Contemporary Media Analysis

1. What does the media say about the world we live in?

From many of the presentations one of the most reappearing aspects about media was that it is constantly mirroring our society. Many times media will either explore or mock issues within a society that is occurring at the time. One example discussed by a group was the issue on homosexuality in the well known television show in Glee. This show has been in the spot light for teens in our nation in among the recent years, it expresses high school students who are both straight and gay. These students are portrayed in a positive manner with their sexuality making them no different then any other kid.The show further imitates reality when depicting the issues that the teens must face. In addition media also feeds on what an audience craves weather it's a super man or the opulent lives of the Kardashians or the humors and adventitious events of a modern family. Media is based on what the "people want too see" and this is what makes television and films enjoyable because it is shaped for audiences. Furthermore to push the idea that an media fills the need of audience, is through the idea of escapism, where audiences escape their reality and enter one that is far more exciting and pleasant. However in contrast their are also films that handle a struggle of people, that an audience watches to relate and are able to understand a television show or film because their experiences are some what similar.Media will always emulate the interest of the audience therefore our world will always long for media because it fill our needs of what we want reality to be and or what our reality is. Media is absorbed in our world because it is a reflection of it.

2. Do you notice any one trend that keeps resurfacing through multiple media forms?

A reoccurring theme I saw in multiple media forms was the "blurred lines" in characters. When a person is indistinguishable in weather they are good or bad. It was discussed how this character of good and bad has been around for several decades, however only in the recent years has media been able to portray such a character that is on the border. One example that was in several presentations was the television show Breaking Bad. The main character, Walter White is so well developed, he is not simple expressed as good or bad. but instead the audience understands the struggle of the character and why he took certain actions . For example the character is a manufacturer of drugs, however his motives are only for the welfare for his family, to leave them in good fortune, this line is blurred when good motives and bad actions are intertwined. This is also seen in media shown by the news, another example that was also in many presentations was Edward Snowden who was leaked secret US. surveillance information in order to protect liberties of the people. The controversy is weather this man is "a hero or a traitor", a blurred line that people have been questioning currently.

3. What do you see as the best and worst of what media portrays?

Media can be an art, where people can create all sources of entertainment and masterpieces. It can be a way to exchange ideas and information as well as showing significant aspect of our society. However there are also many down sides of our usage of media. This includes the constant stereotypes and expectations we are able to put on people. Media can give us the wrong perception of our own reality and distort how we not only see others but ourselves. It quite obvious that media has known to objectify women and make the men rich and strong and as well as one to flock and to be flocked by women. Often people find themselves to be faulty or less then because of how they are shown in the media. We influence media, however media may also influence us as well, it may give us the wrong or impossible guidelines to follow.

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4. Where do you see yourself contributing to the conversation?

Media has been any important tool our society has utilized not only for entertainment but to better understand our society and the people in it. Despite the many flaws in media I do believe it is essential to how we live. There is a recent realization that media is able to break down the walls that it has put up for so long.Though it is a slow development every step is closer to a more liberal and understanding world.As an individual I see myself in full support of this evolution of the media. A new media in which is true and can aid us instead of hinder the progress to an overall better world.

Top 5 Films of All Time

Five is nearly not close enough to the amount of movies that I would watch over and over again, however for this blog post I chose the films (in no particular order) that first came to mind as well as ones I still love watching today.

 A film of science fiction directed by Steven Spielberg, in which portrayed a time of brotherhood between two different worlds, when a child meets no more then a friend who is just a tad different then him. This film is ET(1982) When I think of the epitome of childhood I think of the principles of E.T. This film offered a story line that digged deep into every child's and even adult's heart. One of the important aspect of the film that I favored was that an alien expressed as nothing but gentle and curious, unlike the many alien invasion films that came before it. The film's story line between the connection between ET and Elliot, the boy who found ET was what made the film engaging to watch. The greatness of this film's cinematographer is shown through the fact that it's still widely known, even for people who haven't watched the the actual film can recognize some of these beautiful shots.

Another film I constantly find myself reaching for is The Truman Show (1998). This is truly a film I will never get tired of. It has one of the most  unique story lines, it conveys a story in which a man lives by the the rules of TV producers, directors and ratings.They have created a utopia in which Truman Bunker, lives a public life and is filmed 24/7. This movie can be quite funny, but also touches on important aspects of entertainment industry. One of my favorite actors, Jim Carry plays the main character of Truman spot one and he definitely makes the film. Truman proves to be an extremely likable character, in the beginning of the film he has somewhat of a cheesy, but fun personality. Though as the story progresses we do see another side of him as he starts to find his surroundings suspicious, he begins to develop what seem like insanity, however he is reaching closer to a truer existence. This developing of a character is what also makes this film so engaging.This unique film also has unique cinematography to add on to it’s greatness. The film uses an array of camera angles giving the appearance of an hidden cameras to really get across that Truman is unawareingly on a TV.

One of my favorite genres is action and this film has honorably set a high bar. Die Hard (1988) made every American audience gaze in awe at the the abilities of this badass cop named John McClane. This film also incorporates humor in a dangerous setting where terrorist hold hostages to rob a vault.Like most actions movies there's a large amount of explosions and gun fights, however there is one feature that makes McClane quite different from normal heros in action movies especially during this time and this is his mistakes. Many times we see the hero of American action movies know exactly what there doing, but it's not very realistic because not many people are prepared for the situation their put in, such as a terrorist attack in this film. It gives a "lets figure it out as we go one" type of mood which is defiantly expressed by the character.

A movie that will always linger in my favorites forever is Schindler's list(1998) I read both the novel and watched the film through eyes of tears. The film evokes emotions that no other film can, many of the times when we are faced with a sad story or film we like to tell ourselves its not real in order to separate ourselves from the horror, but unfortunately we are not able to this with this film. Every character represents a real soul that lie victim to the Holocaust.The film is not just a story, but part real years of suffering in Germany and this is what makes the film so meaningful. Schindler's list is a true masterpiece and will never be worth just Academy Awards because it speaks volumes of truth. I can honestly say that this film will change your life.

Lastly, though I do not follow a religious cult following of these novels or films, I do consider the film series one of my favorites. This would be "The Lord Of The Rings" (2001-2003). This film is obviously one that is both creative and complex which is what makes it entertaining. This fantasy adventure films keeps the audience interested throughout Frodo's adventure. One of the aspects that are inspiring is the production design. This detailed designed put in the film makes it that much more enjoyable to watch . No other film looks or feels like Lord of The Rings.

What makes a Great Film?

There are so many films that are truly master pieces, many that will remain in film history forever. Though many of these amazing films are unique in their own way, they all have a basic foundation in which allows their film to memorable.The main parts of this foundation include story line,character and cinematography. Without these a film might be considered bland and boring.

Story Line 

This is the most essential in a film, the story determines everything about the film and without a good story a film will be destined to be dull and even unwatchable. The story is the heart of the film, a film could have the best cinematography or editing, but if there is a lack of story the film is no longer engaging to an audience.In addition it is quite obvious that the stories that contain new and unseen ideas are the ones that are the most successful. Novels prove to be a major source when making films, since novels focus on purely story lines, its perfect to make films from these already well developed ideas and characteristics. The following were taken from novels. This idea did not come from Steven Spielberg, it was an novel originally written by  Michael Crichton. In addition The Shawshank Redemption was adapted by a  novel called Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Repdemption written by Stephen King. The Lord of the Rings was originally written by J.R.R Tolkien. 

      
                   


These stories must evoke some type of emotion into the audience.The key into having a film where the audience can lose themselves in the story is done through emotion and having the audience fully acknowledge the conflicts of the characters. Whether its a frighting feeling in Jurassic Park, an adventure in Lord of the Rings to understanding outrage and despair in the Shawshank Redemption all films pursue in awakening all sides of humanity.  

Characters
Portrayal of characters is one of the main aspects in a great film. Often times these characters are flawed yet still lovable. One of the most loved characters known in American film is Forrest Gump. From beginning to end audience find themselves falling in love with this character.Though introduced as a mentally challenged country boy, Forrest has a good heart and is portrayed as a selfless and courageous character.

Lovable characters come in all shapes in sizes, and are the significant in making films. Lovable characters on the comedy side of film can be portrayed in various ways. One of the most obvious comedic character, yet still original is Austin powers. His character focuses portraying parodies of  late 60s films.Austin Powers is goofy, but still charming to the audience, he is well developed character that is the center of films.


We even find flawed characters who's roles are meant to be hero's as inspiring characters. Flawed characters such as these must go through a series of conflicts to change their mindset and become what audiences think of as the "good guy".  In the end, most of the popular characters in films, will always be good at heart. Good example would be Handcock. A hero who learns how to use his advantages to help  those in need.

   Cinematography
Lastly Cinematography plays a large part in film.It aids the film in the portray of certain aspects, such as the characters, genre, and story. If the Cinematography is plain and uncreative, this is exactly how the film will be represented. Cinematography is the window to how the audience sees the story and the character, it is their direct connection to the film. Furthermore the Cinematography also must  be adequate in order to portray an adequate story/character. You can also have an outstanding story, but without decent cinematography to portray this story, then the film will also fall short and not be entertaining. One of the most outstanding films where cinematography absolutely benfits the film is The Matrix. Fight scenes and the time where the characters are in the program are quite marvelous.