Progression Map by Nathan Parker https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6 Progression Map from Dissertation Prep to Dissertation 22-23 en-us 2022-05-04 22:16:44 UTC 2023-02-01 13:50:24 UTC hello@padlet.com W1: 3 Debates in Television Production nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170661057 - BBC Licence debate: Should we pay?

https://theconversation.com/bbc-funding-licence-fee-debate-risks-overlooking-value-of-uks-public-broadcasters-175128

https://theconversation.com/bbc-funding-licence-fee-debate-risks-overlooking-value-of-uks-public-broadcasters-175128



]]> 2022-05-04 22:36:44 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170661057 W1: 3 Debates in Television Production nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170666515 - Representation: Is there enough representation in front and behind the camera? Including; LGBT+, POC, Gender, Social Class etc

https://www.media-diversity.org/why-is-proper-representation-on-tv-is-important-for-diversity/

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/124078/report-bbc-representation-portrayal.pdf

https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/black-representation-in-film-and-tv-the-challenges-and-impact-of-increasing-diversity


]]> 2022-05-04 22:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170666515 W1: 3 Debates in Television Production nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170668433 - Is traditional television becoming irrelevant compared to streaming?

https://wifihifi.com/linear-tv-streaming-irrelevant/

https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/culture/film-tv/will-traditional-tv-ever-be-replaced-by-streaming

https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2019/01/will-traditional-tv-channels-become-irrelevant-in-2019

]]> 2022-05-04 22:49:14 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170668433 W1: What makes a good question? Class Mind Map nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170670911 Summary:

- Debatable?
Making sure to provide an argument

- Specific & Focused
Not too broad, have a specific focus

- Research
Integrate throughout]]> 2022-05-04 22:53:08 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170670911 W2: Focused Topic Mind Map nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170696326 Generating Ideas!]]> 2022-05-04 23:33:00 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2170696326 Finalised on topic: Ideology in film! nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203928723
  • Finalising on topic - Ideology and ‘Film Theory’

    • Need to focus on exploring how I can tackle this subject and most importantly which movies will be substantial in an analytical study

    Already personal favourites of mine which I have begun thinking of are; No Country for Old Men and Trainspotting. 

    Potential Lead
    • British Social Realism in comparison to the action genre?

    Want to avoid being broad and descriptive - need solid backing to undermine what I’m attempting to communicate in whatever ideological approach I intend to take!



    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:01:29 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203928723     Research: Ideology in Film (What is it?) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203931569 Ideology within film involves exploring what dominant attitudes and beliefs are either reinforced or challenged within a society at the time. This includes various messages and values within mainstream cinema which also seek to question the ruling ideologies that exist within the spectator’s society. Typically all films are rooted in some kind of political reality and possess some kind of political position, either explicitly or implicitly, and so we can argue that movies within today’s society are created to reflect a theme or issue happening in society at the time, rather then simply creating a film with no contextual or political meaning. 


    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:03:59 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203931569     Film Theorists (Examples to return to - if needed!) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203931994 2022-05-30 02:04:25 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203931994 Stuart Hall: Reception Theory nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203934082 Stuart Hall developed this concept in 1973 which argues that “a text—be it a book, movie, or other creative work—is not simply passively accepted by the audience, but that the reader/viewer interprets the meanings of the text based on her or his individual cultural background and life experiences (Wikipedia, 2021). This reinforces how some filmmakers create conversation without ever truly displaying their opinion, they merely present an accurate reality in which the spectator can perceive for themselves and construct their own belief based on what they are being shown.]]> 2022-05-30 02:06:25 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203934082 Todorov: Narrative Theory nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203937209 Equilibrium / Disequilibrium / New Equilibrium

    Understanding the way in which a narrative is structured:

    • Equilibrium: 
    Found at the beginning of the film, where everything is as it should be and the characters' lives are ‘normal’.

    • Disequilibrium: 
    The second stage is the ‘disruption’ stage. The state of Equilibrium is disturbed by an event occurring.

    • New Equilibrium: 
    The return or restoration of the Equilibrium resulting in a ‘new’.


    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203937209     No Country For Old Men! nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203938974 No Country for Old Men (NCFOM) is personally one of my favourite movies as it is a great example of the way in which a Director can exhibit and/or subvert topical ideological conventions - i.e in NCFOM: gender, racism, gun control etc but remains entertaining and thrilling at the same time. To me, this rises the interesting blurred line between intentional ideological messaging and simply an entertaining film which I could potentially explore in my dissertation. 

    • No Country For Old Men, directed by the Coen Brothers’ in 2008 with a budget of $25 million
    • Binary Opposition - conflict between USA and Mexico, reflecting dominant Republican ideology at the time. All ‘non-white’ characters are demonised and withhold the antagonist role. E.g Chigurh and the Cartel. This opposition could arguably reflect the Coen Brothers’ attempt to portray the traditional Cowboy vs Native American convention, typical in the western genre. E.g Moss in hotel, Chigurh behind door - replicates typical cowboy standoff however is modernised with a door between two characters. Links with ‘Borderland Cinema’, opposition primarily landing at the border between USA and Mexico. The fact Moss - the supposed hero - dies, emphasises the Brothers’ attempt to show flaw in these Republican views.
    • As an active spectator, we are able to dissect the Coen Brothers use of Republican ideologies that ultimately reinforce the brothers more democratic view. For example, throughout the film, the Coen Brothers intend for passive spectators to align themselves with Llewelyn Moss, the protagonist of the story. Because of this, a simplistic binary opposition is incorporated that illustrates Moss as the ‘hero’ and Chigurh as the ‘villian’. However we can argue that an active spectator would correlate the opposition between America and Mexico instead. For example all the antagonists of NCFOM are presented as Latin American, thus representing Mexicans as the enemy in society, reinforcing the concept of ‘borderland cinema’. We can suggest this is the Coen Brothers attempt to re-create and modernise the typical American vs Native American opposition, common in the western genre, but to also perpetuate the Coen Brothers personal democratic views. This is evident considering the supposed hero protagonist is killed, reinforcing the need for change in society. 
    • Coin toss sequence: Chigurh challenges owner of the gas station to a ‘coin toss’ to decide whether he lives or dies. A more passive spectator may interpret this scene as just being used to establish the villain. However a more active spectator may understand the underlying racial discourses within the scene. Gas station owner appears to be the epitome - perfect example - of southern hospitality. He is pitted against Chigurh, the only character that doesn’t have an american accent and is the only ‘non-white’ character. Coen Brothers’ are placing Latin American people as the villians, arguably to inkeep with the western genre. Latin American people replicate Native Americans’ in 50’s westerns. More active spectator's may view Antonin less as a character and more as a representation of something bigger. 50/50 chance at life or death, may symbolise Chigurh as the role of fate - the decider on whether someone lives or dies.




    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:10:46 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203938974     This is England nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203939707 I think This is England will be a great example of British Social Realism to analyse, particularly the representation communicated throughout i.e 'Skin head culture' - substantially compares with political context of Thatcherism, clearly depicted in the opening scene which utilises montage footage of the Falklands War]]> 2022-05-30 02:11:18 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203939707 Beasts of the Southern Wild - (Comparing genre) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203940320
  • Beasts of the Southern Wild, directed by Benh Zeitlin in 2012 with a budget of $1.8 million
  • Blends harsh political reality of a post-katrina world with magical realism, seen through the eyes of a young girl. 
  • Cast from local area
  • Themes such as: environmentalism, poverty, political failure to deal with marginalised communities on the fringes of society, AIDS - realistic issues, conveyed in a magical realist style. 
  • Multi-ethnic community all joined together because they’re on the wrong side of the levee. 
  • The world of the bathtub and its values of freedom and underdevelopment emerges in contrast to those of the developed and advanced society outside, so the spectators’ active or passive engagement with the characters’ and their predicament largely centres on this division. 
  • Hushpuppy’s father claims: “we got the prettiest place on earth” - a passive spectator will perhaps not question his judgement. However an active spectator will take Hushpuppy’s prospects into consideration if she stays there. They may consider whether her living in a ramshackle hut with the imminent risk of severe flooding is the best outcome for her.
  • Active spectatorship will facilitate an empathy with the father’s point of view and invite spectators to see that whilst he struggles, he loves and does his best. E.g Wink urges Hushpuppy to leave with others from the community, because he doesn’t want her to see him dying. Similarly, the solidarity which the community shows. E.g As they are seen dancing and celebrating with fireworks, captured through wides shots communicating the idea of a loving and united community.
  • Arguably, Zeitlin encourages his spectators to balance their judgement of Wink. E.g In an early sequence when Wink is taken to hospital unexpectedly, the mise-en-scene of the hut invites the spectator to see Hushpuppy’s loneliness as she tries to cook dinner.
  • Mise-en-scene captures Hushpuppy’s longing for her absent mother, as we see that Hushpuppy has created a ‘mum’ by piecing together her belongings such as a necklace and garments, with her own drawing. To respond actively, invites sympathy for Hushpuppy who needs mother’s tenderness. Therefore encourages spectator to appreciate how Hushpuppy frequently addresses the spectator, establishing intimacy with them so she can share her feelings. A passive response would not be receptive to the setting, colour and ambience of the hut when Hushpuppy imagines her mother’s presence, and speaks with her. 
  • More passive audiences may view the film as solely being about global warming. This is shown through mise-en-scene and narrative features. Film showcases devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. This link to Katrina may begin to stir racial discourse - government refused to act in order to help Katrina victims - predominantly black people suffered. Aerial shot shows ‘Bathtub’ as a marginalised community, cut off from the rest of the world and in risk of sea levels. Large factory greatly overshadows Wink and Hushpuppy.

    • ]]>     2022-05-30 02:11:53 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203940320     Trainspotting - British Social Realism nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203940884
  • Trainspotting, directed by Danny Boyle in 1996 with a budget of £3.5 million
  • Reflected the fears of some sections of society while providing a unique, youthful and Scottish voice in British film.
  • Representation withholds a key role throughout film as fundamentally we are presented with certain people, communities and experiences from particular ideological perspectives. Trainspotting is no different, with a variety of representations being presented.
  • A key representation shown throughout Trainspotting is gender and in particular, the binary opposition between men and women. Although men are usually presented holding the power in relationships, there are many elements throughout Trainspotting that challenge this stereotype. For example the relationship between Renton and Diane. Our first introduction to Diane forces the audience to believe she is an articulate, young adult. This is evident during her short monologue to Renton after leaving the club, where she provides an insight into her knowledge regarding men, reinforcing her experience in relationships and dating. When Diane’s real age is revealed to Renton, she forces him to remain seeing her or otherwise she will “tell the police”. This emphasises her power within the relationship and challenges the stereotype that men are significantly in more control over women. Boyle arguably foreshadows this using mise-en-scene as Diane’s coat is red, establishing connotations of danger. This idea is further demonstrated during the nightclub sequence. For example; Spud disregards the myth that men become more assertive when drunk and is instead displayed stumbling and falling, alongside the actor’s use of facial expression to present Spud as calm and joyful, furthermore women are displayed talking about sex which further challenges the common ideology regarding women’s roles in film to be stereotypically feminine and vulnerable. From this we can infer Boyle disregards how women are usually perceived in movies and therefore should be able to sexually explore and hold control within relationships. 
  • Opening sequence, binary opposition is visualised in the moment when Renton runs into the car - POV shot from the driver - we see through the eyes of the driver as Renton looks towards us, breaking the fourth wall and laughing. Mocking us, our choices and mainstream ideologies. His “Choose Life” voice-over is his counter cultural manifesto, he is openly criticizing our existence in false consciousness, offering us an alternative ideology and he is ‘other’ to us.






    • ]]>     2022-05-30 02:12:24 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203940884     Parasite nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203941487 Parasite is one of my favourite movies of all time! I have always been interested in the way Joon-ho communicates political ideology. Going to have a look more in to this!]]> 2022-05-30 02:12:55 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203941487 Fish Tank - A potential British Social Realist example? nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203942134
  • Fish Tank, directed by Andrea Arnold in 2009 with a budget of £3 million. 
  • Arnold’s ideological position is one of challenging the dominant, mainstream ideologies on feminism and women as a whole. Arnold believes that society is unfair and is in need of change. 
  • During the kitchen sequence, Arnold uses aspects of cinematography, mise-en-scene and narrative to illustrate the dynamic relationship between Mia and Connor. One way she does this is through the use of costume. Mia is presented wearing an oversized pajama set as she dances to a diegetic rnb hip-hop soundtrack emitting from the small television in her kitchen. The way in which her top ‘bags’ arguably symbolises Mia still growing and therefore presents her as child-like and vulnerable. This emphasises Connor’s first introduction to Mia as Arnold purposely uses the female gaze to convey a sexual undertone throughout the sequence. For example Connor’s lack of clothing with his tracksuit bottoms placed low down beneath the waist almost symbolises his manipulation toward Mia developing. This correlates with the handheld, POV shot from Mia looking towards Connor’s body panning up and down which communicates a sense of voyeurism.



    • ]]>     2022-05-30 02:13:32 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203942134     Do The Right Thing? (Potential example) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203942564 Do The Right Thing (DTRT) is another favourite movie of mine which I'd be interested to explore in depth. The Director, Spike Lee, was inspired to make this film following a racial attack which took place in 1987 where a black man was attacked by a group of white youths resulting in his death. This deeply rooted political context could easily be displayed throughout the movie through the use of film-form i.e lighting, sound and mise-en-scene which I could analyse throughout. This is one way in which I could narrow my dissertation to focus more on the link between film-form and ideology in my selected movies to ensure the analysis is not too broad.  

    • Do The Right Thing, directed by Spike Lee in 1989 with a budget of $6 million
    • Lee was initially interested to make this film following the deadly Howard beach racial attack in 1986 in which a black man was chased onto a highway by a gang of white youths and struck a killed by a passing car. 
    • Reflects the ‘New Black Cinema’ of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, directors such as Spike Lee made films about the black experience in the USA - e.g dealing with highly-charged racial issues at the time, such as police brutality and racism. 
    • Spike Lee hoped the film would convince black voters in NYC to vote out the Mayor Ed Koch. E.g, In one scene of the film, graffiti can be seen on the wall which reads ‘Dump Koch’.
    • Lee’s bitter comments about the three-term Mayor came in the wake of a racial attack in Brooklyn Wednesday in which a black teenager was shot to death in a confrontation with as many as 30 baseball bat-wielding white youths.
    • Spike Lee therefore challenged white hegemony of Hollywood production by making challenging films about the black experience using black actors and crew. 
    • One key scene is where Mookie complains about the lack of black people in Sal’s ‘wall of fame’ at the pizzeria, which is a comment on the lack of black representation in the media at the time. 
    • Production context reflects the tension between independent producers and Hollywood studios. Lee was in charge of his own company (Forty Acres and a Mule) yet needed the financial support of a Hollywood studio to produce the film. Paramount originally wanted to change the ending which would profoundly change the meaning of the film. Paramount thought the ending of the film was “too violent” and would incite black filmgoers to riot. Lee refused to change the ending as the riot is pivotal to the whole film and worked instead with Universal who agreed to let Lee direct the film as he wished and keep the ending intact. However compromises were made in order for Lee to keep full creative control  - e.g forced to accept a lower budget than was usual for a Hollywood production. Despite low budget Lee was able to produce the film as he intended and also had final cut approval and agreement on the casting, therefore the final film is Lee’s vision. 
    • The whole film was shot over 8 weeks in this one location - Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn NYC - quick shoot enabled crew to give the sense that the film takes place across one day as the buildings could not change. Also gives the film a feel of community, including the rising tensions within it,  as the characters from different ethnic backgrounds must all interact. 
    • Extras used from local community to add realism to the film. 
    • Filmed during the height of summer, also giving his film a sense of the intense heat. Cinematographer Ernest Dickerson would put a butane lighter underneath the lens to convey heat.

    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:13:56 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203942564     Some Like It Hot - Update: decided I won't be exploring any further :( nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203943214 Some Like it Hot is a great example which explores masculinity and gender from the 1950's - could potentially compare this with modern examples? 

    • Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder in 1959 with a budget of $2.9 million
    • Produced in the 50’s - an era that had already developed techno-colour. However Wilder decided to edit the footage in black and white to parody a typical 1930’s gangster movie. Although this benefited the makeup aesthetic of Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, Monroe initially disagreed with the idea. B/W filter opposed Monroe’s fox contract as she gained recognition from her blonde hair and red lipstick. However SLIH became her biggest financial success
    • Use of themes such as homosexuality opposed dominant ideology of the 1920’s and 1950’s. For example, the spectator’s introduction to Josephine and Daphne - camera focuses on legs during low angle and replicates the way we are introduced to Sugar.
    • Hay’s code: morally strict - western christian values, racist dominance of ‘whiteness’, homophobic - dominance of herterosexualty, patriarchal values - dominance of male power/values, dominance of capitalism. Reflects 1920’s dominant ideology
    • Opening sequence presents a hearse, vehicle for conveying the coffin at a funeral, but instead is being used to store alcohol. Mobster setting to parody Hollywood, creates a sense of intertextuality even though the term was not recognised during the late 1950’s. Idea of parody can be seen in the production company Wilder decided to use - United Artists - set up by mainstream Hollywood stars such as Charlie Chaplin who believed that stars were underrepresented within Hollywood. Through this and constant depiction of artists who struggle to work, Wilder emphasises the unreliable and unstable world of the Hollywood industry.

    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:14:29 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203943214     Vladimir Propp: Character Theory nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203947652 Vladimir Propp: Character Theory / 31 Narratemes
    https://media-studies.com/propp/
    https://gointothestory.blcklst.com/vladimir-propps-31-narratemes-another-approach-to-story-structure-da756027ed13

    Categorised the function of different character roles in a narrative, i.e: the hero, the villain, the helper, the donor, the princess, fasle hero and the dispatcher. This can be applied to many different examples to help understand, i.e Super Mario

    Example (simplified) - hero: mario, the helper: luigi, the princess: princess peach, the villain: bowser


    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:18:16 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203947652     Levi Strauss - Binary Opposition nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203952318 A pair of mutually-exclusive signifiers in a paradigm set representing categories which are logically opposed]]> 2022-05-30 02:22:10 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203952318 Thatcherism: Continued nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203964375 Connecting Thatcherism in Transporting to other examples - Have solid points to make from This is England which is very comparable i.e Thatcherism affecting the both the protagonist, Renton in Trainspotting and Shaun in This is England

    Will need to gather more analytical film-form examples...]]>     2022-05-30 02:31:55 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203964375     Thatcherism: Falklands War (This is England, Political Context) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203966834 Decided that the age of 'Thatcherism' is a great talking point particularly in the British Social Realist genre, common in Transporting, Billy Elliot and of course - This is England, and so I will keep looking at more ways in which film-form communicates this political context!]]> 2022-05-30 02:34:07 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203966834 Visual Language & Symbolism: Parasite nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203969189 2022-05-30 02:36:03 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203969189 Deciding on: Comparing British Social Realism nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203971726 In order to ensure I can explore this idea methodically, I have decided to focus my analysis to specifically comparing ‘British Social Realism’ with a comparing genre - Contrasting target audiences and demographic. Focusing specifically on film form which includes the stylistic system of; mise-en-scene, cinematography and sound, and the formal system which scopes in on the narrative. How far do their ideological and political positioning compare with one another? British Social Realism typically deals with everyday issues which usually promotes a societal or political discussion, including themes in; unemployment, working class issues and gender which greatly compares with the Action and Adventure genre. Thus I will investigate how far these contrasting genres, through film form, can echo an important message or theme ensued by the filmmaker. 

    I am considerably thinking about international cinema and how political context can be communicated in movies comparing to the likes of British Social Realism - Is this too open? Need to speak with lecturer and ask for some advice!


    ]]>     2022-05-30 02:38:05 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203971726     Movies I will be focusing on: (TBC) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203978301 After giving myself time to focus on which genres I will be comparing to examine the way in which ideological/political themes are communicated, I have decided these movies hold substantial weight in this type of conversation:

    - Beasts of the Southern Wild
    - No Country for Old Men
    - Fish Tank or This is England?
    - Trainspotting
    - Parasite

    I am conflicted with Fish Tank as although this could be a great example of exploring the way in which gender is depicted in British Social Realism, I initially wanted to focus more on political context i.e Capitalism etc so would this not work in hand with the other movies?]]>     2022-05-30 02:43:47 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2203978301     Starting Research: Theory and Examples nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350417245 Some examples I will explore are: Vladimir Propp's Character Archetypes - i.e the traditional 'Hero' and 'Villian', Stuart Hall's Reception Theory, Auteur Theory, Active/Passive Spectatorship, Todorov's Narrative Theory and potentially Postmodernism (and more!)

    To ensure fairness and accuracy on my ethics checklist, I believe it is incredibly important to intertwine my primary analysis of movies with my secondary research including theory as my statements/arguments can become very descriptive which I want to avoid. ]]>     2022-10-21 09:12:21 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350417245     Week 1: Thursday 6th October nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350452810 On the first lesson back, I decided the format of a video essay would not be satisfactory in the support of my dissertation and would not in itself be a standalone documentation which compares and contributes to my argument - i.e repeating myself/commentary already reflected in my argument. Because of this I believe it will be more beneficial to move towards a (normal) academic text - 6000-7000 words, lower 10% 5400 words. 

    Because of this, it is vital that I have enough study to craft this dissertation as I initially was only working towards a 4000+ word count with a supporting artefact. I am slightly worried about this however I think so long as I focus on gathering more contextual evidence for my examples, alongside my personal analytical examination of all the movies - I should be okay...



    ]]>     2022-10-21 09:47:47 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350452810     Diss Prep - Feedback: nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350453716 (Feed-forward):
    • With your choice of case-study films in mind, refresh your Lead Question and develop a detailed Chapter Plan; flesh out the topics will you include in each section, and what research models and sources will you need for each topic
    • Invest some time writing a Treatment/Script for your video essay, paying attention to how this and your written text will best compliment and interact with each other
    • Do think carefully about whether you want to include discussion about a comparison genre as described in your proposal; you have a limited word-count
    • Although you have a Bibliography and some in-text references, remember you have the usual resource of Rave’s online Harvard Guide to help you with this; here’s the link > http://ravensbourneharvardreferencing.org.uk/
    ]]>     2022-10-21 09:48:36 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350453716     Week 2: Thursday 13th October nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350456746 Supporting secondary research: (Explored in class) 


    In class today I went over my progression with Hayley, dissertation lecturer, and we explored various amounts of websites which can help me in my ideological approach - it is paramount I have as much examples/theory to quote and use alongside my findings

    ]]>     2022-10-21 09:51:12 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2350456746     Week 3: Thursday 20th October nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464046088 Today I looked more into structuring my study, going back to my chapter plan, which entailed thinking more about how I can compare all of these movies simultaneously without losing focus on my question. 

    It was recommend that I stick to British Social Realism and although this could narrow my focus, I worry I won't have enough sufficient examples to talk about. This is something I can consider for the time being however I think I am happy sticking to comparing British Social Realism with at least one another genre as this makes for a compelling examination on how differing filmmakers achieve this - especially if I look more into international cinema with Parasite.]]>     2023-02-01 04:44:54 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464046088     Week 4: Thursday 27th October nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464048620 In class today I realised that it is incredibly important that I rewatch the potential list of movies I will explore in the study. I am focused on for sure selecting No Country for Old Men, Beasts of the Southern Wild, Trainspotting and Parasite - However I am still unsure whether I should compare these examples with This is England or Trainspotting so after class today I will be critically rewatching and deciding what movie will help me progress my question more - particularly how filmmakers reflect political ideology and or context? ]]> 2023-02-01 04:49:01 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464048620 Week 5: Thursday 3rd November nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464054134 After giving myself a whole week, I managed to watch all of the movies on my list and definitely have concluded that This is England will be a better example of analysis to talk about in my study as I can engage more about the political context of Thatcherism which perfectly matches with Trainspotting. Although Fish Tank would have been great for elaborating on this ideological approach towards gender, I feel as though I won't have enough work to examine - especially when I prefer This is England more then Fish Tank, giving me more of a push to explore this. 

    I feel as though I am on track to potentially start drafting an introduction or finalising my chapter plan which at the moment stands; chapter 1 - British social realism (Trainspotting and This is England, chapter 2 - comparative genre (No Country for Old Men and Beasts of the Southern Wild, I additionally think that Do the Right Thing would have been a great choice but Beasts touches upon subverting capitalist ideology which not only draws on NCFOM but additionally parasite! and chapter 3 - international (Parasite) ]]>     2023-02-01 04:56:59 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464054134     Week 6: Thursday 10th November nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464056489 Unfortunately I was unable to attend the class today as I had an orthodontist appointment, however where I am at in terms of my progress I think this won't hinder me. 

    I have been watching some analytical YouTube videos which have helped me understand how to tackle political context through dissecting the use of film-form so I feel as though I have made somewhat progress this week]]>     2023-02-01 05:00:24 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464056489     Week 7: Thursday 17th November nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464060821 I managed to complete a draft of my chapter one which explores the ideological / political context communicated in both This is England and Trainspotting. I am incredibly happy with it as I think the way I draw a comparison to both examples in the topic of Margaret Thatcher perfectly refers back to my question in that 'to what extent' do filmmakers communicate.... and so I have managed to give a clear idea on how Meadows and Boyle do this. Some parts of it feel a little too descriptive so I managed to cut out some of it to gather more theory/references. 

    I have another deadline coming up which I am slightly worrying about and so I think I might have to organise how I plan my upcoming time with both modules but I am hopeful I'll make it work - It will all be fine!]]>     2023-02-01 05:07:12 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464060821     Week 8: Thursday 24th November nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464064829 I didn't get much completed this week as predicted! However I have been able to keep watching more YouTube videos as they have been incredibly helpful in gathering knowledge in political ideology in cinema. I've found some more references I think I could mention too - Marxism and 'Conflict Theory'. This in short is the idea that because our society/culture is built upon capitalist structures, one day this system will become flawed as the oppressed workers it negatively affects will attempt to overthrow. When I read about this, I thought of how much it perfectly resembles the ending to Parasite and so I have thought about drafting a couple sentences of my international cinema chapter! not holding myself up to too much pressure at the moment but I'm going to try and get something achieved in the coming week :)]]> 2023-02-01 05:13:40 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464064829 Week 9: 1st December nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464070899 Managed to get a big chunk of my second chapter completed! I feel as though I am leaving gaps to gather references so I can provide more support to my political context and I think this is a good idea, so long as manage to find examples I can put with them. I'm on the side doing as much of this as I can. 

    I have been feeling really stressed this week, especially with my other module but I think I am on track. I am thinking of giving myself time to breathe as I don't want to overwork myself - however deadline isn't too far now!]]>     2023-02-01 05:22:34 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464070899     Week 10/11: 15th December nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464539433 Preparing myself for the Christmas break! 

    Finalising on my chapter drafts and preparing to flesh out my international cinema paragraph. Today I spoke to a couple of friends including students on the Film Production course and explained to them my idea for dissertation. They all gave me optimism that particularly Parasite is a great example to explore when comparing political ideology in cinema - this has driven me more! 

    One thing they said was to avoid being too descriptive as the base of a dissertation is of course analytical so I need to make sure I refine anything in the essay that goes too in to detail about anything that is irrelevant i.e explaining the plot etc.

    Going to set myself a deadline on having a strong draft completed by the end of Christmas however I am incredibly busy over this period so I'm worried if I'll get much done. However I have made myself a schedule to attempt to follow, so long as I stick to this as much as possible I should be fine!  ]]>     2023-02-01 13:15:11 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464539433     January 5th (Month of Submission!) nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464558216 Over Christmas I managed to complete some of the tasks I set out to achieve however I personally have been dealing with overwhelming mental health struggles at the moment. I am usually good at dealing with this issue but I think the pressure intertwined with external circumstances outside of University is putting more stress on me than necessary. I know I will be okay however nearing the finish line, I feel as though I potentially may have to request a 5-day extension as this could greatly help in ensuring I submit a piece of work I am incredibly proud of, especially considering I am much a perfectionist. I have never requested an extension in the time of me being at University so I somewhat feel ashamed/guilty but I know I shouldn't feel this way as this could help me greatly. 

    In the mean time of balancing things out, I have been particularly exploring more theory to reference in my chapters and stumbled across Žižek who speaks of ideology in film. He takes an incredibly interesting approach to this subject and think some of this thoughts could greatly add to the examples I mention in the study. His ideas are often well-known but sometimes misunderstood so I will look at him in more detail before deciding whether he adds anything relevant to my study!]]>     2023-02-01 13:28:36 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464558216     Last Post Before Submission! nathanparker3 https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464572886 I applied for my extension and was accepted which I am incredibly thankful for as this has greatly helped me balance my world load with personal external mental health struggles I'm dealing with at the moment. I feel as though I have the time to refine my whole essay and change/add anything I see fit for this last short period of time I have left.  I have had the chance to add illustrations and collated all of my references on to the bibliography page so the format of the Dissertation is basically ready to be submitted! Giving myself these last few days to make adjustments where needed.

    I am incredibly happy with the result of my study and am proud of the journey it has taken me dating back from coming up with simple ideas back in the last academic year. 

    On track to get this submitted!]]>     2023-02-01 13:39:06 UTC https://padlet.com/nathanparker3/44t0ifcub4vf30m6/wish/2464572886