Language
1) Write an analysis of the episode. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
Camerawork, editing and sound: Sound: non-diegetic music - epic, orchestral music sets adventure genre and atmosphere.Mise-en-scene: Storm/rain - connotations of danger but also reminding audiences her friend Roger died in season 1.
Narrative and genre: Steampunk genre - futuristic genre but with old, Victorian technology (mix of old and new). Airships, submarine.
2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?
It perfectly demonstrates the conventions of a fantasy genre as it consists of witches, prophecy, rift, daemon talking animals.
3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?
Propp character Mrs Coulter is presented as villain Costume and make-up on Mrs Coulter (red).
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
Narrative - “The prophecy has begun”. Lyra - creates enigma and action codes; narrative arc for all three seasons of His Dark Materials.
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.
“It’s time to draw sides” creates binary opposition as there are two contrasting sides to support.
Representations
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.
Lyra crying in cave - reinforces female stereotype of being weak and emotional however next scene contrasts this as she is exploring the rainforest on her own - strong, independent female character.
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
Gender - men shown as aggressive (throwing glass) which reinforces masculine stereotypes but then subverted by calling them weak (“failures”)
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs. Coulter and other adults.
Representation of age - children are in charge, grown ups are in danger. This subverts age stereotypes as the children are the ones who have responsibilities and the adults are in vulnerability.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
Narrative - “The prophecy has begun”. Lyra - creates enigma and action codes; narrative arc for all three seasons of His Dark Materials.
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.
“It’s time to draw sides” creates binary opposition as there are two contrasting sides to support.
Representations
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.
Lyra crying in cave - reinforces female stereotype of being weak and emotional however next scene contrasts this as she is exploring the rainforest on her own - strong, independent female character.
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
Gender - men shown as aggressive (throwing glass) which reinforces masculine stereotypes but then subverted by calling them weak (“failures”)
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs. Coulter and other adults.
Representation of age - children are in charge, grown ups are in danger. This subverts age stereotypes as the children are the ones who have responsibilities and the adults are in vulnerability.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Diversity - race/ethnicity. Witch played by black woman, much more diverse cast than Doctor Who.
5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.
Fantasy genre - witches, prophecy, rift, daemon talking animals. Steampunk genre - futuristic genre but with old, Victorian technology (mix of old and new). Airships, submarine. representing a world of advanced tech however under developed along with the unusual devices of talking animals and witches.
No comments:
Post a Comment