Political Framing

With entertainment media becoming more popular than ever before, it is not surprising to notice many avenues jumping on board. Among these jumpers is the political avenue within America. Understanding that less people tune into the nightly news, but rather watch entertainment media such as movies, American politics have exposed new areas of interest. Rather than just wanting the information regarding our country's condition and who would be best to fit certain positions, our society has shown a high amount of interest in areas such as who the politician is as a person. The purpose of this journal entry is to discuss the ways in which the media frames political issues and politicians.

There are four ways the media frames political events and politicians (Van Zoonen 2005). These four frames are quest, bureaucracy, conspiracy, and soap. Three will be focused on throughout this journal in accordance to how they are portrayed within film.

It is almost expected in today’s time that there will be at least one blockbuster every year that focuses on some political event or person. Many of these films use the form of quest to enable the viewer to understand the central plot occurring in the film. Often this central plot will focus on other areas of the politician’s life than just the business side.

The following example of quest is from the film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939).

Things to watch for in the clip:

1. The tone of Mr. Smith’s voice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de6f-ij81oQ

Though the entire scene takes place around a bill being announced in the Senate, one can tell by Mr. Smith’s voice that he is certainly out of his element. The beginning of the film portrays Mr. Smith as a simple countryman that is a Boy Scout leader. Throughout the film the viewer is taken on a journey with Mr. Smith as he moves into the position of Senator. As he is moved into the position of Senator he meets other people along the way that teach him the ropes of politics (the lady in the upper seating area). Films that use the frame of quest within their story of a politician, enables the viewer to become connected on a deeper level than just a bill.

While the quest frame focuses on the central plot throughout the movie, the frame of conspiracy attracts viewers by moving against the grain. Though many in our society wish to think that our political figures can be trusted, many films have banked on the idea that there is much corruption in our society’s politics. In fact, some films have even taken a real conspiracy and turned it into a comedy. A great example of a film that adds satire to a historical conspiracy within America is Dick (1999).

The following is the trailer for Dick (1999).

Things to watch for in the clip:

1. Historical truths to the Watergate Scandal

This film was obviously created as a comedy, yet the factual truths to the real American scandal are evident. With a society that often generates their opinions based off of entertainment, I would not be surprised if for some, their only source of knowledge about Richard Nixon was from this film. As seen in this film, conspiriacies that are perhaps even still unknown turn into opportunities for improv. Much like the missing tapes in the real Watergate scandal, the film, Dick, uses this unknown knowledge as a chance to be humorous.

The last of the frames to be mentioned in this journal entry is that of soap. Soap is a word that is most likely familiar to many people in that we often consider day time television shows, Soap Operas. This is exactly what is meant by the use of soap in a political film. It generates drama and emotions from the political event or characters. A great example of this can be seen weekly on a television show called "The West Wing".

The following clip is from "The West Wing"

Throughout this television show the character's personalities grow as the season continues. Much like in our real life political arena, the lives outside of the suit and tie are becoming more and more interesting to the American public. Rather than wanting nothing more than a politician, we now long for a person of high standards that one can look up to in all aspects of life. Television shows, movies, and entertaining news programs, are no longer completely formal. The political lives and events that our country is structured by are just as much a type of entertainment than a weekly sitcom. Our society thrives on media which in turn makes it no surprise that even areas such politics jump on board.

The Not-So Radical Transformation of Males In Film

Throughout the semester we have come to realize that the media has an impact on how our society is influenced. From the types of clothes one wears, to the attitudes they project, the men in America attempt to relate to the actions on the big screen. This journal entry is intended to focus on three areas of film through the 1960's to the late 1980's and how the portrayal of masculinity took a cyclical transformation. The entry will focus on three different portrayals of men; The buddy films, the sensitive man, and lastly the action-adventure movies.

During the 1960’s a series of films came out that reflected the homosocial bonds between two men. As described in our text book, America on Film (2009), the homosocial bond demonstrates two heterosexual males in a close relationship often more serious than any other bond in their lives. An example of such a relationship can be found in the 1969 film, Easy Rider.

The following is the trailer for Easy Rider.

Things to watch for in the clip:

1. Relationship between the two male characters
2. Male character’s actions towards the female characters

Surrounding the time this film was released, the feminist movement was challenging the current norm of masculinity. Films such as Easy Rider portrayed men as non dependent on women unless desired for sexual activities, and tended to stick together through a bond of homosociality. Things to be noted in the previous clip are the speaking roles as well as the type of conduct that was taking place in every scene that contained a female. Though there were certainly a number of women in the trailer, almost every scene that included a female was filled with sex or a desire for sex with the male character. The men in the film were the only ones to carry much of the speaking roles, and appeared to have many conversations together.

Throughout the next ten years, a new form of masculinity began to take place. While the desire for men to feel strong and in control was still expected, the area of family life began to appear. The importance of fatherhood altered the expected norm. With a rise of divorce in America, the number of children growing up without a father was increasing. In an attempt to change this sad truth, films like Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), hit the big screen.

Kramer vs. Kramer is considered to be under the genre that displayed a sensitive man. Personally, I find the title of "sensitive" to be incorrect. Though the male role in films such as Kramer vs. Kramer, care about others and show compassion, the word sensitive often carries with it feminine qualities. In this film, Dustin Hoffman's character cares a great deal about his son and yearns for custody.

The following clip shows Dustin Hoffman's character in a conversation with his ex wife over who will get custody of their son.

Things to watch for in the clip:

1. What triggers Dustin Hoffman's character to burst in anger
2. The nonverbal actions used during the argument

This clip does a great job in exemplifying the care the male figure has for his son while still expressing a strong male stigma through physical stature and tone of voice. Like mentioned earlier, even during the times of films with sensitive males, the desire to be strong and independent continued to be salient.

Following the progression of the portrayal of men in film, the late 1980's took a step back from the sensitive male, and concentrated on many of the qualities that were expressed in the buddy films.

With feminism still potent throughout the American society, a new genre of films were focused on the hyper masculine action hero. Keeping with the male dominant attributes found in buddy films, the roles of men in action-adventure movies tended to be violent, heroic, and far from sensitive.

The following is the trailer for Rambo 2 (1985).

Things to watch for in the clip:

1. The lack of sensitivity
2. The number of women

Like many of the action-adventure films, the focus was not on feelings or women, but rather on brute violence. The sensitivty that was found only a few years back, was now absent in many of the blockbuster hits, and was rather replaced by heroic figures that excelled in agression.

Through the 1960's to late 1980's the portrayal of masculinity certainly changed in film. Often in regards to social movements happening within America (feminism, divorce rates), the types of male characters changed as well. During the thirty years of film explored through this journal, it can be noted that though certain qualities of males changed, the idea of longing for control and power always prevailed.

African American Progression Through Cinema?

One would most likely agree that over the past century the social climate in regards to black stereotypes has changed. While the early days of cinema portrayed black individuals through many negative stereotypes, equality among races has become perceptible over the past few decades. This perception of impartiality however has not been an easy process, but rather it has taken many life long dedications to improve upon its fairness. Along with discussing the early-days of the cinema’s outlook on African Americans and it’s improvements over the century, this journal entry will also look at the stereotypes present-day African American directors have chosen to dehumanize their own race.

The 1930’s and 1940’s carried many demeaning stereotypes on the portrayal of African Americans. Though these undignified stereotypes were obvious to the black actors, they often went along with the roles if their desire to work in Hollywood was great. A popular stereotype throughout these times was that of a black man who would often be “a foolish, jive-talking simpleton who would do anything to avoid work.” This description which was discussed in our text, America on Film (2009), was that of a coon.

The following clip shows an actor by the name of Stephin Fetchit in his most popular role, a coon.

Now that you have had the opportunity to view this clip I urge you to consider if you would have taken that role as an actor. Like many black actors during his time, Fetchit chose to perpetually acquire roles described as coons to stay working in Hollywood. Fortunately for this actor, his consistent persona paid off and he is accredited to being the first African American actor to become a millionaire.

Pushing forward into the 1950’s and 1960’s, the “institutionalized racism of Hollywood” (87) was being challenged by a number of African American actors attempting to acquire a new look on black. The most prominent actor of this time was Sidney Poitier, who after being singled out on many of his films as the only one of color, was the first African American actor to win an Oscar for best lead performance. His roles often disputed the foundational stereotypes of the past and even generated a character that was to be desired by whites.

The following clip is from one of Poitier’s best known films, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967).

In comparing the two clips above it is apparent that changes have certainly taken place in regards to the stereotypical images cinema has placed on African Americans. This progression leads many to wonder what the future olds. While many films in today’s cinema do a fair job bringing equality to the big screen, there are still some who surprisingly downcast the race of African American.

The Wayans brothers are well known siblings in present media due to their television show back in the 90’s (The Wayans Bros.) and their more recent adventures in cinematography. Many of the films they create generate laughter from their audience by exploring satire within their comedies.

The following clip is from the Wayans brother’s film “Don’t be a Menace” which is a spoof from an earlier film that explored the challenges many young black Americans go through while growing up in the inner cities.

Even while understanding that the film was created to be nothing more than a comedy, it is difficult to find humor in a film embracing such stereotypes. Much like the early years of cinema, Don’t be a Menace portrays a stereotype that was described in our text, America on Film (2009), as the Black Buck. Throughout many of their comedies, the Wayans brothers push to create a hyper masculine African American male that is often feared by the white society.

After observing where cinema has come over the past century in regards to stereotypes, it is obvious that the challenges we face are not over. Though our society has noticed great change in its equality among races, there are certainly films that dispute this present day progress. In order for the process of change to continue we must be aware of what our media displays in it's effort to generate racial representations.

African American Progression Through Cinema?

Media Magic

Media Magic

If given two types of film, a Hollywood blockbuster, and an average American's home-video, it would not take long for one to determine which is which. Aside from perhaps the obvious difference in acting experience, our text, America on Film (2009), depicts five major elements that enhances a film. These five elements are literary design, visual design, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Within this journal entry I will discuss a few examples regarding sound design, cinematography, and editing.

Sound Design

Have you ever found yourself sitting next to someone during a scary movie that could not keep their eyes open? It is a popular tactic for one to divert themselves from a frightening scene taking place. However, aside from the obvious visuals that one receives from a scary movie, the audio is just as important.

In this first clip I ask that you watch it twice:
First: With the audio off.
Second: With the audio on.



Okay, now that you have finished watching the trailer for the film twice, I am sure you would agree that the audio played a very important role. Not only did the audio allow the viewers to understand the script from the actors, but it enabled the viewers to hear things such as the commentary at the beginning of the scene, pain and screams coming from the actors, and what many would consider most important, the popular Halloween theme song. Together, all of these different audio enhancers, brings a very intense and needed aspect to the film.

Cinematography

Another element one can observe from the Halloween (1978) trailer above are the different elements that went into the cinematography. A key aspect within cinematography are the camera angels. The suspense one generates with the curiosity of who is behind the mask at the beginning of the trailer is a great use of camera angels. Rather than showing the young boy walking down the stairs dressed as a clown, they put the viewers watching the film in the mask. This tactic allows for the exposure of the child being the killer to be an element of surprise.

The other camera angel that can be noted within the trailer occurs when the victim falls down the stairs. As the camera focuses on the agony she is feeling with her injured leg, the camera angels up the stairs to show Michael. Not only does this scene allow the audience to see Michael in his entirety, but it also shows him as the superior. It is almost as if though he is looking down on his victims. Scenes such as this are prevalent throughout many of the Halloween films.

Editing

The last form of film that I want to discuss is that of editing; continuity editing to be exact. This type of editing is when a scene appears to be continuous even though it probably took many takes in order to create the specific scene. The mistake however, is that many times the creators of the scene misplace a prop on the set or an element of costume between takes. With these simple flaws, many can find the errors within the "continuous" scene.

The example I chose was of no mistake. Being that it is Black History month I found this scene not only to display a mistake within it's continuity editing but there is also an interracial acceptance to be acknowledged. Enjoy.



Did you catch it?

The mistake within the continuity of the scene occurs around one minute. Feel free to watch it again.

Okay, so I am sure your eyes have caught it by now. The centerpiece of the scene, the cookie, was a mistake. They used two separate cookies for the one scene. It can be observed through watching the clip that the cookie goes from having white frosting on the inside of the cookie, to having the white frosting on the outside of the cookie after a quick change of camera angle. Mistakes like this occur repeated throughout many films and television shows and can often be entertaining.

The impact of the five elements our text book, America on Film (2009), brings up regarding forms to enhance film are imperative. Whether it be literary design (script), visual design, cinematography, editing, or sound design, they are often the difference that separates a Hollywood Blockbuster from a home-video.

Gender Representation in Cinema

Upon Observing the current status of our society's views on masculinity and femininity, the author, David Gauntlett, explains in his book, Media, Gender and Identity (2008), that attitudes toward traditional roles are changing. A great example of these changes has be duly noted within Gauntlett's text.

The award winning sit-com, Friends (1994-2004) played a valuable role in portraying to our society what these changes look like. While maintaining what is often perceived as a conventional looking comedy, this sit-com pushed the envelop in exposing a new side of what masculinity and femininity can look like.

In comparison to these new looks of acceptance, I will also peruse the concept of our society's views of gender representation in the past.

Gender Representation of Our Past

In regards to our society's perception of gender roles through years past, Gauntlett states in his text that, "Men were more likely to be assertive... where as women were more frequently shown as weak, ineffectual, victimised, supportive, [or] laughable." (p. 47). What I find interesting about this concept is that it not only portrayed the supporting cast memebers in male dominant television shows, but it also defined the few women that were considered superstars in the area of television.

One of the most popular celebrities of of the 1950's was a woman by the name of Lucille Ball. Though she gained much of her success from the Emmy award winning show, I Love Lucy, she was also well known for making guest appearances on many primetime game shows.

In the clip below, Lucille Ball is embracing her well known ability to be laughed at. Some things to keep in mind while viewing this clip is that it certainly portrays what Gauntlett refers to as male dominance. Although Lucille is being asked the questions, I found it interesting that a male figure was the one to respond/translate to her humurous remarks.

Present Changes in Gender Representation

Though the spotlight of gender representation appears to be primarily focused on femininity, observing the unique changes in the way we perceive masculinity should also be in question. The following clip portrays two characters that are considered to be a new look on how our society views gender roles. As brought up in Gauntlett's text, the characters of Friends carry the traditional style of masculinity and femininity while also exposing a rather new take.

What is interesting about this clip (along with many others from the sit-com) is that the men are often categorized as being sensitive to certain issues or in this case no athleticism. This idea of a man not necessarily acquiring all of the masculine features such as being macho, is where I believe our society is changing. Our society is slowly losing its grip on criticism for men that choose to take on what in the past was considered to be feminine qualities.

The other interesting concept that can be discussed from the previous clip is that of the feminist movement. The woman in the clip, Monica, wearing a loose fitting sweatshirt and sweatpants, appeared to be "wearing the pants" in the conversation. Unlike the example of Lucille from the first clip, the advancement of women carrying a more idependent look has increased.

There have certainly been changes in how the media portrays different gender roles. Whether it be the decrease in machismo amongst males or a new independent look for women, it is evident that things have changed. Understanding and observing the drastic changes in our society over the last fifty years leads me to wonder what the future of our society will look like.