses the story line to entice viewers instead of special effects and expensive products.Star theory is a main factor in this film as John Travolta and Samuel L Jackson are huge stars. At the time this film was made John Travolta would have a huge fan base aged around 20-25 due to starring in Grease (1978). Another big star is Uma Thurman who plays Mia Wallace in the film; Uma later went on to star in Kill Bill, another Tarantino movie.

Codes and ConventionsAs this is an auteur movie it does not follow the typical codes and conventions of a crime thriller. The language used by the characters is derogatory and uses lots of swearing throughout which would not be heard in a standard movie. The narrative used by Tarantino is main difference between Pulp Fiction and a conventional film as it follows a non-linear narrative meaning the film does not have a defined beginning, middle or end. The film switches from different perspectives which means that the same is shown multiple times from different peoples point of view, because of this a character could be killed and then reappear in the next scene which is very confusing to the viewer if it is their first time watching the movie. Pulp fiction begins and ends in the same diner at the same time with a very famous scene, it is only then when the movie ends that the viewer can piece the film together.

Never Back DownWhen troublesome Jake Tyler moves to a new school he is soon caught up in an underground fighting club. After losing a fight in front of his peers to the local champion, he begins training with a martial arts expert to prepare for a final elimination fight.The preferred demographic of this film would be male teenagers between 14 and 20. There are many violent scenes in this movie so it would not be appropriate for a younger audience as well as some sexual scenes and partying.Although the main character; Sean Faris has not been in many other popular films, Amber Heard and Cam Gigandet are recognisable from films such as Easy A, Bad Johnson, Drive Angry and Pineapple Express. These actors were used as the film is set in an American high school so the cast had to be young looking.

Codes and ConventionsThis is the only one of my movies that is not directed in an auteur style. The codes and conventions in this film are typical to this genre of film for example the characters are good looking and shown without shirts on throughout the film. The characters also follow Propp’s character theory ; there is a hero, a villain, a helper, a princess and a dispatcher. All of these characters are seen in the conventional style of this movie genre. Another convention is the theme of being the best, this is the theme in many films targeted at this demographic as a lot of teenagers are interested in playing sports.