Summary of what our group discussed

In the previous two lessons I had learnt a lot within my group, our question was “Have Hollywood attitudes towards content in 12A films become more liberal or have audiences’ film desires changed?” We certainly all had our own opinions but as we discussed it thoroughly we were agreeing on main points. For example, we could answer the question as we noticed how over time things are drastically changing and how films are portrayed. We said that in the 21^st century there are way more sexual content, bad use of language and aspects of nudity seen in 12A films which are not appropriate for younger audiences. We backed it up with some films for example: Fast and furious 6 contain very strong violence, and the way the camera uses a panning to portray woman (to be sexually appealing to men). We then backed up our examples with theories such as desensitization. This is for example, I may view a violent film for the first time (12A) and I may react strongly because I may have the thought as if it were occurring in real life. But if I’m repeatedly watching violent films, it would allow me to become less provoked and shocked by blood and gore etc. We then linked it of what production piece we could do (trailer for a 12A showing violence). From this I have learnt, how important it is to justify what I am saying from for example a book. Then I need to link it to a theorist, and explain it in more detail. From this I have got a simple idea of how to basically structure an essay question I choose, and what points need to be covered including media terminology etc.

Preparation for critical investigation

Quote 1: “contemporary observers and historians of both the motion-pictures industry and the network television portray the decade of the 1950s as a period of traumatic change.”

Quote 2: "any writer or artist who experienced immediate commercial success would be subject to suspicion, accused of having compromised their artistic integrity to the unsophisticated demands of the mass-market.”

Quote 3: "In spite of the flaws of the 12A certificate, the main problem isn’t with the BBFC but with the studios, who are allowing this watering down to cash in on the teen market."

Quote 4: "the main objective of any regulation should be to protect an artist's freedom of speech while at the same time monitoring to whom the speech is targeted."

Quote 5: "Telegraph writer Jenny McCartney, described the film to have ‘powerful adult themes’."

References to theories/theorist 

These claims supports Professor George Gerbner’s model of the Cultivation theory. Cultivation theorists argue that television has long-term effects which are small, gradual, indirect but cumulative and significant.

Other studies have resembled Gerbner’s theory on the effects of violent film. The studies of Eron (1999) have shown youth who view violence demonstrate increased aggression and were more likely to be arrested and convicted of violent felonies.

Media Language: The red line across his mouth connotes blood and gore. 

Institution: Subsequently, the industry’s main public relations problem in the 1920’s and 1930’s was the widespread conviction that children would be ‘coached’ in sophisticated, violent or antisocial behaviour through their attendance at motion pictures.

Genre: Those two words are the two pleasures of audiences which have evolved considerably over the years. As technology has improved, so has the action and overall quality of film thus increasing the expectations of film audiences. 

Representation: The Dark Knight film represents the Joker as a psychopathic killer who uses his knife to kill people. The Joker’s make-up and costume is very satanic and disturbing to look at. The red line across his mouth connotes blood and gore. Also his scar across his cheek is very unpleasant for viewers to look at especially younger children.

Audience: From the Batman Returns film it is obvious why it was rated a 15. The film contained scenes which had The Catwoman in a tight leather costume possibly used for the male audience’s pleasures.

Ideology: Inevitably public attitudes and values towards the censorship of British film has changed considerably over time.

Narrative: An example of this is the production of the Hunger Games film. The book tells a story consisting of extreme gore and blood throughout which was a huge part of the narrative.