Question 1 Media forms - 8 marks - 10 minutes
Evaluate how the two trailers use the narrative technique of enigma to encourage the target audience to watch the films.
Enigma is used several times throughout both trailers to encourage the audience to watch the films. Firstly,the theory of enigma codes proposed by Roland Barthes can be applied to several extracts from the trailers including the opening sequence of twilight in which Bella asks questions over the plot of the film which raises the audiences suspicions, there is also an action code in the form of the word 'war' which suggests to the audience that the climax to the film will include death and destruction. Moreover, for the film 'Let the right one in' enigma codes exist in the form of editing. This is because fast cuts make the film uneasy to read and in a non-linear sequence suspense is created and the audience begins to question what is going on and this entices them to watch the film. From reviewing these two trailers the film 'Let the right one in' doesn't reveal as much information as to how the plot will unfold and leaves the audience with more unanswered questions which could make the enigma codes more significant in this trailer.
Furthermore, the narrative technique of enigma is also represented via Todorov's theory of equilibrium. Firstly, in the Twilight trailer the sense of disequilibrium is seen throughout as signs and scenes of war are shown. This creates enigma as no signs of a new equilibrium are shown, there are only questions which don't lead to any answers. Moreover, in Let the right one in the trailer shows signs of equilibrium when the young boy is happy but continuously changes to disequilibrium of violent scenes of the possible vampire girl. This creates enigma as it leaves the audience with many unanswered questions The twilight trailer reveals more of the plot than the other film which doesn't help create enigma as the audience knows there will be a war and the only other question left is who dies in the war. Whereas, enigma is felt more strongly through the changes in equilibrium in let the right one in.
Subsequently, Propps character theory can be used to reinforce enigma being shown in the trailer. This is shown in the Twilight trailer where the heroes and villains are clearly shown which also helps to create binary opposition, however this doesn't create enigma as the audience isn't left to guess which side of good or evil the characters are on. Whereas, in the let the right one in trailer the character roles aren't solidified and you can't be sure that the young girl is the villain as the long shots don't reveal the identity of the person doing the killing. Character theory is less significant in the narrative of enigma, nonetheless it provides some questions as to why or how the characters will develop in the rest of the film which could encourage people to watch it.
Question 2 linked to Identity, New/Digital Media or media debates - 12 marks - 15 minutes
Why are media products that represent outsiders, such as vampire films so popular? You may also refer to other media products to support your answer.
Ill Manors is a case of a media product that represents outsiders and the adolescent. The youth, who are likewise a minimized gathering pick up group of onlookers joys from watching a film focused at them as well as speaks to them. Both movies can likewise be contended to be famous not just in light of the fact that they take into consideration gatherings of people to relate to the characters and account, but since they give an understanding into the lives of outcasts. White collar class and more seasoned gatherings of people may appreciate movies, for example, these about pariahs because of the knowledge it gives them into the lives of the common laborers or of those from ethnic minority bunches. Concerning media item 1, vampire movies that speak to outcasts might be well known in light of the fact that they take into account there to be a group made inside the specialty gathering of people, as establishment movies have a tendency to give stages via web-based networking media to their crowds to connect with which thus increment their prominence.
Media products appeal to outsiders tend to be films like let the right one in which doesn't appeal to a mainstream audience. This can be introduced through the film "Gone too far" which investigates the Nigerian character and the issues a youthful youngster of Nigerian foundation may confront regarding social conflicts with the West. Accordingly, a film, for example, this would have a tendency to be famous with the Nigerian audience or west African in general as it speaks to the issue they may be confronted by. "Gone too far" additionally joins the class of parody to make a humourous tone, which can be contended to have supported the film in achieving its prevalence.
Question 3 linked to Identity, New/Digital Media or media debates - 12 marks - 15 minutes
Do you think that official and unofficial websites contribute to a films box office success? You should refer to other media products in your answer.
Arguably, unofficial websites have more influence in promoting a film than the official website but nonetheless both are still important. For instance websites like twitter and youtube can generate huge amounts of publicity for a film and almost every new film promoted themselves on twitter or youtube. This is because an audience is already created and quite a large one. For instance Kong island has been shared by various people or opinion leaders on twitter...usually the actors who direct people to the trailer on youtube or to the official website which may receive some visitors.
However, for films like a field in England which released all of its content on the same day, the use of its official website was crucial. This is because at the time websites like twitter werent as big and an audience for the type of film a field in england is wasn't really established on social media. The official website provided viewers with an insight into the making of the film and other exclusives clips and photos which helped to promote it. Both official and unofficial websites are significant in the success at the box office of films and new and digital media means that unofficial websites could potentially mean more people are aware of the films.
