Tv drama
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Tuesday 6th December 2022
To explore the narrative theme and characters in set episode
Homeland
Main Narrative quest/conflict set up:
how is the main narrative introduced and what sets up the initial conflict/problem that will drive the rest of the series?
Enigma Codes:
What questions are created that the audience will want to discover the answer to and will have to keep watching to find out?
Individual character narratives:
(separate to main narrative) How are these set up/introduced and what are they?
Why was he focused on the Whitehouse?
Why is he lying about meeting Abu Nasir ?
Why did he lie to his wife?
What is the attack?
Will Carrie find him out?
Will Carrie get sent to prison?
Theory summary | Homeland application |
Levi-Strauss Structuralism is the study of the hidden rules that govern a structure. Levi-Strauss thought that the human mind could be investigated by studying the fundamental structure underlying myths and fables from around the world (which he saw as one unitary system). He developed the idea of the ‘binary opposition’ – that the system of myths and fables was ruled by a structure of opposing terms, e.g. hot-cold, male-female, culture-nature, raw-cooked. Many writers have analysed media products using the idea of the binary opposition, but seeing the overall system as ‘ideology’ rather than ‘human consciousness’. | HOMELAND: Insiders v Outsiders; Al Qaeda v US; Cruelty v Bureaucracy Opening shots of the prison in Bagdad vs the smart office setting in the US. The streets in Bagdad that are busy, uncontrolled and dangerous vs the calm, clean and organized streets in the US. Methods of torture in the flashback scenes with Brody in comparison to the clean professional method that he is being interviewed in the US. |
Todorov The study of the narrative is called narratology. Narrative is the choice of which events to relate and in what order to relate them. Todorvs theory can be applied on a large scale to easily filter out the different elements.Todory's theory can be used to filter out the intentions and results of the program. In doing so, one must include the situation at the beginning in the initial situation. There are several limitations to his theory. With his theory it is not possible to follow a whole season. His theory is there to follow and not to analyze and understand too complex plots. | Examples from homeland: In homeland the event of 9/11 relies on the whole shows. Only from the real life event people bring homeland in touch with the terrorism in these days. |
Neale The categorization of different structural elements and patterns which can be found in collections of stories are called different genres. The use of Neal's theory is to explain different genres of video material. If a production has a very specific target audience, they look at the genre they need for the target audience. For example, attention must be paid to time of the show, lead roles, storyline, etc. Typical dramas of the characteristics are action, sometimes complex plots, a tragedy, a good and bad side. However, series often deviate from their own genre to become more significant. This makes it harder to figure out the genre in analyses. | Example from Homeland: Thriller/espionage/ drama- hybrid of genres, uses codes and conventions from all 3 genres as genres more popular over recent years, as a result of 9/11 the spies |
Van Zoonen Feminist theory Our current view for stereotypical gender roles comes from media such as movies. These stereotypical characteristics are exercised by roles. But it depends on what kind of political influences or ethical influences the role has. Thereby the men, patrichard, have a much bigger influence. so they can implement their ideas of gender. | Example from Homeland: Van Zoonen's theory with the Patrichard applies to Homeland. The woman is weaker than the male leadership position. Even though she has a gender-typical male job, going against the norms, men, for example her boss, are still in the position of power. |
Feminist theory: Bell Hooks Bell Hooks theory is based on the opposite of Van Zoonen theory. Female roles do not lean towards patriarchal expectations because women are supposed to identify with the roles and therefore. roles are portrayed realistically. | Example from Homeland: The main female character, Carrie, defies the male preset norms for women. and thus provides room to identify with her. since she doesn't care much about her appearance, doesn't use makeup, and doesn't live in a typical marriage with children. |
Ideas of femininity and masculinity are constructed in our performance of these roles.
Gender is what we do rather than who we are and changes meaning depending on cultural and historical contexts.
The concept of Patriarchy may be applied to the ownership and control of television, the recruitment and ethos of television professionals and the representation of gender.
Feminist theory and homeland
The concept of Patriarchy may be applied to the ownership and control of television, the recruitment and ethos of television professionals and the representation of gender.
Carrie although strong and in a masculine role of leadership, has several flaws that make her unstable as a leader and strong woman, thus showing the power of patriarchy reinforcing subtly the inferiority of women to men in positions of power.
Feminist theory: Bell Hooks
Intersectionality refers to the coming together of gender, race, class and sexuality to create a white supremacist capitalist patriarchy which dominates media representations.
Women should develop an oppositional gaze that refuses to identify with characters that reinforce patriarchal ideology and politicises the case.Feminist theory and homeland
The representations of the men in power fit with those suggested by Bell Hooks. How are the women represented and how are the men represented in Homeland?
Carrie embodies the oppositional gaze that refuses to conform to the expectations of women and provides a character to identify with that challenges the patriarchal ideologies.
- This alienates her from authority male figures within the CIA.
- Carrie alienates herself further by refusing to follow procedure and lying to her mentor, all in the name of her pursuit of the truth.
- She has an obsessive attention to detail.
- In addition she is psychologically damaged.
- Carrie makes several decisions within the narrative that cause the audience to question her judgement.
- As a woman she is represented as highly emotional.
- She uses her sexuality as a tool.
The representation of Carrie in the first scene is as an fearless, reckless and manipulative woman.
An example that illustrates this point particularly well is when she speaks to her boss on the phone. Against his request to stop she just goes on with her mission. in the prison she talks to a prisoner, who is in the prison because of terrorism. Not only does she ignore the instructions of a guard again, she also manipulates the prisoner with his family. What must be concluded from this is she is fearless and ignores every dangerous situation just to solve her mission. At the end of the scene she gets dragged away from the prison guards brutally, instead of interacting with the guards and following the instructions she is going against them.
As a matter of fact those first three minutes create a clear picture of carrie and her character trait. She isn't a stereotypical woman. Most women are at home and look after their kids, not Carrie. Carrie isn't wearing a lot of makeup or is dressed up in short body shaping clothes.
What is the difference between an antagonist and an anti-hero?
Who do you think have these two roles in Homeland and why?
An antihero or antiheroine is a main character in a story who lacks conventional heroic qualities and attributes, such as idealism, courage, and morality.
The antagonist in drama is the main opponent of the protagonist and the force of the narrative that hinders his action. The antagonist's role, in general, is to thwart the protagonist's intentions for action.
Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody is the lead antagonist in Homeland. Brody is clearly disturbed by his experiences as a prisoner of war and the programme parallels his struggles in setting back in to a normal family life.
We first see Brody at 5.22 mins being 'rescued' by armed forces from apparent captivity for the last 8 years.
Review this scene from 5.22 mins.
What mise-en-scene choices have been made to make him look like a prisoner of war?
Body cam- gives the feeling of that actual soldats found him
Matted hair, lookes poor looked after- suggests he has been in the room for a while/ in this room like a prisoner
scars on his face
However, we see him very much from Carrie's perspective
We are going to look the scene (15.53-20.07) in more detail.
Nicholas Brody: reunion scene
Make notes on the following:
This scene shows Brody's reunion with his family. And his ceremony for being a hero of war.
How is family represented in the reunion scene?
At the beginning the family doesn't look like they have any expectations for the reunion with their dad. But when Brody came in they were shocked, just like they just realized he is actually alive. the kid has a distance from him. His daughter, who actually met him back then, is happy to see him. On the other side his son isn't, because he was too small back then to actually recognise his dad.
How does Brody react?
When Brody came into the room the situation felt awkward. Brody doesn't know what to say, he is standing up stiff. Brody wants to say anything, his lips are moving, but he doesn't know what to say. But only until his wife makes the first step with hugging him. She lets the ice between all of them break. After this hug he seems more likely to be awake.
After all the experience of the war, the death of his mom isn’t impacting him anymore, maybe as much it has been impacting him before being a prisoner of war.
How is the vice president represented?
The vice president is represented as an egoistic man. He wants to look good in the media for the representation of his country but he actually doesn't care about the well being of Brody.
How is Brody represented as a hero in S1 E1?
Family roles- awkward, distant, Lack of role, Silence in reunion at first emphasis the akwarness, broken by Jess and her love and emotions (traditional female) followed by Dana- loving daughter, thoughtful, caring, physical contact of a hug. Son- shot reserve of first meeting, lack of emotion and love, link to impact of war. Under roles in society and expectations.
Gender role via brody- hero-brave/male, reinforces tradition-dialogue, men in the audience of the soldiers, sound of traditional army band, flags to show the Tonalism patriotism. backdrop of army/airforce, planes etc... female as the wife/mother an addition to the male hero role
BRody- sickness- fear of return to family- steadicam footage reveals the unstable emotional state he is in. Close up on face, camera flash, PTSD, emotional in reunion speech, face is back to cultural norm- clean shaven, no marks on his skin, damage is hidden from war. later revSocial context- the impact of war on society and family. Dialogue- 'where's mom" missed out on family life/death. De-sensitized to death.
Structure of your response:
- Opening point in response to the question.
- Clear example from the text (media language examples)
- Explain how this creates meaning (representations created, audience expectations)
- Link this to theory (who applies here)
- Link to context (what does it reveal?)
Tips:
4. Theory reference if possible-Van Zoonen- gender roles, Jess as wife and Men as protectors.
Brave. Brody as not vulnerable, performance of the roles of gender he isn't as masculine.
5. link to context- Social context-fear of the enemy within, need for military to protect, family reinforced as an important part of society, Historical- impact of war on families, 9/11 impact.
You could mention:
- Media language
- Narrative
- Stereotypes
- Theory
Guided Practice:
- The representations of Brody in the text initially are....
- This is seen in when...
- The representations in this sections establish .......
- Here we can see that the texts supports what .....This reflects the context of the time as it…
At the end:
Which sections are you missing from your response?
Colour code your writing using a different colour for each number.
How is Brody represented as a hero in S1 E1?
Brody is a complex character and in the opening of S1, E1 of Homeland he is represented as both a war hero and victim.
- Initially Brody is presented to the audience as a Victim.
- This is evident in the scene where he is rescued, we see him being manhandled by the US military who have stormed a base and find him locked inside a room with a padlock and no outside light or access.
- The scene uses body camera footage to emphasise the danger of the situation through the unsteady camera movement. Whilst the use of low key lighting functions to add an element of mystery to the setting and situation. The dialogue of Brody using a raspy voice highlights the neglect he has suffered over his capture by representing his ill health in the situation emphasises his role as victim.
- Here we see that Van Zoonen's theory of representation can be applied to the character of Brody and the situation that is being portrayed. Brody is presented as the male hero who has suffered physically at the hands of terrorists, reinforcing the traditional role of the male military hero.
- In this scene we see the contextual references and impact of the events of 9/11 and the following war on the military and their families as a result of the War on Terror that is still being felt in society 10 years later.
1. At the reunion scene Brody is presented as shy, traumatized and unsure.
2. This is seen when he first comes into the room with his family.When Brody came into the room the situation felt awkward. Brody doesn't know what to say, he is standing up stiff. Brody wants to say anything, his lips are moving, but he doesn't know what to say. But only until his wife makes the first step by hugging him. She lets the ice between all of them break. After this hug he seems more likely to be awake. The death of his mom isn’t impacting him emotionally.
3. The representation in this section establishes that Brody saw a lot of offending scenes during his time as a prisoner of war. Death doesn't affect him anymore. As we can see when he doesn't have any emotions for his mom's death. And helps the audience to understand the gap of time he had with his family.
4. The theorist who links to this scene is Van Zoonen. Brody isn't breaking down mentally after all those years being locked away. He is emotionally cold and death doesn't affect him anymore. and typical stereotypical for men he isn't crying.
5.
Dirt marking
Which sections are you missing from your response?
Colour code your writing using a different colour for each number.
Structure of your response:
- Opening point in response to the question.
- Clear example from the text (media language examples)- Explain how this creates meaning (representations created, audience expectations)
- Link this to theory (who applies here)
- Link to context (what does it reveal?)
Representation theory: Gauntlett and identity
The media have a complex relationship with identities.
There are many diverse and contradictory messages that individuals can use to think through their identity and how to express themselves.
Theories of Identity - Gauntlett
The media have an important but complex relationship with identities. In the modern world, it is now an expectation that individuals make choices about their identity and lifestyle. Even in the traditional media, there are many diverse and contradictory media messages that individuals can use to think through their identities and ways of expressing themselves. For example, the success of popular feminism' and increasing representation of different sexualities created a world where the meaning of gender, sexuality and identity is increasingly open. The online media offer people a route to self-expression, and therefore a stronger sense of self and participating in the world by making and exchanging. These media are places of conversation, exchange and transformation: 'a fantastically messy set of networks filled with millions of sparks - some igniting new meanings, ideas and passions and some just fading away! People still build identities, but through everyday, creative practice. However, this practice would be improved by better platforms for creativity.
Homeland was successful in several international locations as a series.
This assumes the power of the audience as active agents so may underestimate the power of media conglomerates in shaping culture and identity.
Representation theory: Hall
Meaning is created by a representation but it is what is present and also absent and different that create the representation.
Stereotypes and how they are constructed should be pulled apart and deconstructed to identify what they tell us about ideology
Representation is not about whether the media reflects or distorts reality, as this implies that there can be one 'true meaning, but the many meanings a representation can generate. Meaning is constituted by representation, by what is present, what is absent, and what is different. Thus, meaning can be contested.
A representation implicates the audience in creating its meaning. Power - through ideology or by stereotyping tries to fix the meaning of a representation in a preferred meaning. To create deliberate anti-stereotypes is still to attempt to fix the meaning (albeit in a different way). A more effective strategy is to go inside the stereotype and open it up from within, to deconstruct the work of representation.
Representation theory: Hall and Homeland
Homeland attempts to create a dominant meaning through the use of ideology of East vs West to support the preferred reading of those in power (US).
Looking at Carrie, her representation is created through a lack of elements in her characterisation, closeness, compassion, success outside of her job.
Looking at the stereotypes of Carrie and the Middle East that are created, what does this tell us about the ideology that is created within the programme and wider industry.
Nicholas Brody: war hero
Carrie rejects this view of Brody and whilst the audiences see him as a heroic character in E1, they do see enough of his behaviour to join Carrie in being suspicious.
So the audience have to reject the reassurance a conventional hero can provide. As an audience - we are positioned. We are shown certain viewpoints and given enough information to see him from a specific perspective. (To understand this, we need to look at the episodes following episode 1.
Sergeant Brody's Islamic 'turn' is represented as a precursor to becoming a terrorist. While Islam may provide Brody with therapeutic comfort, he is a Stockholm - syndrome convert, coerced into his Islamic faith and its associated terrorist politics.
Homeland exploits the viewers initial surprise associated with seeing a white US Marine worshipping Allah in his garage by anticipating and refuting the stereotypical assumption that Brody's faith is evidence that he is a terrorist.
Of course we learn that he is in fact a terrorist.
Watch the extended trailer for Homeland Series 1 on Youtube
How does the trailer create two different representations of Brody as both a possible hero and a possible villain?
How does the trailer create doubt in the heroic nature of Carrie's character?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Nicholas Brody: class analysis
1b. How does it 'position' the audience? What values and ideologies does this act of surveillance represent?
2. Do you think Brody is difficult to like? What values & ideologies does he represent?
3. Why are flashbacks used in episode 1 and how do they attempt to manipulate the audience into thinking a certain way about Brody?
Carrie meets Brody
Analyse what information the producers are trying to get across to the audience in this scene.
What mise-en-scene choices are key? Lighting?
What shot types are used?
How do they use flashbacks to give information to the audience?
How is Carrie represented?
How is Brody represented?
Compare and contrast the representations of Nicholas Brody in Episode 1 of Homeland.
You could mention:
Media language
Narrative
Stereotypes
Brody: Analysis points
Find an examples within S1 E1 to support each of these analysis points.
What techniques do they use to represent her in this way? This might be a quote from a character or a key scene.
Opening point in response to the question.
Clear example from the text (media language examples)
Explain how this creates meaning (representations created, audience expectations)
Link this to theory (who applies here)
Link to context (what does it reveal?
For 4: Theory reference if possible-Van Zoonen- gender roles, Carris as fearless, determined, insightful. Brody as deceptive and untrustworthy. Roles are not that of stereotypes.
For 5: Link to context- Social context- fear of the enemy within, hidden fears, women moving out of traditional roles and taking the lead in roles previously assigned to men.
Brody analysis: How is a Brody represented as a hero in S1 E1?
Brody is a complex character and in the opening of S1, E1 of Homeland he is represented as both a war hero and victim.
- Initially Brody is presented to the audience as a Victim.
- This is evident in the scene where he is rescued, we see him being manhandled by the US military who have stormed a base and find him locked inside a room with a padlock and no outside light or access.
- The scene uses body camera footage to emphasise the danger of the situation through the unsteady camera movement. Whilst the use of low key lighting functions to add an element of mystery to the setting and situation. The dialogue of Brody using a raspy voice highlights the neglect he has suffered over his capture by representing his ill health in the situation emphasises his role as victim.
- Here we see that Van Zoonen's theory of representation can be applied to the character of Brody and the situation that is being portrayed. Brody is presented as the male hero who has suffered physically at the hands of terrorists, reinforcing the traditional role of the male military hero.
- In this scene we see the contextual references and impact of the events of 9/11 and the following war on the military and their families as a result of the War on Terror that is still being felt in society 10 years later.
Guided practice
Structure of your response:
- Opening point in response to the question.
- Clear example from the text (media language examples)
- Explain how this creates meaning (representations created, audience expectations)
- Link this to theory (who applies here)
- Link to context (what does it reveal?)
Guided Practice:
- The representations of Brody in the text change to....
- This is seen in when....
- The representations in this sections establish .......
- Here we can see that the texts supports what ..
- This reflects the context of the time as it..
Self assessment
Which sections are you missing from your response?
Colour code your writing using a different colour for each number
10/1- Very good analysis and build up of the representation created. T: 4. Link this to theory (who applies here)
AntwortenLöschen16/1- Great analysis and exploration of representation. T: 2. Clear example from the text (media language examples)
AntwortenLöschen