How do the the
micro elements of two chosen films create a representation of the
protagonist/s and how is this representation linked to audience
expectation?
In this essay I shall be exploring how the protagonists from two
different films are created through a combination of micro elements
and how the way these protagonists are represented is reflective of
audience expectation.
Too examine this I shall be using two primary theories, the theory of uses and gratifications and cultural Marxism, also known as critical theory.
Too examine this I shall be using two primary theories, the theory of uses and gratifications and cultural Marxism, also known as critical theory.
The theory of uses and gratifications is a theory that has evolved
since the 1940's and really found its solid ideals in the 1970's, key
thinkers include HERTA Hertzog and Abraham maslow.
The theory of uses and gratifications posits that audiences actively
consume media and are aware of their consumption of media, in order
to fulfil certain needs and desires including personal connection,
excitement, ego/self respect and others. (The power of media,
2012)
IN this essay I shall be using the theory of uses and gratifications alongside a generally accepted aspect of film making and media, you have to give the audience what they want.
This leads to films and media, reflecting to some extent, the needs and desires of the audience that are going to view them, as these needs and desires are linked to the culture of the time period, this intrinsically links the depiction of certain aspects of a film, such as the protagonists, to the culture of the time.
IN this essay I shall be using the theory of uses and gratifications alongside a generally accepted aspect of film making and media, you have to give the audience what they want.
This leads to films and media, reflecting to some extent, the needs and desires of the audience that are going to view them, as these needs and desires are linked to the culture of the time period, this intrinsically links the depiction of certain aspects of a film, such as the protagonists, to the culture of the time.
For the purposes of this essay I shall be applying the uses and
gratifications theory by examining the cultural and social situation
of each films time period a how this creates the specific needs and
desires of the audience, and how, through application of the theory
that media makers must, to some extent, satisfy these needs and
desires, the representation of the protagonist is intrinsically
linked to the culture of the time.
Cultural Marxism, or more accurately when referring to the
theoretical aspect of this, Critical theory, was created during the
period leading up to world war 2 in the early 30's.
A number of Marxist theorists, with critical members including Max horkeheimer and erich fromm set up the 'Frankfurt institute of social studies' in Germany. These men theorised that ideology was the key obstacle to human liberation and sought ways to change the capitalist, Christian centric ideology of the western world.
They did this through the creation of critical theory, which encouraged audiences to question what they were presented by media from a Marxist view point, in particular traditional values, such as men and women place in society, moral social standards such as the taboo on heavy drinking or women smoking and the belief that capitalism and Christianity can ultimately provide for all Americas people. (The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
Overtime the Marxist aspect of this theory has declined somewhat in prominence, however the fundamental idea, of questioning what one is shown from alternate viewpoints an to question the motivation of the media itself in showing the audience what is presented remains and has had profound effects on western culture, particularly from the 70's onwards as a new wave of commercialism swept the western world on the backs of Thatcher and Reagan.
For the purposes of this essay I shall be applying critical theory and its effects on audience reception to explain some differences between how protagonists are presented in film noir and neo noir.
A number of Marxist theorists, with critical members including Max horkeheimer and erich fromm set up the 'Frankfurt institute of social studies' in Germany. These men theorised that ideology was the key obstacle to human liberation and sought ways to change the capitalist, Christian centric ideology of the western world.
They did this through the creation of critical theory, which encouraged audiences to question what they were presented by media from a Marxist view point, in particular traditional values, such as men and women place in society, moral social standards such as the taboo on heavy drinking or women smoking and the belief that capitalism and Christianity can ultimately provide for all Americas people. (The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
Overtime the Marxist aspect of this theory has declined somewhat in prominence, however the fundamental idea, of questioning what one is shown from alternate viewpoints an to question the motivation of the media itself in showing the audience what is presented remains and has had profound effects on western culture, particularly from the 70's onwards as a new wave of commercialism swept the western world on the backs of Thatcher and Reagan.
For the purposes of this essay I shall be applying critical theory and its effects on audience reception to explain some differences between how protagonists are presented in film noir and neo noir.
Cultural Marxism, or critical theory, shall be used to further this
link between audience expectation and how protagonists are presented
on screen by examining how the growth of critical theory as a key
method of audience interaction with media, has led to radical changes
in cultural and social standards of acceptability, and the differing
uses and gratifications of audiences in the more modern age of neo
noir.
I shall be comparing how the protagonist is constructed in two films
that are typical of their genres, Fr film noir this is (the big
sleep) and for neo noir this is (reservoir dogs)
Philip Marlowe, played by Humphrey Bogart is typical of the hard boiled detective that was the primary form of protagonist seen in classic film noir, a rough edged, down on the streets detective that was distinctive from the older, upper class detectives of older English crime drama.
Throughout the film Marlowe is presented in such a way as to provide his character with a sense of power, responsibility and moral justification that stands in contrast to the rougher aspects of his camera.
In the opening scenes of the movie, when Marlowe is seen talking to General whatever his costume is highly notable. He quickly removes his suit jacket, rolls up his sleeves and is wearing a crooked tie. This suggests a somewhat rough element to his character, and an element of willingness to get stuck in, as rolling up ones sleeves is typically seen before one engages in dirty or arduous work.
In this scene Marlowe is also first seen drinking, being offered a drink by general whatever. Drinking is a common aspect of film noir protagonists at the time and can have a variety of possible meaning depending on the social standards that are attributed to drink and alcohol at the time, which will be explored in more detail later.
Camera angle and lighting n Marlowe throughout the film are also important, Marlowe is frequently framed with a slight low angle, and in many scenes is shown standing when the other characters in the scene are seated. These two aspects of cinematography give Marlowe a sense f power and command, and a certain sense of responsibility, as power often comes with such.
IN regards to lighting Marlowe is frequently well lit during most scenes, with heavy shadowing of the face being largely reserved for moments of violent interaction or for when Marlowe is engaging in stealthy investigation of the criminal case.
Together these aspects create a character that is simultaneously presented with a sense of power and respectability, but also presents a character that is imperfect, prone to worldly indulgences such as drinking and smoking, and is not afraid to become violent and forceful when required, which stands in contrast to the traditional upper class, highly respectable image of older English crime dramas.
By applying the theory of uses and gratification, in combination with
an observance of cultural and social standards of the time period,
links can be drawn between audience expectation and uses and
gratifications they seek in film noir, and the representation of
protagonists in the genre.
During the post war period, which is when film noir was at its most popular and most defined, America was undergoing radical changes. It's emergence as the sole unscathed victor from world war 2 catapulted the previously isolationist country to a role as the worlds great super power. America had also undergone an intense period of urbanization and industrialization as part of it's preparations for world war 2.(American history, from revolution to reconstruction and beyond)
This created a population that had become concentrated in cities and suburbs and that were ill at ease with their new found power.
During the post war period, which is when film noir was at its most popular and most defined, America was undergoing radical changes. It's emergence as the sole unscathed victor from world war 2 catapulted the previously isolationist country to a role as the worlds great super power. America had also undergone an intense period of urbanization and industrialization as part of it's preparations for world war 2.(American history, from revolution to reconstruction and beyond)
This created a population that had become concentrated in cities and suburbs and that were ill at ease with their new found power.
The depiction of the protagonists in film noir is highly reflective
of these changing attitudes among the public.
The sense of power and responsibility that is seen in Marlowe could be construed as a direct projection of a feeling of power and responsibility among the public as they came to terms with Americas new role in the world. In particular the less clear cut moral ambiguity of the protagonists, seen through the introduction of moral vices such as drinking, womanising and a heightened level of violence compared to pre-war films can be seen as a way of addressing the moral difficulty America faced in acting upon its new role as a world power, with engagement in distant wars, such as the Korean war, and a wave of anti-communist sentiment as America found itself at odds with the world other rising super power, The USSR.
There was a need in America to address moral concerns with the behaviours required of their new found role.
In addition as America had moved towards a more concentrated more urbanized population, crime rates and moral inadequacy soared as the concentration of humanity inevitably led to overcrowding, poverty and moral degradation. The moral ambiguity of the film noir protagonist can be seen as a way of tackling these new criminals at their own level, on the streets and with a certain level of meanness that was lacking in older crime dramas.
The sense of power and responsibility that is seen in Marlowe could be construed as a direct projection of a feeling of power and responsibility among the public as they came to terms with Americas new role in the world. In particular the less clear cut moral ambiguity of the protagonists, seen through the introduction of moral vices such as drinking, womanising and a heightened level of violence compared to pre-war films can be seen as a way of addressing the moral difficulty America faced in acting upon its new role as a world power, with engagement in distant wars, such as the Korean war, and a wave of anti-communist sentiment as America found itself at odds with the world other rising super power, The USSR.
There was a need in America to address moral concerns with the behaviours required of their new found role.
In addition as America had moved towards a more concentrated more urbanized population, crime rates and moral inadequacy soared as the concentration of humanity inevitably led to overcrowding, poverty and moral degradation. The moral ambiguity of the film noir protagonist can be seen as a way of tackling these new criminals at their own level, on the streets and with a certain level of meanness that was lacking in older crime dramas.
The protagonist of reservoir dogs-
The protagonists of reservoir dogs are markedly different an more
modern than those of older film noirs such as the big sleep.
The greatest contrast between the protagonists of reservoir dogs and Marlowe is that the Mr. Colours of reservoir dogs are criminals, unquestionably so.
The greatest contrast between the protagonists of reservoir dogs and Marlowe is that the Mr. Colours of reservoir dogs are criminals, unquestionably so.
However despite being clearly presented s criminals, the
protagonists of reservoir dogs are arguably more human than Marlowe
in the big sleep>
This can be seen to some extent during the opening scene.
Here the characters are shown, eating, drinking and smoking with one another, having a somewhat rude and colourful conversation with one another. the most important cinematographic aspect of this scene is the camera angle. Throughout the scene each protagonist is presented with a camera angle that is more or less even in comparison with the other protagonists, this creates a sense of equality among the characters, and a sense of equality with the audience. The low angle that is frequently used to present Marlowe in the big sleep stands in contrast to this and creates a character to be looked 'up' too by the audience, which would have been critical for helping audiences of post war America conform to the new social standards required of Americas world position.
The harsh language used by the characters also separates them from the wittier, better spoken protagonist of the past and may be linked to declining standards of social acceptability in post 70's America or a growing sense of non-conformity as a rebellion against the highly conformist life of suburban America in the post war period. Creating character and protagonists in film that explore these concepts of rebellion of more relaxed standards of social behaviour would have been critical to attracting an audience that were increasingly seeking more freedom of personal expression.
This change in social standards and rebellion against conformity may also be linked to the decline of the USSR as a rival to America, with America acting as the worlds sole super power from roughly the 90's onwards, there was less need to present a united ideological opposition to counter the USSR, giving America more time to explore it's own internal identity and cultural differences.
This can be seen to some extent during the opening scene.
Here the characters are shown, eating, drinking and smoking with one another, having a somewhat rude and colourful conversation with one another. the most important cinematographic aspect of this scene is the camera angle. Throughout the scene each protagonist is presented with a camera angle that is more or less even in comparison with the other protagonists, this creates a sense of equality among the characters, and a sense of equality with the audience. The low angle that is frequently used to present Marlowe in the big sleep stands in contrast to this and creates a character to be looked 'up' too by the audience, which would have been critical for helping audiences of post war America conform to the new social standards required of Americas world position.
The harsh language used by the characters also separates them from the wittier, better spoken protagonist of the past and may be linked to declining standards of social acceptability in post 70's America or a growing sense of non-conformity as a rebellion against the highly conformist life of suburban America in the post war period. Creating character and protagonists in film that explore these concepts of rebellion of more relaxed standards of social behaviour would have been critical to attracting an audience that were increasingly seeking more freedom of personal expression.
This change in social standards and rebellion against conformity may also be linked to the decline of the USSR as a rival to America, with America acting as the worlds sole super power from roughly the 90's onwards, there was less need to present a united ideological opposition to counter the USSR, giving America more time to explore it's own internal identity and cultural differences.
This need among audiences to explore their own ideas and identity in
more detailed can be seen in other neo noir films, such as pulp
fiction and sin city which also adopt multiple distinctive
protagonists.
Also critical to discuss is the growing effects of critical theory in
the post war period and particularly its dominance in modern media.
Critical theory focuses on encouraging audiences to ask more
questions and to look with greater depth at the messages they are
being presented with by the media. This inherently creates audiences
which are oppositional towards media or movies that adopt a more
hypodermic needle approach towards informing the attitudes of the
public, Film noir and it's relatively rigid protagonist structure can
be seen as following a more hypodermic needle approach towards
informing the audience, the protagonist, such as Marlowe, are
presented as strong, above the audience and the other characters in
the film, and as an ideal to strive for and to conform too.
The frequently criminal characters of modern neo noir, like reservoir dogs, encourages the audience to more actively seek their own conclusions on what moral and social standards are being presented and how they should fulfil their desires as a result.
The frequently criminal characters of modern neo noir, like reservoir dogs, encourages the audience to more actively seek their own conclusions on what moral and social standards are being presented and how they should fulfil their desires as a result.
In
conclusion, it can be suggested and proven to some extent through the
application of the theories used, that the particular way in which
protagonists within film and neo noir, but also in other genre's is
intrinsically liked to the expectations of the audience when viewing
these films, with film makers having a certain requirement to satisfy
these needs and desires. These needs and desires are in turn
influenced by the cultural and social pressures of the time period,
as such the presentation of protagonists in different film genres and
across different time periods is itself also linked heavily to the
social and cultural pressures of the time period, this is what leads
to the creation of genre and character specific cliches, as these
cliches are created to satisfy the audiences needs.
References:
(THE POWER OF MEDIA(2012) the basics of uses and gratifications theory [online] Available from: https://thepowerofmedia.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/the-basics-of-uses-gratifications-theory/
(THE POWER OF MEDIA(2012) the basics of uses and gratifications theory [online] Available from: https://thepowerofmedia.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/the-basics-of-uses-gratifications-theory/
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