Language and close-textual analysis
1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)
The opening non-diegetic sound is epic, orchestral music which sets the adventure and fantasy genre and also the suspenseful atmosphere. it also shows us a lot about Lyra and her personality towards people she is represented as a strong female character. this episode shows us so much about it we can definitely infer the genre for this is a fantasy because of the daemon (animals that can speak) , and witches prophecy.
You can currently watch His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer here.
Camerawork, editing and sound:
low camera angles , fast paced chase scenes , CGI effects.
Mise-en-scene:
setting : city of magpies
costume : dirty and old worn more than once some more older symbolising how long they have been there
props : mix between fantasy world and modern, recognisable objects (mobile phone).
Narrative and genre:
fantasy genre - witches , different worlds
adventure - quest/journey
You can access our notes from our close-textual analysis in class here - you'll need your Greenford Google login to open this.
2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre? It uses iconography which includes animals that speak, magic, or other mystical creatures. you can also tell its fantasy by the setting and the other character eg them being witches and other supernatural stuff
3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?
Lyra would be the hero and Will as the sidekick (or Lyra's daemon Pan), which subverts typical gender stereotypes. The role of the "hero" is usually taken up by a male, and many would assume that Lyra would be considered the "princess" due to her being a girl. However, she completely breaks those stereotypes
Lyra would be the hero and Will as the sidekick (or Lyra's daemon Pan), which subverts typical gender stereotypes. The role of the "hero" is usually taken up by a male, and many would assume that Lyra would be considered the "princess" due to her being a girl. However, she completely breaks those stereotypes
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative.
“It’s time to draw sides” creates binary opposition as there are two contrasting sides to support.
Representations
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.
Lyra crying in cave - reinforces female stereotype of being weak and emotional however next scene contrasts this as she is exploring the rainforest on her own - strong, independent female character.
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
Gender - men shown as aggressive (throwing glass) which reinforces masculine stereotypes but then subverted by calling them weak (“failures”)
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs. Coulter and other adults.
Representation of age - children are in charge, grown ups are in danger. This subverts age stereotypes as the children are the ones who have responsibilities and the adults are in vulnerability.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
“It’s time to draw sides” creates binary opposition as there are two contrasting sides to support.
Representations
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.
Lyra crying in cave - reinforces female stereotype of being weak and emotional however next scene contrasts this as she is exploring the rainforest on her own - strong, independent female character.
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.
Gender - men shown as aggressive (throwing glass) which reinforces masculine stereotypes but then subverted by calling them weak (“failures”)
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs. Coulter and other adults.
Representation of age - children are in charge, grown ups are in danger. This subverts age stereotypes as the children are the ones who have responsibilities and the adults are in vulnerability.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Diversity - race/ethnicity. Witch played by black woman, much more diverse cast than Doctor Who.
5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.
Fantasy genre - witches, prophecy, rift, daemon talking animals. Steampunk genre - futuristic genre but with old, Victorian technology (mix of old and new). Airships, submarine. representing a world of advanced tech however under developed along with the unusual devices of talking animals and witches.
Comments
Post a Comment