Narrative

The three narrative theories can be applied to this scene from the TV show American Horror Story. This scene can be linked to Todorovs theory of equillibrium. Myrtle Snow is seen as the cause of disequilibrium, as her presence is assumed to be causing disruption and conflict in the Coven, and she is mainly disliked by Fiona the "supreme". Fiona manages to accuse Myrtle of a crime, which leads to her sentence of being burnt at the stake. This creates the New Equilibrium, as the evil forces are defeated (Myrtle). However, when we apply Propp's character theory, Fiona is linked to the False Hero as her character appeared to be good but is revealed to have been bad all along. Barthes enigma and action codes can also be applied to this scene. There are a few enigma codes such as "Will they really burn Myrtle to the stake?" and "Does she really deserve this?", this enigma code is also shown through one of the characters, Zoe, who asks if its "just a joke" which the audience is also wondering. There is an action code halfway through the scene where they tie Myrtle to the stake and douse her with petrol, which makes the audience realise that death is about to follow as the petrol suggests that she is about to be set on fire.

This scene from Nightcrawler has several action codes such as the shoot out in the diner and when the shooter leaves the diner and gets into his car, this suggests to the audience that a car chase and a gun battle is to follow up. Enigma codes are also created as the audience begin to wonder "Will the criminal get away?" "Will Louis get the footage he needs?" and "Are they going to be safe at the end of all this?". It is quite hard to apply Propp's theory to this scene as Louis is quite an odd character who is so strangely committed to his job, and despite him being the protagonist he isn't really the hero as he does many things wrong such as allowing his only friend to die and instead of trying to save him while Nina is dying he rants about his faults and puts his company first instead. However Todorov's theory of equilibrium can be applied as the criminal is eventually caught, which links to new equilibrium, and at the end of the film Louis's company goes large scale. 

The three narrative theories can be applied to this exorcism scene from the movie Deliver Us From Evil. For example, Propp's theory on the stock characters in narratives can be applied into this scene. The priest can be represented as the helper, as he helps the hero (the protagonist) in restoring the resolution through the exorcism. This could not have been done by anyone else, including the protagonist. However, the protagonist is seen as the main hero, as he mainly solved the case of several bizarre events that linked to each other. As the exorcism takes place, the audience get an action code as the possessed man comes in contact with the priest and his cross and he suddenly stands up, the audience becomes aware that there will be a strong resistance that will come from him. Todorov's theory of equilibrium is present in this scene too. The disequilibrium of the events that took place in the film, such as the deaths of many people is eventually solved through the exorcism which leads to the new equilibrium, where the demon that was possessing all these people is removed.

Blog feedback learner response

WWW: Some good depth to some of your posts – the use of oppositional readings on the 50 Cent RBK advert is exactly the kind of analysis we’re looking for in A Level Media.

EBI: You’re lacking in a few areas – the summary of institutions is weak in places (e.g. Sony) and you don’t have your own research on the three institutions we didn’t have lessons on (BBC, Disney,Comcast). Make sure those are completed before moving on to other work.

Learner Response:

I think that my first month of A level Media has been good so far. I believe my strongest piece of work is the 50 cent RBK advert analysis from the exam blog and the mise-en-scene analysis from my coursework blog. I believe my weakest work is the film poster analysis from my coursework blog. I need to develop specific skills such as analyising at A level and need to get used to using new media terminology in my work when needed.

Institution: CoolBrands research

Netflix: Netflix is an online website which provides TV shows, movies etc. for a subscription fee of £6 per month. Netflix can be viewed from many sources such as your TV, computer, and phone because it is available as an application. This is why I like Netflix because it makes it easier to use on the go. The main brand value that Netflix fits into is happy families. Netflix fits this brand value is because there is a variety of content that can be watched by all ages which makes Netflix a suitable and favourable option for watching shows/films as it appeals to all. I believe it made into the top 20 of cool brands because Netflix is available on demand and can be used on many devices making it easier to access while being quite affordable.

Apple: Apple is a technology company that designs, develops and sells its own consumer electronics, computer software and online services i.e. phones, computers, tablets, TV's and other accessories. I believe it made it into the top 20 of the coolest brands in the UK because of its aesthetic appeal, popularity and easy use, and with me being an iPhone user these are the reasons for me liking the Apple brand. The brand value I believe that Apple mainly fits into is rich, luxurious lifestyles as Apple products are considered quite pricey for what they are, and with many of the elite being users of Apple there is a large appeal to it. 

Instagram: Instagram is a photo and video sharing social networking application and site that allow you to edit and then share your photos/videos. The social networking site has a large popularity with mostly teenagers and young adults which I believe is the reason to why it is one of the top 20 coolest brands in the UK because it is an easy way to connect with others through posting photos. I personally use Instagram myself and I admire it because it’s simple to use while also being interactive as users can follow you and vice versa. This allows me to view content of friends or content that links to my interests making it easier to discover new things. The brand value I believe that Instagram is associated with is self-importance and pride because it allows you to post your own content; this makes your feed themed around you which hint at you as a person. This links to your pride and self importance.

Youtube: Youtube is a video sharing website which allows not only corporations but also individuals to post their own videos and view the videos of others. I believe Youtube is popular amongst all ages as there is so much content that can appeal to people of all ages, which is most likely the reason why it made it to the top 20 coolest brands. It is also interactive as you can like and comment on videos, making it a form of social networking as videos can trend worldwide, this adds onto its appeal. Youtube can have several brand values; such as comedy and humour, because Youtube is known for providing amusement. It can also fit into art, culture and history as the video sharing website has many videos that relate to these themes including modern culture i.e. music. I admire Youtube because it’s easy to access videos of all sorts whether it’s educational for revision or for general amusement, and it is a simple way of connecting to the world through videos.

Chanel: Chanel is a high fashion house that is recognized worldwide because of its timeless designs that are still popular today. I believe it is part of the top 20 coolest brands in the UK because of its age, making it one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. I personally admire Chanel because it links to luxury which is something I adore; one of my favourite perfumes is actually by Chanel (Chanel No.5) which makes the brand more appealing to me. The brand value that links to Chanel is rich, luxurious lifestyles as Chanel is quite expensive and is associated with luxury and the rich because of its quality and authenticity.

Brand Values

Lush Cosmetics

1. Lush Cosmetics comes across as an eco-friendly and natural alternative to the usual cosmetic brand that many opt for. Only natural ingredients are used in their products, and these products are usually made in the back of the store by employees. The brand values of lush would be nature and the natural world and social responsibilities because they use natural ingredients only and some of their profit is always used for charitable reasons such as protecting animal rights or conservation of the environment. It could also link to the brand value of beautiful women because it is still a cosmetics brand and the whole purpose of cosmetics is to beautify yourself

2. Lush cosmetics is about using natural resources while also protecting the natural world

3. Lush cosmetics in one word: Natural

Volkswagen

1. Volkswagen comes across as a car for families and a car that has been made for the people. Volkswagen in German means "peoples car", which can support the idea of the car being made for the people. As the company is also quite old it can be linked back to reliability, although this can be tarnished because of the recent PR disaster. The brand values of Volkswagen would be happy families, as the company creates a sense of belonging as it is well known for its family cars and connecting to the people. It could also link to elite people or experts as the Germans are known for being good manufacturers as the company is decades old which supports the view of their cars being manufactured by experienced people

2. Volkswagen is about providing good quality cars to the people

3. Volkswagen in one word: Quality 

Walt Disney

1. Walt Disney comes across as a classic company in the creation of animations for mainly young children, although many would agree its animations are loved by all whether they are young or old. It has a nostalgic touch as even adults in this current day used to watch it when they were younger, and many of their products are identifiable universally. The brand values of Walt Disney is childhood, because it can appeal to either nostalgia, happy families because it brings families together and creates a sense of belonging and enjoyment, and also dreams and fantasies as their products are mainly fantasy based.

2. Walt Disney is about providing happiness and enjoyment within all

3. Walt Disney in one word: Dreams 

 

Waitrose

1.    Waitrose comes across as a finer, premium supermarket compared to the low-budget supermarkets i.e. Asda, and Waitrose seems to have aims of giving the impression that it provides only the highest quality of groceries and products.  The main brand value of Waitrose is successful careers as usually only those who receive higher pay are usually able to do their daily grocery shopping at Waitrose. Another brand value of Waitrose can also be Rich, luxurious lifestyles as many of their products are not always available in the usual supermarkets and Waitrose aims to provide the finer ingredients and products.

2.    Waitrose is about providing finer products to the middle/higher class.

3.    Waitrose in one word: Premium

 

 

Urban Outfitters

 

1.       Urban Outfitters comes across as a trendy and up-to-date clothing brand which appeals to mainly the youth and possibly young adults. Their clothing will be different compared to other retail stores such as M&S as their clothing is styled in a modern way and is different to appeal and attract young consumers, while M&S is more mature and similar to every other retail store. Teenagers see Urban Outfitters as a brand that links to the social networking site Tumblr, as many Tumblr models wear clothing from Urban Outfitters. The main aim of Urban Outfitters is to dress the youth in clothing that will make them stand out as it follows the main trends amongst the younger consumers. The brand values of Urban Outfitters are beautiful women as modelling their clothing on attractive people will help to bring in more customers and which will make the consumers want to look like the models by dressing like them.

 

2.       Urban outfitters is a modern clothing brand which aims appeals to the youth.

 

3.       Urban Outfitters in one word: Modern

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feedback:

• Nice visual starter with logos through the years- reasonably engaging and gets response from class.
• Solid history and not covered in too much detail which maintains a good pace
• Some good detail and media language - different channels and niche audiences
• Broadband is an important part of business model
• Perhaps lacking a little rehearsal - the context is there (influence slide being an example) but lacking a little confidence in delivery.
• I'd like more on government influence - Rupert Murdoch has been a major influence on British Media and politics for many years

WWW:

• Had a brief background on BSkyB without having to write too much which may have bored the class
• Our starter engaged everyone in the class
• Talked about the different channels and the channels created for niche audiences .i.e. Sky Atlantic

EBI:

• We wrote more about the influence and broadband services and gave more information.
• Had some confidence in presenting our work to our class
• More information on Rupert Murdoch

Trinity Mirror

Trinity Mirror plc is a large British newspaper, magazine and digital publisher.  It is Britain's biggest newspaper group, publishing 240 regional papers as well as the national Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and People, and the Scottish Sunday Mail and Daily Record. Its headquarters are at Canary Wharf in London

BSkyB

BSkyB is a British telecommunications company which formed in November 1990, owned by Rupert Murdoch. Sky provides television and broadband internet services and fixed line telephone services to consumers and businesses in the United Kingdom.



News Corporation

News Corporation is an American multinational mass media corporation headquartered in New York City. It was founded in Australia in 1979 by Rupert Murdoch. It was the world's fourth-largest media group in 2014 in terms of revenue. News Corporation owns many well known companies such as The Sun and The Times.

Sony

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Japan that was founded in 1946. Sony is well known for Sony Pictures, Sony Music and its Playstation gaming consoles. Sony also provides softwares for video editing, but the company is known for mainly focusing on the Playstation because it was and still is a huge success. 

Vivendi

Vivendi was founded in 1853 and originally was a French water company named Compagnie Generale des Eaux, in 1998  they changed their name to Viviendi and sold off their property and construction divisions, and then their water and waste companies in 2000.  They own Universal Music Group, Daily Motion and Vivendi tickets. Vivendi is the European equivalent to Sky with Canal + being one of their most popular channels.

Time Warner

Time Warner is an American multinational media corporation, it is the US equivalent to Virgin Media and currently the worlds third largest television networks, filmed TV and entertainment company in terms of revenue. 

Viacom

Viacom media network is the largest portfolio of ad-supported cable networks in the United States. Their media networks have vibrant, diverse and culturally relevant collections in the media and entertainment which attracts a range of audiences; teens, young adults and adults because of the brands they own such as Nickelodeon and MTV.