Barthes and Propp’s Theory.

Barthes and Propp’s Theory.

Bathes suggested that all narrative is made up of props, sequences and images. The plot will use ‘cardinal functions’ which are main events that structure the story.  Also they will use ‘catalyses’ which are there to change the course of the narrative to make it less predictable for the viewers. This theory is seen in my music as I have used cardinal functions such as the use of bright colours for the artist costumes and natural lighting and locations, which are the main focus in my video to represent my artist in a positive and independent way. Also another cardinal function I have used in my music video to represent a main event is in the picnic seen, where the artist is having a picnic with a wasp, this is to show and reveal to the audience more about the song and the isolation the artist feels. In my music video I have also used catalyzes to make my video less predictable for example in the beginning seen of the artist running down the stairs which has been fast forwarded this was to create mystery and draw the audience.  I also created this panic by adding in an alarm going off in the background. Another way I have created catalyses is in a close up shot of the artist sitting alone in a café, where I slowly reveal in a long shot of exposing the reality of the way she feels such as being entirely on her own.

Propp’s suggested that there are 8 types of characters in a narrative, that are interchangeable characters that have clear functions in order to fuel narrative. In my music video the artist can be identified as the hero as she is on her own quest in order to find her own identity as she is finding a way of fitting in and being part of a group.However, the artist may also be seen as a ‘princess’ as she is in a vulnerable position of being alone for example in the lyrics “In this lonely atmosphere”. This also can be seen in the close up shots of her direct contact with the audience looking emotional and isolated. Another example of the artist being identified as a ‘princess’ would be in the slow motion dancing in circles, which I edited in a ‘dream’ effect to resemble that she is not changing. 

The Male Gaze - Laura Mulvey

This explores the idea that camera 'sees' images through males eyes


I challengage this theory because i have dominantly portrayed women in a power, independent way from using one female character as there are no men in the main subject. I used this through the natural lighting with the artist is portrayed to look strong for example in the picnic scene the artist is talking to the bee, then there is a fade to a man running away from the bee which can suggest weakness. 

Judith Butler: Gender Performance

Gender is an a performance. It is what you do at particular times, rather thanks about who you are.
Example from my music video:

• The faded transitions between scenes signify a female appearance as it appears more natural and softer than if i have used more straight cut transitions. Also the use of different video effects such as 'dream' where i used this when my artist is dancing with the broom this suggest a more feminine performance as it can signify a more child-life girly fantasy of wanting a traditional boyfriend/relationship. The miss en scene also represents a female performance, as i have mostly used natural lighting and locations outside with open spaces to signify isolation. I also used props such as the hand made bee for the iconic scene which can suggest a more feminine 'homemaker' approach. Also throughout my music video the artist is dress in bright pinks, yellows and pastel colours which can relate to a female performance. The lyric 'lonely' supports a feminine performance, as females are known to be more sympathetic and emotional than men her, where they could easily relate to the artist and lyrics of the song. The close up of the lips changing colours also can signify a female performance  as i have used bright and bold colours.

Verisimilitude

This video creates reality:-

• They used a hand held camera, which makes it look like a documentary of their life as a band.
• It is filmed around London where the target audiences are familiar with. 
• They behave like a teenager would, misbehaving not talking life so serious
• The spilt screen could also represent their 'double' life for example hanging out with your friends/messing about and then your job. 

How far does your music video encourage audiences to reconfirm or challenge who they are when they are watching your music video?

In my music video I have strongly portrayed teenagers in a positive way when looking at the difficulties in growing up or not being able to fit it because your appearance is different to other social groups. I have promoted independence in a way that audience can be encouraged to relate to the artist, for example the way the artist is enjoying her self in certain scenes such as when she is dancing with the broom or the close up scenes I shot of her smiling. This makes the audience empathize with the artist, when listening to lyrics such as “lonely” and relate their own experiences to the music video, and from this they are reconfirming their identity to the music video. However, it may challenge the audience who have not experienced this feeling, for example males watching my music video may not relate as it is mainly targeted at females and as I have used child like props, settings they may not understand the promotion of independence I am portraying and therefore may not understand the representation of the music video.

Audience Theory.

Linear Models –

Effects/Hypodermic syringe theory – 1920’s

Audiences accept the messages that are injected into them

Audiences are passive, just sit back and accept

We are manipulated by media – power over us

Two step flow theory

Sender  - Message – Receiver

Ideas travel through mass media – to opinion leaders

Passive individuals to society

The messages may be misinterpreted

The message may not be accepted

(Too simplistic, unreliable)

Uses and Gratifications theory – 1960’s

Audiences are more active, make more choices

Bulmer & Katz – We choose text and use it for a particular need/purpose (relax and entertain) Audiences want to escape from everyday life (diversion)

• Personal Relationships – use media for emotions and other interactions
• Personal Identity – finding yourself, learning values and behaviour
• Surveillance – spreading the news

Stuart Hall – Encoding and Decoding texts: Suggest that we understand the technical codes of different media because we learn to read them. Encoded by the producers and then decoded or interpreted by the viewers.

David Gauntlett – Constructing Identity: Suggests that your identity is not fixed; you are shaped by the media. Audiences use media representations to check own identity, identity can be seen as a project – audiences choose the tools to make their own identity.  For example in my music video audiences can relate to the artist independence that is promoted in my music video.

Cultural Positioning: Whether an individual’s cultural positioning could include gender, social group or individual experiences determine the reading of my music video. For example women would be able to sympathize and relate to the difficulties of growing up as a teenager.

Louis Althusser - Reinforcing the values of society: Individuals believe that they are free to form their own opinions and values, my music video reinforces ideas and values that are found in popular culture of promoting independence. Individuals are interpellated, those in power unconsciously control them, and audiences are manipulated.

Audience Theory Essay Plan

Audience Theory

APPLY THE THEORY - DO NOT DESCRIBE. 

Example:

Gauntlett theory on constructing identity suggests that audience’s identities may be shaped through accessing media texts. My music video involved an isolated and lonely young teenager, which was representing the difficulties in growing up or being accepted. In a long shot in the café scene I was able to show the artist in vulnerable position, and was able to capture the isolation she felt being on her own. This relates to Gauntletts theory on ‘checking identity’ by choosing and selecting feelings and message that the long shot portrayed, so the audiences can compare their real experiences and emotion towards this specific scene. If my audience accepts this as the preferred readings, as on which allows them to be assured this is a ‘normal’ experience and feeling that young teenagers feel, the audience are then able to shape their identity through my music video.