Has the humor in this episode advanced from what we have seen in 'Are You Being Served?'
- Are jokes still being aimed at the same groups of people
Jokes are still being aimed at individuals and groups of people but not necessarily the same as in AYBS. Nathan is always taking the "mick" out of everyone all around him. In some ways you can say that jokes are aimed at the different sex's as Nathan constantly berates Kelly who he labels a 'chav' but he also takes the piss out of the male characters as well where as in AYBS there were jokes aimed between just the men and the women.
- Are the generations or sexes divided by humor?
Friday, 28 January 2011
Misfits...
1) Has the humour in this episode advanced from what we have seen in "Are You Being Served"?
In "Are You Being Served" the comedy is very staged and quite predictable. The comedy is based on the actions of the characters for example sending the letter and splitting the trousers. Where as "Misfits" is more about banter between the characters and the way they speak to each other. The language used in "Are You Being Served" is very posh and formal, the characters respect each other in the way they speak which is the complete opposite to "Misfits". The characters in "Misfits" don't respect each other, they are sarcastic and not afraid to make fun of each other.
2) Are the generations or sexes divided by humour?
Yes both generations and sexes are divided by humour in "Misfits". We think this because it is clear that the young offenders have no respect for their probation officer, they don't acknowledge this importance/authority.
In "Are You Being Served" the comedy is very staged and quite predictable. The comedy is based on the actions of the characters for example sending the letter and splitting the trousers. Where as "Misfits" is more about banter between the characters and the way they speak to each other. The language used in "Are You Being Served" is very posh and formal, the characters respect each other in the way they speak which is the complete opposite to "Misfits". The characters in "Misfits" don't respect each other, they are sarcastic and not afraid to make fun of each other.
2) Are the generations or sexes divided by humour?
Yes both generations and sexes are divided by humour in "Misfits". We think this because it is clear that the young offenders have no respect for their probation officer, they don't acknowledge this importance/authority.
Misfits: episode one
Has the humor in this episode advanced from what we have seen in 'Are you being served?'
- Are jokes still being aimed at the same groups of people?
The jokes in Misfits are aimed at different groups of people to those comedy shows made in the 70s. In the 70s programme we watched, the jokes were being aimed towards the generation gap and the 'camp' character, aswell as the women. With the development of multi-cultural society in the UK, programmes like misfits have had to keep up to date. They have achieved this by involving (joking about) a variety of different people. In Misfits, the jokes are aimed at the whole of the group, who consist of a diverse range of people. However, the people are young so this would target a young audience. Also, Nathan is the main source of jokes throughout the whole programme.
- Are the generations or sexes divided by humor?
There is definitely a divide in generations over humour. this is shown when the older characters, the probation worker and Nathans mum don't find his sense of humor funny. However, when Nathan is joking about the younger characters in the show they find it funny, even if he is winding them up.
There is a divide between sexes as well. Nathans jokes are more than often focused around sex. The females in the show are quick to criticise and dislike his jokes. However the males in the show find it quite funny,
- Are jokes still being aimed at the same groups of people?
The jokes in Misfits are aimed at different groups of people to those comedy shows made in the 70s. In the 70s programme we watched, the jokes were being aimed towards the generation gap and the 'camp' character, aswell as the women. With the development of multi-cultural society in the UK, programmes like misfits have had to keep up to date. They have achieved this by involving (joking about) a variety of different people. In Misfits, the jokes are aimed at the whole of the group, who consist of a diverse range of people. However, the people are young so this would target a young audience. Also, Nathan is the main source of jokes throughout the whole programme.
- Are the generations or sexes divided by humor?
There is definitely a divide in generations over humour. this is shown when the older characters, the probation worker and Nathans mum don't find his sense of humor funny. However, when Nathan is joking about the younger characters in the show they find it funny, even if he is winding them up.
There is a divide between sexes as well. Nathans jokes are more than often focused around sex. The females in the show are quick to criticise and dislike his jokes. However the males in the show find it quite funny,
Misfits Question- Episode one.
Has the humour advanced from what we have seen in Are you being served?
We feel that the humour has advanced from are you being served because it shows a form of different humour, in particularly sarcasm. Sarcasm isn't shown in are you being served because its normally humour relating to the division between genders (male and females).
In Misfits it contains several types of humour which would attract different audiences and different people depending on what they find funny as compared to Are you being served where it has a variety of humour as it's quite repetitive with similar jokes and you can soon predict what will happen. Misfits humour is aimed at a younger generation as its more original and up to date however the humour in AYBS is aimed at the older generation as they would appreciate the divide between males and females.
We feel that the humour has advanced from are you being served because it shows a form of different humour, in particularly sarcasm. Sarcasm isn't shown in are you being served because its normally humour relating to the division between genders (male and females).In Misfits it contains several types of humour which would attract different audiences and different people depending on what they find funny as compared to Are you being served where it has a variety of humour as it's quite repetitive with similar jokes and you can soon predict what will happen. Misfits humour is aimed at a younger generation as its more original and up to date however the humour in AYBS is aimed at the older generation as they would appreciate the divide between males and females.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Identity Theory
1.Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now, that you think would be strong enough to form a 'collective identity'
Dubstep (music) culture - In the last year, dubstep has been commercialised and has been in the charts. Nobody would have recognised it not long ago, but at this present moment, everybody knows what it is. The more commercialised dubstep is at its peak, this is what the average person would prefer compared to the underground and more unknown artists. For example, Magnetic man & Katy B have been in the charts recently and promoting their musics.
2.Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts
Fish Tank- The mass media theory this represents typical Essex communities, Single mothers, uneducated children etc etc. this would influence a foreign communities opinion on the area in a negative fashion.
The Identity and Label theory (Stryker theory) creates a negative single-mum portrayal of the family in fish tank. They would be put in a lower class category. For example, the majority of the time the family are at home, getting drunk and arguing,
Interpellation creates bad press towards the eldest daughter, but doesnt focus on her harsh upbringing.
Dubstep (music) culture - In the last year, dubstep has been commercialised and has been in the charts. Nobody would have recognised it not long ago, but at this present moment, everybody knows what it is. The more commercialised dubstep is at its peak, this is what the average person would prefer compared to the underground and more unknown artists. For example, Magnetic man & Katy B have been in the charts recently and promoting their musics.
2.Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts
Fish Tank- The mass media theory this represents typical Essex communities, Single mothers, uneducated children etc etc. this would influence a foreign communities opinion on the area in a negative fashion.
The Identity and Label theory (Stryker theory) creates a negative single-mum portrayal of the family in fish tank. They would be put in a lower class category. For example, the majority of the time the family are at home, getting drunk and arguing,
Interpellation creates bad press towards the eldest daughter, but doesnt focus on her harsh upbringing.
Questions...
1) Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain right now, that you think would be strong enough to form a 'collective identity'?
One cultural movement that is taking place and has been going on for a while is the 'Essex' stereotype. This involves the people speaking in a very common accent and most women aspiring to be a WAG. The women are caught up in glamour and beauty, however not in the most classy of ways. For example, the typical 'Essex' teenage girl would wear thick orange foundation even on their lips with dark, heavy eye make up and with tacky hair extensions. Their clothing is cheap and often showing off too much body. A perfect example of this would be 'Essex' girl Jodie Marsh. Even the men seem to be very vain and obviously take care of their looks and body. They aspire to be footballers and build a reputation by dating many different girls. We think that this cultural movement is strong enough because a TV programme has been made about how people in 'Essex' live and it has proved to be very popular. This is seen as the norm in the typical 'Essex' area.
2) Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts.
Stryker: We think that 'Kidulthood' is a perfect example of this theory because the film is based on gang culture in West London. The people within the gangs are abusive towards everyone even their elders. They have no respect for others and age doesn't seem to matter. The people have been accepted into the gangs because of their status and proving themselves by the bad things they have done. Within the film, there is one girl that is an outsider because she comes from a wealthy background and has had a stable family upbringing. The members of the gang see her as a weak target and out of jealously they attack her on a daily basis.
2) Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts.
Stryker: We think that 'Kidulthood' is a perfect example of this theory because the film is based on gang culture in West London. The people within the gangs are abusive towards everyone even their elders. They have no respect for others and age doesn't seem to matter. The people have been accepted into the gangs because of their status and proving themselves by the bad things they have done. Within the film, there is one girl that is an outsider because she comes from a wealthy background and has had a stable family upbringing. The members of the gang see her as a weak target and out of jealously they attack her on a daily basis.
Blog Task.
1. Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now, that you think will be strong enough to form a 'Collective Identity.'
A fashion movement which is taking place in Britain now is the 'Indie' style. This has turned into a collective identity as people can recognise the style themselves and they can adapt to it. They see it as a nowadays trend which is acceptable and popular. This involves high street trends which have come from fashion runways. Male and female indie style usually is skinny jeans, checkered shirts, military boots, labels such as Jack wills and high street shops such as All Saints. However, in previous times this style would be seen as too feminine and people who dressed this way would be seen as unsuitable. Also, their hairstyles and music interests give the impression of the indie style.
2. Argue ways that you could relate each theorists arguments to one of our case study texts.
A point that can be raised from Strykers theory on Identity negotiation is we interact with others to create an identity group. An example of this is the teenagers shown in "Kidulthood." They were shown as a group of people who could be seen as common due to the language they use, their behaviour and their costumes. Their behaviour fits in with this theory as its been learn't through the social group of young people in that area. A scene within the film that supports this is the scene with the shopkeeper and one of the teenagers stealing some alcohol. In this scene he uses informal language providing evidence that adults in this film don't understand the teenage way of speaking.
A point that can relate Althussers theory to an Education is Jenny's behvaiour. Althussers theory is people's representations are taken to be reality, therefore the media can portray someone depending on current affairs. This can influence people's opinions really easily. This is supported by Jenny's character in an Education as she begins as a naive young girl and becomes more confident over time in the film. This is shown through her costumes, posture and language. A scene that can provide evidence of this is when they were in Paris and Jenny is more comfortable in David's company.
A point that can relate Marcuse theory on binding the consumer to a mindless media mass and the film Fish Tank is the sterotype of Britain. The way Britain is shown in the film is non-working class and informal. This is a steorotype as not all areas within Britain are like this however non-british people will take this literally and believe what they see. A scene that supports this is when Mia is first seen approaching her home. We see the personalities of her family (mum and sister) who are rude and not well mannered. This provides evidence of the theory Marcuse created because it shows the media binding the consumer as a Passive Audience.
A fashion movement which is taking place in Britain now is the 'Indie' style. This has turned into a collective identity as people can recognise the style themselves and they can adapt to it. They see it as a nowadays trend which is acceptable and popular. This involves high street trends which have come from fashion runways. Male and female indie style usually is skinny jeans, checkered shirts, military boots, labels such as Jack wills and high street shops such as All Saints. However, in previous times this style would be seen as too feminine and people who dressed this way would be seen as unsuitable. Also, their hairstyles and music interests give the impression of the indie style.2. Argue ways that you could relate each theorists arguments to one of our case study texts.
A point that can be raised from Strykers theory on Identity negotiation is we interact with others to create an identity group. An example of this is the teenagers shown in "Kidulthood." They were shown as a group of people who could be seen as common due to the language they use, their behaviour and their costumes. Their behaviour fits in with this theory as its been learn't through the social group of young people in that area. A scene within the film that supports this is the scene with the shopkeeper and one of the teenagers stealing some alcohol. In this scene he uses informal language providing evidence that adults in this film don't understand the teenage way of speaking.A point that can relate Althussers theory to an Education is Jenny's behvaiour. Althussers theory is people's representations are taken to be reality, therefore the media can portray someone depending on current affairs. This can influence people's opinions really easily. This is supported by Jenny's character in an Education as she begins as a naive young girl and becomes more confident over time in the film. This is shown through her costumes, posture and language. A scene that can provide evidence of this is when they were in Paris and Jenny is more comfortable in David's company.
A point that can relate Marcuse theory on binding the consumer to a mindless media mass and the film Fish Tank is the sterotype of Britain. The way Britain is shown in the film is non-working class and informal. This is a steorotype as not all areas within Britain are like this however non-british people will take this literally and believe what they see. A scene that supports this is when Mia is first seen approaching her home. We see the personalities of her family (mum and sister) who are rude and not well mannered. This provides evidence of the theory Marcuse created because it shows the media binding the consumer as a Passive Audience.
Blog Task
1. Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now that you rgink would be enough to form a 'collective identity'.
Social networking has become a cultural movement because since Facebook and Twitter haven been introduced they have been an everyday thing that people have to use. Most people in Britain feel the need to have a Facebook account to talk to their friends and share pictures. Facebook is a way of forming your own identity and creating groups within the collective group of Facebook.
'Yobs' are becoming more popular across Britain and are still a strong collective group as they go to football matches and then get drunk and cause trouble. There is usually a meeting place and a ring leader who tries to start fights with rival fans. This is typical throughout the major London football clubs and is strong enough to for a collective identity.
2. Argue ways that you could relate each theorists arguement to one of our study texts.
For identity and labels we could relate this to the characters in Kidulthood, they are trying to act like lower class for example they wear tracksuits, act aggressive and sponge off benefits. All the kids act the same and try to be cool and hard by getting drunk and skipping school they all want to be the hardest. All the characters have their own small gangs and feel the need to authoritise themselves by beating other kids up or stealing stuff.
The theory of Interpellation can be linked to 'An Education' Because it makes Oxford seem like the most prestiguous university and the only option available for teenagers if they wish to do well later on in life, it also makes it seem that if you don't get into Oxford then you will not do well in life.
The theory of mass media can be linked to Alfie because the characters are told by the media and the culture that it is unacceptable to have an abortion or have sex before marriage. No one ever questions whether it is ethical or not, or whether they personally agree or disagree.
Social networking has become a cultural movement because since Facebook and Twitter haven been introduced they have been an everyday thing that people have to use. Most people in Britain feel the need to have a Facebook account to talk to their friends and share pictures. Facebook is a way of forming your own identity and creating groups within the collective group of Facebook.
'Yobs' are becoming more popular across Britain and are still a strong collective group as they go to football matches and then get drunk and cause trouble. There is usually a meeting place and a ring leader who tries to start fights with rival fans. This is typical throughout the major London football clubs and is strong enough to for a collective identity.
2. Argue ways that you could relate each theorists arguement to one of our study texts.
For identity and labels we could relate this to the characters in Kidulthood, they are trying to act like lower class for example they wear tracksuits, act aggressive and sponge off benefits. All the kids act the same and try to be cool and hard by getting drunk and skipping school they all want to be the hardest. All the characters have their own small gangs and feel the need to authoritise themselves by beating other kids up or stealing stuff.
The theory of Interpellation can be linked to 'An Education' Because it makes Oxford seem like the most prestiguous university and the only option available for teenagers if they wish to do well later on in life, it also makes it seem that if you don't get into Oxford then you will not do well in life.
The theory of mass media can be linked to Alfie because the characters are told by the media and the culture that it is unacceptable to have an abortion or have sex before marriage. No one ever questions whether it is ethical or not, or whether they personally agree or disagree.
Are there any cultural or fashion movements in Britain now that you think will be strong enough to form a collective identity?
The cultural movement that comes to mind is the 'football hooligans'. They wear the shirts of their club to show others that they are supporters of this team and therefore show there collective identity. An example of this is Manchester. This large city is broken up into two footballing divides, Manchester United and Manchester City. Fans will wear their teams colours around the city to show support for their identity.
Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts
Stryker's Theory
In Alfie the view of the masses is that sex should only be after marriage. Obviously we know that Alfie does not take this view as his own. He instead chooses to sleep around with women before either of them are married. This shows he goes against the social expectations seen in the film and that were expected in the 1960's.
Althusser Theory
In Fish Tank we see Connor come into the family as a friendly irishman. He then starts to become more of a father figure to the daughters as the film goes on. This gives the audience an impression that he is a good man and the audience like him. In the scene where he takes Mia's tracksuit bottoms off as he puts her into her bed, we start to see that he might not be the person we first thought and the audience start to doubt him. The audience feel this way because of how little he knows Mia when this scene takes place. This recent view of Connor is shown to be correct as the film develops and we see him have sex with 15 year old Mia.
Marcuse Theory
At the beginning of Fish Tank our first impressions of Connor is that he is a friendly irish-man. The passive audience if this film will take their impression of Connor on face value and will think he is a genuine person. Obviously later on the film we see that this is not the case.
Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts
Stryker's Theory
In Alfie the view of the masses is that sex should only be after marriage. Obviously we know that Alfie does not take this view as his own. He instead chooses to sleep around with women before either of them are married. This shows he goes against the social expectations seen in the film and that were expected in the 1960's.
Althusser Theory
In Fish Tank we see Connor come into the family as a friendly irishman. He then starts to become more of a father figure to the daughters as the film goes on. This gives the audience an impression that he is a good man and the audience like him. In the scene where he takes Mia's tracksuit bottoms off as he puts her into her bed, we start to see that he might not be the person we first thought and the audience start to doubt him. The audience feel this way because of how little he knows Mia when this scene takes place. This recent view of Connor is shown to be correct as the film develops and we see him have sex with 15 year old Mia.
Marcuse Theory
At the beginning of Fish Tank our first impressions of Connor is that he is a friendly irish-man. The passive audience if this film will take their impression of Connor on face value and will think he is a genuine person. Obviously later on the film we see that this is not the case.
Media & Collective Identity
Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now, that you think would be strong enough to form a 'collective identity'?
The first cultural/fashion movement that comes to mind is the emo movement, it seems that wherever you go in Britain your almost certain to see someone who can be described as emo. The characteristics of someone you might describe as emo are as follows: bold haircuts (random colours and sweeping fringes), skinny jeans, dark clothes and into depressing music.
Since emo's are largely influenced by the music industry, the movement as a whole is empowered by the media.
Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study:
In the film fish-tank all the characters are set in a fairly poor area i.e council estate this is the stereotype of the chav movement. Coincidently everyone in the film behaves the way you'd expect a chav to behave e.g. not very well spoken, disorderly and criminal, it could be argued that because some people in that area think this is acceptable behavior everyone else chooses to join in; this coincides with Stryker's theory.
In the film the women are portrayed as sexual deviants with the main character a 15 year old girl is having sexual encounters with her mothers boyfriend. Women are often portrayed in this way in the film and television of today, however this bares very little resemblance to reality; this fits into Marcuse's theory.
The main character is trying to make a name for herself by becoming a street dancer which coincides with the type of music that the chav movement listens to; this coincides with Althusser's theory.
The first cultural/fashion movement that comes to mind is the emo movement, it seems that wherever you go in Britain your almost certain to see someone who can be described as emo. The characteristics of someone you might describe as emo are as follows: bold haircuts (random colours and sweeping fringes), skinny jeans, dark clothes and into depressing music.
Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study:
In the film fish-tank all the characters are set in a fairly poor area i.e council estate this is the stereotype of the chav movement. Coincidently everyone in the film behaves the way you'd expect a chav to behave e.g. not very well spoken, disorderly and criminal, it could be argued that because some people in that area think this is acceptable behavior everyone else chooses to join in; this coincides with Stryker's theory.
In the film the women are portrayed as sexual deviants with the main character a 15 year old girl is having sexual encounters with her mothers boyfriend. Women are often portrayed in this way in the film and television of today, however this bares very little resemblance to reality; this fits into Marcuse's theory.
The main character is trying to make a name for herself by becoming a street dancer which coincides with the type of music that the chav movement listens to; this coincides with Althusser's theory.
Collective Identity
1) Are there any cultural or fashion movements taking place in Britain now, that you think would be strong enough to form a "collective identity"?
Private School Look - Wearing adult clothing, Jack Wills, Gillets, Woolen Jumpers, More mature and smart in general, Expensive.
Jack Wills, Crew Clothing, Abercrombie, Cathe Kidston, Gant, Smart Watches.
Boy Racer - Sub Woofa, Head Unit, Induction kit, Alloys, Lowered car, Black out windows, Driving with high revs, Hoodies, Cigarettes, Wheel spinning, Hand break turns, 1 -1.4 litre car.
2) Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts.
Kidulthood represents "Strykers Theory" of fashion trends - a suburb London look, little funds and poor living conditions, they wear Trackies, Trainers, Jeans with big Logos on e.g. Evisu.
Don't talk with real english, swearing, new slang.
An Education represents Althussers theory mass medias ability to place a subject in a way that changes peoples views.
This occurs when Jenny is threatened by her head teacher to be expelled if she is to lose her virginity whilst at the school. Every teacher likes Jenny and say she should stay in school and go to university, they try their best to not let her ruin her life, but yet there opinions will change if she loses her virginity whilst at school.
Alfie represents Marcuse theory of how peoples attitudes towards people are stereotyped through the public eye. This is shown when Alfie expects Gilda to stay at home and wait for him to get in and have his tea ready. Also he expects her to steal from her job so that she and him can have money.
Private School Look - Wearing adult clothing, Jack Wills, Gillets, Woolen Jumpers, More mature and smart in general, Expensive.
Jack Wills, Crew Clothing, Abercrombie, Cathe Kidston, Gant, Smart Watches.
Boy Racer - Sub Woofa, Head Unit, Induction kit, Alloys, Lowered car, Black out windows, Driving with high revs, Hoodies, Cigarettes, Wheel spinning, Hand break turns, 1 -1.4 litre car.
2) Argue ways that you could relate each theorists argument to one of our case study texts.
Kidulthood represents "Strykers Theory" of fashion trends - a suburb London look, little funds and poor living conditions, they wear Trackies, Trainers, Jeans with big Logos on e.g. Evisu.
Don't talk with real english, swearing, new slang.
An Education represents Althussers theory mass medias ability to place a subject in a way that changes peoples views.
This occurs when Jenny is threatened by her head teacher to be expelled if she is to lose her virginity whilst at the school. Every teacher likes Jenny and say she should stay in school and go to university, they try their best to not let her ruin her life, but yet there opinions will change if she loses her virginity whilst at school.
Alfie represents Marcuse theory of how peoples attitudes towards people are stereotyped through the public eye. This is shown when Alfie expects Gilda to stay at home and wait for him to get in and have his tea ready. Also he expects her to steal from her job so that she and him can have money.
Hipster Trend
The hipster trend is a vapidly growing trend of "young, recently settled urban middle class adults and older teenagers with interests in non-mainstream fashion and culture, particularly indie rock, independent film, magazines such as Vice and Clash, and websites like Pitchfork Media. In some contexts, hipsters are also referred to as scenesters." This was a style first found in the 40's that has been recently revived.
While it is in America, it mostly resides in California in areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles, it has a bigger dominance in the UK as the class divide gets bigger and bigger. A prime example of this trend is in The Mighty Boosh, a TV show with no actual point to it, which throws the most random styles, stories and characters on the show, yet is loved among hipsters despite actually being a satire of it in many ways.
This video spoofs the culture yet pretty much sums it up. Hipsters generally give off the vibe of not caring and in being abstract in their fashion sense, borrowing or some would say 'stealing' from different cultures to create their own. Other good examples of the hipster trend are Scott Pilgrim vs the world and Nathan Barely
This opening scene from the first scene of "Nathan Barely" perfectly captures the hipster trend
While it is in America, it mostly resides in California in areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles, it has a bigger dominance in the UK as the class divide gets bigger and bigger. A prime example of this trend is in The Mighty Boosh, a TV show with no actual point to it, which throws the most random styles, stories and characters on the show, yet is loved among hipsters despite actually being a satire of it in many ways.
This video spoofs the culture yet pretty much sums it up. Hipsters generally give off the vibe of not caring and in being abstract in their fashion sense, borrowing or some would say 'stealing' from different cultures to create their own. Other good examples of the hipster trend are Scott Pilgrim vs the world and Nathan Barely
This opening scene from the first scene of "Nathan Barely" perfectly captures the hipster trend
Friday, 21 January 2011
Fish Tank Analysis.
This film has won many awards and been viewed abroad
1. How might a non-British audience view this representation of British collective identity?
If this film was to be viewed by a non-British audience, they would more than likely believe that all British people fit this stereotype. They will be easily influenced by what they are watching and be able to put a negative spin on the British population. They will take it literally however we know it has been exaggerated and doesn't apply to all British Citizens.
2. From your point of view, is this film realistic?
We believe that this film is realistic to certain lifestyles to a certain extent. We feel it could be applied to real life as some people can experience these issues however some aspects of the film are exaggerated to how it can be in real life. This would have been done because it enhances the films entertainment levels and encourages publicity.
A way this film is unrealistic is because it suggests that the stereotype shown in the film can be applied to all British people in real life however all people are unique and come from different backgrounds. We feel it is only one aspect of life in England.
In a typical Hollywood film, the ending would show Mia's family being happy and sorting their problems out as this could allow people to relate to the film and believe they can achieve things from a low level as well. The real ending to the film shows Mia leaving to Wales leaving her lifestyle behind without solving her life problems. For example her relationship with her mum. This is a realistic ending because it tells the audience that not all lives have a happy ending as shown in most Hollywood Films.
1. How might a non-British audience view this representation of British collective identity?
If this film was to be viewed by a non-British audience, they would more than likely believe that all British people fit this stereotype. They will be easily influenced by what they are watching and be able to put a negative spin on the British population. They will take it literally however we know it has been exaggerated and doesn't apply to all British Citizens.
2. From your point of view, is this film realistic?
We believe that this film is realistic to certain lifestyles to a certain extent. We feel it could be applied to real life as some people can experience these issues however some aspects of the film are exaggerated to how it can be in real life. This would have been done because it enhances the films entertainment levels and encourages publicity.
A way this film is unrealistic is because it suggests that the stereotype shown in the film can be applied to all British people in real life however all people are unique and come from different backgrounds. We feel it is only one aspect of life in England.
In a typical Hollywood film, the ending would show Mia's family being happy and sorting their problems out as this could allow people to relate to the film and believe they can achieve things from a low level as well. The real ending to the film shows Mia leaving to Wales leaving her lifestyle behind without solving her life problems. For example her relationship with her mum. This is a realistic ending because it tells the audience that not all lives have a happy ending as shown in most Hollywood Films.
1) This film has won many awards + has been viewed abroad - How might a non-British audience view this representation of British collective identity?
A non-British audience might view this is a film in a negative light. The people in the film are portrayed as work shy and not caring of others. They lack standards and are very anti-social. Teenagers are especially portrayed in a bad light, as binge drinking and disrespectful to their parents. In terms of family, there is no bonding or caring of others. Children seem to live different lives to their children.
2) From your view point of view is this film realistic? Think about the fact that our cinemas have become saturated with Hollywood narratives.
A non-British audience might view this is a film in a negative light. The people in the film are portrayed as work shy and not caring of others. They lack standards and are very anti-social. Teenagers are especially portrayed in a bad light, as binge drinking and disrespectful to their parents. In terms of family, there is no bonding or caring of others. Children seem to live different lives to their children.
2) From your view point of view is this film realistic? Think about the fact that our cinemas have become saturated with Hollywood narratives.
Fish tank - questions
This film has won many awards and has been viewed abroad.
1) How might a non british audience view this representation of british collective identity?
Their view would most likely drastically changed of their previous perception of british identity, as they believe that most british citizens are highly educated and successful with a strong etiquette. After viewing this film however, they will be convinced that this is just a complimentary stereotype, and the reality is different. They'll think in Britain, there is non-working class segment which dominates a large part of Britian.
From your Point Of View, is this film realistic?
2) This film takes realistic elements of our society and then exaggerates them a lot. This film plays with the idea of a hollywood narrative, it doesn't have a basic structure or a clear idea of where the film is going, it swerves off the path with unexpected parts to the story. The ending is realistic as she runs away, with many plot points remain unfinished, representing the continuation of life and how it never ends. If this was a hollywood film, her dancing would have vastly improved, she would have been successful, it would reveal she was pregnant, she would tie up relationship with her mum and they would have a happy family unit.
1) How might a non british audience view this representation of british collective identity?
Their view would most likely drastically changed of their previous perception of british identity, as they believe that most british citizens are highly educated and successful with a strong etiquette. After viewing this film however, they will be convinced that this is just a complimentary stereotype, and the reality is different. They'll think in Britain, there is non-working class segment which dominates a large part of Britian.
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| Mia's family |
From your Point Of View, is this film realistic?
2) This film takes realistic elements of our society and then exaggerates them a lot. This film plays with the idea of a hollywood narrative, it doesn't have a basic structure or a clear idea of where the film is going, it swerves off the path with unexpected parts to the story. The ending is realistic as she runs away, with many plot points remain unfinished, representing the continuation of life and how it never ends. If this was a hollywood film, her dancing would have vastly improved, she would have been successful, it would reveal she was pregnant, she would tie up relationship with her mum and they would have a happy family unit.
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| Mia dancing |
Fish Tank Analysis
This film has won many awards + has been viewed abroad, how might a non-British audience view this representation of British Collective Identity?
Like we would with them they may take the representation with a pinch of salt, taking stereotypes as the true identity of Britain, however this film is exaggerated in some points which would fuel the views and opinions to a further extent, stumbling away from the looks of Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge they believe that our urban neighborhoods are full of high-tower flats and concrete looks.
From your point of view in this film realistic? Think about the fact that our cinemas have become 'saturated' with hollywood narratives.
We think that although this film has a realistic story-line, it is still exaggerated. If this was going
Like we would with them they may take the representation with a pinch of salt, taking stereotypes as the true identity of Britain, however this film is exaggerated in some points which would fuel the views and opinions to a further extent, stumbling away from the looks of Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge they believe that our urban neighborhoods are full of high-tower flats and concrete looks.
From your point of view in this film realistic? Think about the fact that our cinemas have become 'saturated' with hollywood narratives.
We think that although this film has a realistic story-line, it is still exaggerated. If this was going
Fish Tank Analysis...
1) How might a non- British audience view this representation of British Collective Identity?
The film only focuses on one area of Britain and people abroad may assume that the rest of Britain is similar therefore may put them off coming. The film is set in a lower class area which is shown through the surroundings, the language used and the characters' actions for example underage drinking and smoking and violence. It is a very negative view of our country and doesn't invite people abroad to our country.
2) From your point of view is this film realistic?
The film definitely touches upon realistic problems within our society e.g. broken families, people breaking the law and a change of moral framework within society. There were definitely realistic elements of the film; Mia was not very good at dancing which actually made sense because however much she may like dancing, in her situation she would not be able to afford dance tuition.
The film only focuses on one area of Britain and people abroad may assume that the rest of Britain is similar therefore may put them off coming. The film is set in a lower class area which is shown through the surroundings, the language used and the characters' actions for example underage drinking and smoking and violence. It is a very negative view of our country and doesn't invite people abroad to our country.
2) From your point of view is this film realistic?
The film definitely touches upon realistic problems within our society e.g. broken families, people breaking the law and a change of moral framework within society. There were definitely realistic elements of the film; Mia was not very good at dancing which actually made sense because however much she may like dancing, in her situation she would not be able to afford dance tuition.
Fish Tank Analysis
How might a non-British audience view this representation of British Collective identity?
if a non-British audience watched this film, it may change or influence their views on Britain in a negative manner. Its shows a lack of moral values and respect. The family lifestyle is represented in a neglected fashion, as Mia's mum pretty much disowns her the majority of the time.
From your point of view, is this film realistic?
if a non-British audience watched this film, it may change or influence their views on Britain in a negative manner. Its shows a lack of moral values and respect. The family lifestyle is represented in a neglected fashion, as Mia's mum pretty much disowns her the majority of the time.
From your point of view, is this film realistic?
Fish Tank...
1) Do Your Decisions Change After Watching The Film?
We were disappointed with the film overall because the review we read made it out to be better than it was. The review said that the ideas were original which we agree with, however they were also very random and a lot of questions were left unanswered. The film lacked a sense of flow and we feel that some scenes didn't relate to each other and were left unexplained. When we read the review we assumed that Mia would be a talented dancer, however once we had watched the film, we realised that she wasn't that good. This was a shame because her ambition is to be a dancer and Connor is giving her false hope by telling her she is really good and in reality she would never make it as a dancer.
2) Is Connor A Parental Figure?
Initially Connor appears fatherly and caring, for instance he took the family to a lake to catch fish and when Mia cuts her foot, he straight away bandages it up for her. Her own mother doesn't show any maternal instinct at this moment. As the film progresses, this fatherly figure loses his parental qualities and turns sexual towards Mia. This made us feel uncomfortable and it was uneasy to watch. At the end of the film, we no longer see Connor as a parental figure but as someone who as abused their status with a vulnerable young girl.
3) What Does This Film Say About The State Of British Family?
Overall, this film portrays British families badly. Mia's mother shows no maternal instinct towards her children. She is not afraid to tell her daughter that when she was pregnant with her, she wanted her aborted. She is very selfish and neglects her own children while having relationships with countless men to make her happy. A solid family unit is not apparent in this film because even though Connor is married with a child and seems like a stable father, he is actually going behind his family's back by cheating on his wife and getting involved with another family. This is not a film that portrays our country well and we would not want to be represented in that way.
We were disappointed with the film overall because the review we read made it out to be better than it was. The review said that the ideas were original which we agree with, however they were also very random and a lot of questions were left unanswered. The film lacked a sense of flow and we feel that some scenes didn't relate to each other and were left unexplained. When we read the review we assumed that Mia would be a talented dancer, however once we had watched the film, we realised that she wasn't that good. This was a shame because her ambition is to be a dancer and Connor is giving her false hope by telling her she is really good and in reality she would never make it as a dancer.
2) Is Connor A Parental Figure?
Initially Connor appears fatherly and caring, for instance he took the family to a lake to catch fish and when Mia cuts her foot, he straight away bandages it up for her. Her own mother doesn't show any maternal instinct at this moment. As the film progresses, this fatherly figure loses his parental qualities and turns sexual towards Mia. This made us feel uncomfortable and it was uneasy to watch. At the end of the film, we no longer see Connor as a parental figure but as someone who as abused their status with a vulnerable young girl.
3) What Does This Film Say About The State Of British Family?
Overall, this film portrays British families badly. Mia's mother shows no maternal instinct towards her children. She is not afraid to tell her daughter that when she was pregnant with her, she wanted her aborted. She is very selfish and neglects her own children while having relationships with countless men to make her happy. A solid family unit is not apparent in this film because even though Connor is married with a child and seems like a stable father, he is actually going behind his family's back by cheating on his wife and getting involved with another family. This is not a film that portrays our country well and we would not want to be represented in that way.
fish tank questions bing biong
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| Mia with Conner |
1. Conner was a father figure to Tyler but not to Mia. To Mia, he was more a friend, not even when putting her to bed due to the taking off of the trousers. The only moments he seemed like a father to Mia was when he put the plaster on her foot and when he gives her money. Other times, it was obvious Mia felt like he was trying to fill the void her real dad created when he left.
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| Poster promoting film |
Do your decisions change after watching the film?
2. Not as such. Most of the expectations we made about the film from the article came to fruition. The absent father figure made that particular family dysfunctional; they weren't a nuclear family unit and because of that they were abusive and spiteful to each other, which is a stereotype for such families in which a father or mother is absent. They're also heavy drinkers, there were minors smoking and engaging in underage sex. This is a fairly exaggerated view of young working class families.
What does the film say about the state of British family?
3. Normal stereotypical british family is a nuclear family unit, law-abiding and cooperative. This film implies that what was once considered normal is now the abnormal. More and more families are becoming disbanded, but, the change has been so gradual that they have not noticed it. However, most families that have been through a divorce or separation still keep connected and try their best to give children a normal childhood. At the moment, Fish Tank portrays british families in a negative way, as a unit which can be so easily broken.
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| Mia and Tyler |
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| Mia's mum |
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Answers to Fish Tank Questions.
1. Is Connor a father figure to Mia?
At the beginning of the film, Mia is shown as a child brought up in a family without a father therefore when her mum gets a new boyfriend we immediately think he will be the father in her life. This is true throughout the first half as he takes care of her and her sister, Tyler. They go fishing together, he helps her when she cuts herself and he loans her money, this is why the audience are led to believe he has become a father figure to her. The moment in the film whereby the audience question his behaviour is when he carries her to her bed and starts to remove her clothes. This suggests that he has become too comfortable in such a short space of time. The scene in the film where we know he isn't her father figure is when he watches her dance then asks her to sit closely to him, this suggests he is behaving inappropriately. They then became intimate allowing the audience to instantly realise he isn't a father figure to her.
2. Do your decisions from the article change after seeing the film?
After watching Fishtank our decisions on the film stayed the same and we still agree with the review as we agree with when the reviewer mentions the variation of emotions including humour and sadness which the audience can witness for themselves. We contradict with the statement in the review about the film not being just another British film set on a council estate which we thought it was as this was shown view the setting, language and mainly the story line and the point of the film.
3. What does this film say about the state of British family?
This film showed us that families of today in that area may not be close to each other as opposed to a British family in the area that we live in. They're not a family unit as they don't show a built relationship or show emotions or structure as when the mother and daughter say good bye, their way of saying bye is by dancing. This is instead of showing a connection and behaving like a real family. This suggest their family doesn't have any structure this is shown through Mia never mentioning her dad and Connor being like her dad in the beginning then breaking the fatherly relationship by being intimate with her.
At the beginning of the film, Mia is shown as a child brought up in a family without a father therefore when her mum gets a new boyfriend we immediately think he will be the father in her life. This is true throughout the first half as he takes care of her and her sister, Tyler. They go fishing together, he helps her when she cuts herself and he loans her money, this is why the audience are led to believe he has become a father figure to her. The moment in the film whereby the audience question his behaviour is when he carries her to her bed and starts to remove her clothes. This suggests that he has become too comfortable in such a short space of time. The scene in the film where we know he isn't her father figure is when he watches her dance then asks her to sit closely to him, this suggests he is behaving inappropriately. They then became intimate allowing the audience to instantly realise he isn't a father figure to her. 2. Do your decisions from the article change after seeing the film?
After watching Fishtank our decisions on the film stayed the same and we still agree with the review as we agree with when the reviewer mentions the variation of emotions including humour and sadness which the audience can witness for themselves. We contradict with the statement in the review about the film not being just another British film set on a council estate which we thought it was as this was shown view the setting, language and mainly the story line and the point of the film. 3. What does this film say about the state of British family?
Fish tank
Is Connor a father figure to Mia?
I think for most of the film Connor acts as a father figure. As she looks up to him as an authoritative figure around the house. She doesn't want to let him get close as we get the impression that there have been men in and out of the family. However there are times when she let him get close, a certain warmth towards him. He encourages her to pursue her one interest, dancing. This is a typical fatherly quality that the family lacked due to the mother having a bad attitude to her children, due to unknown reasons.
Do your decisions from the article changed after seeing the film?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_Tank_%28film%29
I think the article is close to the film however certain aspects you cant get from the article such as the understanding of why she is like she is (Mia). Her bringing up was clearly a struggle with her mum regretting she ever had her. Knowing she isn't wanted in the house she wonders around the streets not knowing the wrongs and rights. Mixing with the wrong people and falling out with her friendship group.
What does the film say about British families?
The film portrays British families as lower-class and parenting responsibilities at an all time low. With no real authoritative figure in the house, the children are left to run their own lives making wrong decisions. The film illustrates a 15 year old girl trespassing in a unused flat, drinking and violence in the street. Giving the impression to other culture that this is typical of a British family.
I think for most of the film Connor acts as a father figure. As she looks up to him as an authoritative figure around the house. She doesn't want to let him get close as we get the impression that there have been men in and out of the family. However there are times when she let him get close, a certain warmth towards him. He encourages her to pursue her one interest, dancing. This is a typical fatherly quality that the family lacked due to the mother having a bad attitude to her children, due to unknown reasons.
Do your decisions from the article changed after seeing the film?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_Tank_%28film%29
I think the article is close to the film however certain aspects you cant get from the article such as the understanding of why she is like she is (Mia). Her bringing up was clearly a struggle with her mum regretting she ever had her. Knowing she isn't wanted in the house she wonders around the streets not knowing the wrongs and rights. Mixing with the wrong people and falling out with her friendship group.
What does the film say about British families?
The film portrays British families as lower-class and parenting responsibilities at an all time low. With no real authoritative figure in the house, the children are left to run their own lives making wrong decisions. The film illustrates a 15 year old girl trespassing in a unused flat, drinking and violence in the street. Giving the impression to other culture that this is typical of a British family.
Fishtank Questions
1) Is Connor a father figure?
We think that Connor at first was a good father figure to the children, because he takes them fishing and gives the money. A father is someone that helps the child in need and Connor does this when he bandages up Mia's foot. However there are certain things that make him look like pedophile when he spanks Mia's bottom when she is naughty, also tried to put £5 down her top. Of course he is not a father figure when he has sex with her.
2) Do your decisions from the article change after seeing the film?
From the review, we are encouraged to believe that she is living the life of a stereotypical British teenager with a poor family background. The reviewer mentions how she has been excluded from school and spends her days drinking cheap booze around the estate, all of these things suggest that she has a poor family relationship and poor guidance.
This is reflected in her behaviour as she comes across as quick witted and unpleasant, this maybe be because she keeps her anger in whilst at home, and doesn't speak her mind, but whilst free on the streets she releases her issues, and takes it out on her friends, this may be why she has few friends.
3) What does the film say about the state of todays family?
It implies that family is not as important as it once was and people become very independent, it shows how people have lost their morale values, like beign married before you become pregnant.
It also shows that there are lots of young mothers, that are unable teach their childrens rights and wrongs.
How it only shows it from one specific family, unlike Kidulthood, and Alfie where you see a number of different families.
How ever Connor at first seems to be more of a farther figure than Mia's mum, this is shown when he tries to take them out for a family outing to a lake, which Mia and her sister have never been to, they seem fascinated by the scenary and the fish.
And again when Connor shows an interest in Mias joy of dancing, where as her mum says "Wat the fuck are you doing".
We think that Connor at first was a good father figure to the children, because he takes them fishing and gives the money. A father is someone that helps the child in need and Connor does this when he bandages up Mia's foot. However there are certain things that make him look like pedophile when he spanks Mia's bottom when she is naughty, also tried to put £5 down her top. Of course he is not a father figure when he has sex with her.
2) Do your decisions from the article change after seeing the film?
From the review, we are encouraged to believe that she is living the life of a stereotypical British teenager with a poor family background. The reviewer mentions how she has been excluded from school and spends her days drinking cheap booze around the estate, all of these things suggest that she has a poor family relationship and poor guidance.
This is reflected in her behaviour as she comes across as quick witted and unpleasant, this maybe be because she keeps her anger in whilst at home, and doesn't speak her mind, but whilst free on the streets she releases her issues, and takes it out on her friends, this may be why she has few friends.
3) What does the film say about the state of todays family?
It implies that family is not as important as it once was and people become very independent, it shows how people have lost their morale values, like beign married before you become pregnant.
It also shows that there are lots of young mothers, that are unable teach their childrens rights and wrongs.
How it only shows it from one specific family, unlike Kidulthood, and Alfie where you see a number of different families.
How ever Connor at first seems to be more of a farther figure than Mia's mum, this is shown when he tries to take them out for a family outing to a lake, which Mia and her sister have never been to, they seem fascinated by the scenary and the fish.
And again when Connor shows an interest in Mias joy of dancing, where as her mum says "Wat the fuck are you doing".
Fish Tank Questions
Is Conner a father figure to Mia?
Our overall opinion is that Conner does seem to act as a father figure to Mia until towards the end of the film where he takes advantage and starts a sexual relationship with the 15 year old. Conner realises this and therefore leaves the family home and returns to his other life with his other family. He acts as a dominant male in the household when her mum reveals him as her new boyfriend.
Do your decisions from the article changed after seeing the film?
Our decisions do not change after reading a review of the film before we watched it. The review stated that the lead character Mia was a hoodlum and possibly not excelling in her studies or friendships. We had a feeling she was part of an unstable family stricken with many problems due to the 3 strong women but this changes due to the introduction of Connor, the "friendly" Irishman.
What does the film say about the state of British families today?
The film suggests that all British families all live on council estates in rough areas where the parents don't really care about their children. Families are seen as broken on the council estate as Mia and her sister only have their mum living at home. The film suggests British families don't have much money and that the youths in families today are wild. Near the end of the film we see a difference in the way that British families are portrayed. We see Conner's family as a unit which suggests that not all British families are the same as Mia's.
Our overall opinion is that Conner does seem to act as a father figure to Mia until towards the end of the film where he takes advantage and starts a sexual relationship with the 15 year old. Conner realises this and therefore leaves the family home and returns to his other life with his other family. He acts as a dominant male in the household when her mum reveals him as her new boyfriend. Do your decisions from the article changed after seeing the film?
Our decisions do not change after reading a review of the film before we watched it. The review stated that the lead character Mia was a hoodlum and possibly not excelling in her studies or friendships. We had a feeling she was part of an unstable family stricken with many problems due to the 3 strong women but this changes due to the introduction of Connor, the "friendly" Irishman.What does the film say about the state of British families today?
The film suggests that all British families all live on council estates in rough areas where the parents don't really care about their children. Families are seen as broken on the council estate as Mia and her sister only have their mum living at home. The film suggests British families don't have much money and that the youths in families today are wild. Near the end of the film we see a difference in the way that British families are portrayed. We see Conner's family as a unit which suggests that not all British families are the same as Mia's.
An Education and Alfie.
How is Jenny a typical British teenager?
Jenny is a typical teenager for several reasons. First, she is rebellious against her parents and her teachers which is something most teenagers find themselves doing. An example of this is when she has an argument with her Dad, or when she tells her parents she is going to Oxford to visit the University but she is actually going out with David. She also smokes and drinks alcohol underage which is something common by teenagers. Jenny plays an instrument and is into music which is typical of teenagers (even though she is into classical music). Jenny is a typical teenager because of the position she is in as she is pressured by her family to pursue her education and go to university. Jenny has ambitions of travelling to France which normal as most teenagers want to travel the world. Jenny is also very much into boys and older men which is expected for teenage girls. She tries to act older in the presence of adults which is something most teenagers do to come across as mature. Jenny also skips her P.E. lesson to go and smoke with her friends.
Jenny also shows she not a typical British teenager as she wants to escape education and marry David and have a child with him. Most teenagers nowadays want to stay in education and go on to study at university. She is also not a typical teenager in that she likes reading books in her spare time, whereas the majority of teenagers do not.
Draw similarities and comparisons with the representation of Britain that we see here and in Alfie
One similarity between An Education and Alfie is the traditional role of genders. Men are expected to work and pay for expenses, while the women are expected to work at home, look after the family and provide meals. Another similarity between An Education and Alfie is dominant role of the males. In An Education, David has almost complete control of what Jenny does and the decisions she makes. In Alfie, he bosses females around to do things for him, such as ironing his shirts.
One comparison is that in Alfie, the British are represented as working class, with cockney accents. For example, Alfie is a handy man that just does work where he can. In An Education, however, they are very well spoken and represent the middle class. For example, there are luxury cars and restaurants. Another comparison is that in An Education, the family are represented as an important part of life. However, in Alfie, he is very much independent and lives for himself rather than for others.
Jenny is a typical teenager for several reasons. First, she is rebellious against her parents and her teachers which is something most teenagers find themselves doing. An example of this is when she has an argument with her Dad, or when she tells her parents she is going to Oxford to visit the University but she is actually going out with David. She also smokes and drinks alcohol underage which is something common by teenagers. Jenny plays an instrument and is into music which is typical of teenagers (even though she is into classical music). Jenny is a typical teenager because of the position she is in as she is pressured by her family to pursue her education and go to university. Jenny has ambitions of travelling to France which normal as most teenagers want to travel the world. Jenny is also very much into boys and older men which is expected for teenage girls. She tries to act older in the presence of adults which is something most teenagers do to come across as mature. Jenny also skips her P.E. lesson to go and smoke with her friends.
Jenny also shows she not a typical British teenager as she wants to escape education and marry David and have a child with him. Most teenagers nowadays want to stay in education and go on to study at university. She is also not a typical teenager in that she likes reading books in her spare time, whereas the majority of teenagers do not.
Draw similarities and comparisons with the representation of Britain that we see here and in Alfie
One similarity between An Education and Alfie is the traditional role of genders. Men are expected to work and pay for expenses, while the women are expected to work at home, look after the family and provide meals. Another similarity between An Education and Alfie is dominant role of the males. In An Education, David has almost complete control of what Jenny does and the decisions she makes. In Alfie, he bosses females around to do things for him, such as ironing his shirts.
One comparison is that in Alfie, the British are represented as working class, with cockney accents. For example, Alfie is a handy man that just does work where he can. In An Education, however, they are very well spoken and represent the middle class. For example, there are luxury cars and restaurants. Another comparison is that in An Education, the family are represented as an important part of life. However, in Alfie, he is very much independent and lives for himself rather than for others.
Tuesday, 18 January 2011
questoins
How typical is jenny of a British teenager ?
Jenny is portrayed in my opinion as a very typical teenager. Certain aspects as her carelessness for her well being , drinking and smoking. As graham says ' when you have your drink you gulp it down '. other factors display a typical teenager as for one her age. also allowing her to be seduced by an older man. But more i feel she is a typical teenager because of her unknowing future and how she has to make decisions in the film which effect that. for instance she rebels against the school system only to realise later she has made the wrong decision. me bring a teenager can relate to her and the struggle she deals with being forced into decisions.
Draw similarities and comparisons between
Jenny is portrayed in my opinion as a very typical teenager. Certain aspects as her carelessness for her well being , drinking and smoking. As graham says ' when you have your drink you gulp it down '. other factors display a typical teenager as for one her age. also allowing her to be seduced by an older man. But more i feel she is a typical teenager because of her unknowing future and how she has to make decisions in the film which effect that. for instance she rebels against the school system only to realise later she has made the wrong decision. me bring a teenager can relate to her and the struggle she deals with being forced into decisions.
Draw similarities and comparisons between
Fish Tank Review
Right out of the water, 29 June 2009
Author: Chris_Docker from Scotland, United Kingdom
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232776/usercomments
This review gives the idea that Mia is a rebellious teenager who doesn't like her living situation and that she is struggling in life.
It gives the impression that she could be easy to relate as she has family issues and doesn't like her mum's new boyfriend. Her attitude seems like a typical teenager as she just wants to go and do her own thing and get away. She seems care free and gets into trouble which seems quite common for a teenager of 15. The review says that we never know what she is going to do or say which makes the audience think that she might end up in a bad situation at some point in the film. The review makes you think that Mia is influenced by her surroundings as is mentions cigarettes and alcohol and that she wants to become a dancer so you get the idea that she might succeed but she will struggle.
Author: Chris_Docker from Scotland, United Kingdom
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232776/usercomments
This review gives the idea that Mia is a rebellious teenager who doesn't like her living situation and that she is struggling in life.
It gives the impression that she could be easy to relate as she has family issues and doesn't like her mum's new boyfriend. Her attitude seems like a typical teenager as she just wants to go and do her own thing and get away. She seems care free and gets into trouble which seems quite common for a teenager of 15. The review says that we never know what she is going to do or say which makes the audience think that she might end up in a bad situation at some point in the film. The review makes you think that Mia is influenced by her surroundings as is mentions cigarettes and alcohol and that she wants to become a dancer so you get the idea that she might succeed but she will struggle.
Fish Tank A Review
Fish Tank Telegraph Review
From the review above the first impressions you receive is that the setting of the film is urban, a block of flats in London, this stereotypically links the characters to being hoodlums and anti-social behavior. It also covers certain themes you would associate with teenagers in London estates; sex, alcohol, adolescence. From the review the word lippiness is mentioned. This possibly means that there are a lot of arguments between the characters in the film.
From the review above the first impressions you receive is that the setting of the film is urban, a block of flats in London, this stereotypically links the characters to being hoodlums and anti-social behavior. It also covers certain themes you would associate with teenagers in London estates; sex, alcohol, adolescence. From the review the word lippiness is mentioned. This possibly means that there are a lot of arguments between the characters in the film.
Fish Tank Movie Review
http://www.trespassmag.com/review-fish-tank/
What decisions are we encouraged to make?
From the review, we are encouraged to believe that she is living the life of a stereotypical British teenager with a poor family background. The reviewer mentions how she has been excluded from school and spends her days drinking cheap booze around the estate, all of these things suggest that she has a poor family relationship and poor guidance.
This is reflected in her behaviour as she comes across as quick witted and unpleasant, this maybe be because she keeps her anger in whilst at home, and doesn't speak her mind, but whilst free on the streets she releases her issues, and takes it out on her friends, this may be why she has few friends.
What decisions are we encouraged to make?
From the review, we are encouraged to believe that she is living the life of a stereotypical British teenager with a poor family background. The reviewer mentions how she has been excluded from school and spends her days drinking cheap booze around the estate, all of these things suggest that she has a poor family relationship and poor guidance.
This is reflected in her behaviour as she comes across as quick witted and unpleasant, this maybe be because she keeps her anger in whilst at home, and doesn't speak her mind, but whilst free on the streets she releases her issues, and takes it out on her friends, this may be why she has few friends.
Fish Tank.
Fish Tank - 2009 directed by Andrea Arnold
Fifteen-year-old Mia (newcomer Katie Jarvis) is the film’s heroine, and rarely has a more scowling, stroppy, wilful teenager had the whole forcefield of a movie at her disposal. She lives on insult. “Call me back, you bitch!” may not be the best-chosen words to patch up a blighted friendship; there’s even less love lost between Mia and her single mum (Kierston Wareing), who wants to pack her off into juvenile care.
Mia is perceived as a typical teenage girl.
Do your decisions change after watching the film?
Is Connor a parental figure?
What does this Film say about the state of British Family?
Mia is perceived as a typical teenage girl.
Do your decisions change after watching the film?
Is Connor a parental figure?
What does this Film say about the state of British Family?
review of fish tank
from Empire Film Magazine
it’s a well-worn path of tormented lives in tower blocks and dysfunctional families pulled to pieces by the departure of a father figure, but the central performances make the whole thing fly. At its heart is Mia (a searing debut from Katie Jarvis, who was spotted by Arnold arguing with her boyfriend at a train station), a disconsolate 15 year-old only happy when she’s chugging cider and dancing alone in an abandoned flat in her block. Her angst is matched by her mum’s (Kierston Wareing) scorn and younger sibling Tyler’s (Rebecca Griffiths) droll rebuttals. All three share the philosophy that the best form of defence is attack, and spend the first half of the film going off in each other’s faces like cheap fireworks.
When a half-naked Connor (Michael Fassbender) ambles into their kitchen one morning and pays Mia a compliment on her dance moves, she reacts like a startled animal that has never known love — bared teeth and disbelief. She’s even more confused by his generosity, especially when he makes time for them all as a family, though just below the surface is a brimming sexual tension between daughter and would-be dad that floods the lens: Connor slowly dresses a cut on Mia’s ankle and you’re surprised he doesn’t lick the rest of her leg. Mia is a jumble of longing and need; Connor, playing the man of the house one moment and protracted tease the next, is a knotty enigma that she can’t fathom.
It’s the duo that are central to the film’s success, their final protracted meltdown an unnerving exercise in the sickening feeling that betrayal brings and the unformed yet overwhelming desire for revenge at any cost. The final shot of a heart-shaped balloon rising up over the estate allows one last brief feint at hope.
This review shows them in a stereotypical way as it portrays how dysfunctional a family can become without a father figure which isn't always the case. It shows how young teenagers who do not get enough attention can become rebellious. It describes the whole family as the same saying that they argue and go against each other like"cheap fireworks" this shows that there is a stereotype of a non nuclear family. However, it promises that the central performances add humane nuances to the piece which could make up for the stereotypes on display.
it’s a well-worn path of tormented lives in tower blocks and dysfunctional families pulled to pieces by the departure of a father figure, but the central performances make the whole thing fly. At its heart is Mia (a searing debut from Katie Jarvis, who was spotted by Arnold arguing with her boyfriend at a train station), a disconsolate 15 year-old only happy when she’s chugging cider and dancing alone in an abandoned flat in her block. Her angst is matched by her mum’s (Kierston Wareing) scorn and younger sibling Tyler’s (Rebecca Griffiths) droll rebuttals. All three share the philosophy that the best form of defence is attack, and spend the first half of the film going off in each other’s faces like cheap fireworks.
When a half-naked Connor (Michael Fassbender) ambles into their kitchen one morning and pays Mia a compliment on her dance moves, she reacts like a startled animal that has never known love — bared teeth and disbelief. She’s even more confused by his generosity, especially when he makes time for them all as a family, though just below the surface is a brimming sexual tension between daughter and would-be dad that floods the lens: Connor slowly dresses a cut on Mia’s ankle and you’re surprised he doesn’t lick the rest of her leg. Mia is a jumble of longing and need; Connor, playing the man of the house one moment and protracted tease the next, is a knotty enigma that she can’t fathom.
It’s the duo that are central to the film’s success, their final protracted meltdown an unnerving exercise in the sickening feeling that betrayal brings and the unformed yet overwhelming desire for revenge at any cost. The final shot of a heart-shaped balloon rising up over the estate allows one last brief feint at hope.
This review shows them in a stereotypical way as it portrays how dysfunctional a family can become without a father figure which isn't always the case. It shows how young teenagers who do not get enough attention can become rebellious. It describes the whole family as the same saying that they argue and go against each other like"cheap fireworks" this shows that there is a stereotype of a non nuclear family. However, it promises that the central performances add humane nuances to the piece which could make up for the stereotypes on display.
Fish Tank Review
The Review:
"I can understand why some people might recoil at the thought of another British film set on a council estate. Is it worthy? Condescending? Grim? Is it more evidence of a young filmmaker awkwardly exercising their Mike Leigh/Ken Loach fetishes? Well, banish your fears: Andrea Arnold’s follow-up to ‘Red Road’ is a film that brilliantly and sensitively buzzes with life and offers its very own take on our world and our city. It delivers in spades attitude, humour, sadness, love, anger and hope – all wrapped up in a way of telling stories that is very much the director’s own."
The review given by "Time out London" is a positive review stating that this film is highly recommended to people who may be of interest. From this review we think the film sounds appealing because of the variation of words describing the film. For example the review says that the film has humour and sadness which makes it sound entertaining because it contradicts its self. By the wording and the overall feeling given, the film doesn't sound stereotypical as its suggested to be a fresh start to the previously used storyline, this is supported by the phrase "directors own." This means its not stereotypical as it has the directors own ideas and originality.
"I can understand why some people might recoil at the thought of another British film set on a council estate. Is it worthy? Condescending? Grim? Is it more evidence of a young filmmaker awkwardly exercising their Mike Leigh/Ken Loach fetishes? Well, banish your fears: Andrea Arnold’s follow-up to ‘Red Road’ is a film that brilliantly and sensitively buzzes with life and offers its very own take on our world and our city. It delivers in spades attitude, humour, sadness, love, anger and hope – all wrapped up in a way of telling stories that is very much the director’s own."
The review given by "Time out London" is a positive review stating that this film is highly recommended to people who may be of interest. From this review we think the film sounds appealing because of the variation of words describing the film. For example the review says that the film has humour and sadness which makes it sound entertaining because it contradicts its self. By the wording and the overall feeling given, the film doesn't sound stereotypical as its suggested to be a fresh start to the previously used storyline, this is supported by the phrase "directors own." This means its not stereotypical as it has the directors own ideas and originality.
Fish Tank Review...
"Not since the early days of Jane Campion (The Piano) has international cinema seen a talent as fearlessly attuned to the primal female voice as the Dartford-born writer-director Andrea Arnold. Within the space of only two features and one Oscar-winning short film (Wasp), Arnold has articulated an unnerving, bleak but always compelling worldview where hard-knock women and sado-masochistic desires collide. In her previous feature, Red Road, she pitched an avenging widow into a Glasgow tower block and a murky world of sexual self-hatred. In Fish Tank, she moves to an Essex council estate and explores the often conflicting inner and outer desires of a teen tearaway and wannabe street dancer, Mia (Katie Jarvis, pictured).
A typical day in the life of 15-year-old Mia, who has been expelled from school, includes taunting some local girls, head- butting a rival dancer, trying to free a malnourished pony, narrowly escaping gang rape, enjoying some potty-mouthed exchanges with her precocious little sister (sample dialogue: “Shut up f*** face!” “If I’m a f*** face, you’re a c*** face!”), and being slapped across the head by her bleach-blonde mother, who screams: “I nearly had you aborted! Even made the appointment!” So far, so Loach.
But Mia’s life, and the movie surrounding her, suddenly dives into uncharted territory with the arrival of mum’s new boyfriend, a sensitive and attractive security guard called Connor (played by the rising star Michael Fassbender). The latter’s intentions towards Mia are seemingly paternalistic, but they appear to awaken complex adolescent emotions within. Through snatched exchanges, day trips and cramped kitchen encounters, their relationship see-saws queasily into a simmering Electra. Thus when Connor’s appetites and Mia’s minor seductions eventually collide the repercussions are, naturally, profound.
In all this, Arnold draws flawless performances from her cast while making exemplary choices with her camera — she shoots Fassbender in particular with a fantastically lusty eye, casually catching the low-slung jeans, the navel exposed and the wiry naked torso. However, there are some cracks in Arnold’s methods. Her treatment of class is curious, and vaguely patronising. The attempts to draw laughs from trash culture values is certainly ill-advised. When Mia’s mother warns her girls against sullying their clothes with the line “Oi! Those bloody tracksuits cost £20, ye know!” it feels cruel and sneering. And the endless roaming shots of breeze-block estates can seem like lazy visual shorthand for dramatic credibility in a superlative film that is otherwise awash with it."
This is a review about the film Fish Tank written in The Times. The review gives the film a very good standard and has a positive view. The film sounds original and the ideas that are used in the films could be actually happening in real life. The main character Mia sounds like a character that people can relate to for example, her dislike for her mother's boyfriend and the problems she says with her social worker. She is a stereotypical teenager, the review suggests and the she faces problems that normal teenagers would, for example having a dream of becoming a dancer but her family life and status disagree with the practicality of her dream.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Choose key scenes from Alfie/ An Education/ Kidulthood
Similarities in British Values
- All women are naive in the films by Jamie.
Differences in British Values
- Pregnancy is represented in all three films, Gilda is pregnant but not married so she use's Alfie's name and pretend to be married so that people would not think less of her, in An Education Jenny's parents think she is pregnant because David proposed to her however it is revealed that David has had previous relationships in which he gotten them pregnant even when he is married. In Kidulthood Alisa is pregnant but her boyfriend is the father.
Find a Positive and Negative review of Kidulthood:
Positive Review Music OMH Review
Negative Review Film4 Review
How could these reviews influence audience opinion?
Reviews cannot always be
Which review do you agree with and why?
Similarities in British Values
- All women are naive in the films by Jamie.
Differences in British Values
- Pregnancy is represented in all three films, Gilda is pregnant but not married so she use's Alfie's name and pretend to be married so that people would not think less of her, in An Education Jenny's parents think she is pregnant because David proposed to her however it is revealed that David has had previous relationships in which he gotten them pregnant even when he is married. In Kidulthood Alisa is pregnant but her boyfriend is the father.
Find a Positive and Negative review of Kidulthood:
Positive Review Music OMH Review
Negative Review Film4 Review
How could these reviews influence audience opinion?
Reviews cannot always be
Which review do you agree with and why?
Key scenes from Alfie and An Education and Kidulthood
A key scene in Kidulthood that represents typical British values is when Trever asks Jay to come in the house when they have the day off school and he asks him to come and say hello to his mother first. this shows that no matter where you are in the country people from all backgrounds are respectful to there mothers. This is similar in An Education when Jenny is really upset that she can not go to Paris she goes off in a strop but does not disrespect her parents by shouting or calling them names.
In Alfie
In Alfie
Reviews of Kidulthood.
Negative Review:
"Gritty, shocking drama with a disturbing ring of authenticity in spite of its obvious sensationalism – you’ll never let your teenager out of the house again." - The View London Review.
Positive Review:
"It is an excellent piece of film-making with a cracking script, fine performances and imaginative direction. A real eye opener that deserves a wide audience." - Wildsheep (IMDB.com)
Selecting Scenes.
1. Choose a key scene from Alfie and An education and kidulthood that...
- shows similarities in British values
- shows differences in British values
The scenes that show similarities=
Alfie- He is introduced as a man on his own without any family therefore wasn't steered in the direction of Education.
An Education- When Jenny's dad suggests she should marry David therefore doesn't need an education by going to Oxford university.
Kidulthood- The scene that shows one character making a weapon and also the scene where some characters (girls) abuse another girl in the film.
The scenes we have chosen from Alfie, An education and Kidulthood to show similarities in British values is the carelessness of education in each film. For example in the film Alfie, the characters do not care about the education they have as it isn't vital to have an education to do well as we can we see with Alfie's character. Similarly, in the Education, we see how the character, David, he doesn't have an education however he is seen as a respectful male as he has a lot of money from his career that now, would not be acceptable. In the film kidulthood we immediately notice that the aspect of getting an education isn't their number one priority. We know this because their behaviour is rebellious and disrespectful.
All the films have a different reaction to all the pregnancies and looking after children. A difference in Alfie from the other films is when Lily becomes pregnant with Alfie's child she has an illegal abortion which people would frown upon in Britain in the 60's.
In An education, David has a child with his wife which in the film you don't see him raising and providing for his child which shows Britishness as stereotypically women are usually looking after the children.
In Kidulthood one of the girls becomes pregnant and reacts to the situation in a negative and careless way as she carries on drinking. This shows Britishnesss in present time as it shows teenagers are reckless.
- shows similarities in British values- shows differences in British values
The scenes that show similarities=
Alfie- He is introduced as a man on his own without any family therefore wasn't steered in the direction of Education.
An Education- When Jenny's dad suggests she should marry David therefore doesn't need an education by going to Oxford university.
Kidulthood- The scene that shows one character making a weapon and also the scene where some characters (girls) abuse another girl in the film.
The scenes we have chosen from Alfie, An education and Kidulthood to show similarities in British values is the carelessness of education in each film. For example in the film Alfie, the characters do not care about the education they have as it isn't vital to have an education to do well as we can we see with Alfie's character. Similarly, in the Education, we see how the character, David, he doesn't have an education however he is seen as a respectful male as he has a lot of money from his career that now, would not be acceptable. In the film kidulthood we immediately notice that the aspect of getting an education isn't their number one priority. We know this because their behaviour is rebellious and disrespectful.
In An education, David has a child with his wife which in the film you don't see him raising and providing for his child which shows Britishness as stereotypically women are usually looking after the children.
In Kidulthood one of the girls becomes pregnant and reacts to the situation in a negative and careless way as she carries on drinking. This shows Britishnesss in present time as it shows teenagers are reckless.
An Education Questions
1) Draw similarities and comparisons with the representation of Britain that we see here and in Alfie
In An Education and Alfie they both show the importance of not becoming pregnant before marriage, how it is looked down upon, and how it disgraces the image of women, this is shown in Alfie when Gilda asks to use Alfie's surname in hospital when she gave birth, because she is embarrased that she isn't married. This is similar to An Education when the school threaten to expel Jenny if it became public that she lost her virginity before marriage.
Another instance is how Jenny's dad tries to make Jenny go to university, how ever he is also willing to let her ruin her life by settling with David, without know the man properly, and sacrifice Jenny going to university. Alfie is similar how he wants his girl friends to stay at home and live a stress free life, this is to do with how women were treated in the 60's.
2) How is Jenny typical of a British teenager?
Jenny is very typical in some ways to a modern day teenager. This is shown when she bunks lessons to go and have a smoke with her friends. Also she drinks alcohol before the legal age, which most teens do now. Also she has her independents because her parents let her go to Paris and to oxford with David, it also shows the parents have less control. Most of the teens today loose their virginity at an early age and before marriage, also this shows her naivete by not knowing David before she jumped straight in to marriage. This is not typical of 1960's teenagers as they usually wait for marriage and it is frowned upon if they do not. Jenny is also typical of a 1960's teenager as well by being very in to her studies. She aspires to go to oxford university and her parents are pushing her to do her best. Teenagers are expected to try and find someone to marry at early ages and she found someone very soon, which her parents had to approve of.
In An Education and Alfie they both show the importance of not becoming pregnant before marriage, how it is looked down upon, and how it disgraces the image of women, this is shown in Alfie when Gilda asks to use Alfie's surname in hospital when she gave birth, because she is embarrased that she isn't married. This is similar to An Education when the school threaten to expel Jenny if it became public that she lost her virginity before marriage.
Another instance is how Jenny's dad tries to make Jenny go to university, how ever he is also willing to let her ruin her life by settling with David, without know the man properly, and sacrifice Jenny going to university. Alfie is similar how he wants his girl friends to stay at home and live a stress free life, this is to do with how women were treated in the 60's.
2) How is Jenny typical of a British teenager?
Jenny is very typical in some ways to a modern day teenager. This is shown when she bunks lessons to go and have a smoke with her friends. Also she drinks alcohol before the legal age, which most teens do now. Also she has her independents because her parents let her go to Paris and to oxford with David, it also shows the parents have less control. Most of the teens today loose their virginity at an early age and before marriage, also this shows her naivete by not knowing David before she jumped straight in to marriage. This is not typical of 1960's teenagers as they usually wait for marriage and it is frowned upon if they do not. Jenny is also typical of a 1960's teenager as well by being very in to her studies. She aspires to go to oxford university and her parents are pushing her to do her best. Teenagers are expected to try and find someone to marry at early ages and she found someone very soon, which her parents had to approve of.
An Education...
1) Draw similarities and comparisons with the representation of Britain we see here and the Britain we see in Alfie.
Similarities: - In both films the women know the expectations but they don't stick to them e.g Having sex before marriage. In An Education and Alfie women are expected to marry young, it was acceptable for Jenny to be engaged at only 16. Also both films show women letting men dominate their relationships for instance when David wanted to see Jenny's breasts she did not question it and in Alfie the women did all the house work for him as if it was expected of them. The only woman that didn't allow this was Ruby in Alfie, as she was the more dominant character in the relationship.
Comparisons: In An Education, Jenny's parents raise her how they should, for example providing for her whereas in Alfie, we do not see that family unit. He has a son by accident but doesn't take responsibility for him by raising him as he should.
2) How typical is Jenny of a British teenager?
In An Education, Jenny is a very strong minded character as we see her being sarcastic and talking back to her parents which is a stage that most teenagers go through. She tells her parents lies about where she is going for instance going to Oxford "to see C.S. Lewis" when actually she was just going for a fun weekend with David and his friends. Again this is typical of a teenager. Jenny is naive like many teenagers are, she thinks she knows best and doesn't listen to advice she is given by older people for example her teacher and head master try to warn her about how important her education is when she wants to drop out of school and marry David. She is driven by fun and likes the idea of living a glamourous lifestyle which David and his friends introduce her to.
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