First paragraph

"There are heroes... there are superheroes... and then there's Hancock [1]"

Is 'Hancock' a typical representation of a superhero?

'Hancock' is a 2008 blockbuster, made by the ever impressive Sony Entertainment along side Columbia pictures; the film details a superheros trouble in life, and exemplifies a mans struggle to be liked, this implies stereotypes of men's ego as well as the representations men are given with the patriarchal division between men and women. Further with other texts which portray superheros in a "macho" light, it can be said that all superheros are 'typical' as they conform to the stereotype of indestructible, unbeatable version of "man", "the film is a different take on the superhero genre and representation with an interesting, offbeat twist" [2]. More so 'Hancock' is seen as a person who does not care what other people think of him, however he still tries to help even though his good intentions lead to bad outcomes, therefore this displays the typical superhero, always trying to help. 'Hancock' further emphasises the patriotic side of himself with the eagle (bird of America) on his chest, it can be said that "'Hancock' creates a quintessentially American hero: flawed, frayed, but always sacrificing for the sake of others" [3], which at the end is what a typical representation of a superhero should do.

[1] FILM QUOTE - Tag line

[2] TONY MEDLEY - Tolucan Times - http://www.tonymedley.com/2008/Hancock.htm

[3] BRETT McCRACKEN - Media Guardian

Essay plan

Is 'Hancock' a typical representation of a superhero?

The main focus of my independent work is representations, however I will be commenting on genre as well. Further the main aim is to discuss if all superheros are typically portrayed, e.g. are they all the same. I chose 'Hancock' as firstly it is a very modern film, as well as this it n my opinion does not conform to the typical stereotype of a superhero.

INTRO:

I will begin my essay by firstly clearly showing my aim for the essay, as well as debating it; I will further describe the gist of the film and comment on the other texts I will include and why. More so I will end the intro on a open note, so that the readers of my essay will be able to see that I'm thinking about more than just one side (not being biast). Finally I will explore the difference between a hero and a superhero, this is so that it can be seen that people can be hero's but no one can be a superhero (patriarchal society). (G, R, A, IN, I)

SECTION 1:

In the opening para I will be discussing how superheros in general are seen to be the saviors, and how 'Hancock' fits in to this stereotype (making reference to superman, batman, Spiderman and how they fit in to stereotype). Therefore showing the typical superhero and further identifying them with audience (uses and gratifications theory Jay G. Blumler and Elihu Katz 1974)... QUOTE (Jones A (1993) 'Defending the Border: Men's Bodies and Venerability') EXPLAIN QUOTE! Also discuss how the quote gives belief to society (heroes = saviors = prosperity & peace). Counter argue talk about how 'Hancock' is not a typical superhero (destructive) and how he is fighting own battle drunk vs sober (Strauss - binary opposition) then bring in batman again (has no superhero powers, can be said he is just a vigilante HERO?) QUOTE (Felix Adler (American educator and founder of the Ethical Movement, 1851-1933) EXPLAIN QUOTE! (hope of man (patriarchal) so is 'Hancock' and all superheros just made to represent HOPE? End 1st para linking back to question... (S, E, R, ID, A, G)

SECTION 2:

This para will discuss how 'Hancock' is not a typical superhero, going into more detail with the brief look at it with the previous para... This para will show how 'Hancock' can be seen as a spoof, using evidence and the film 'Superhero movie' (both films comedy, takes the piss out of superheros)... Contradiction how 'Hancock' "suits and boots" up to get people to like him, (conforming to traditional superhero) QUOTE (Healey M. (1994) 'The Mark of a man Masculine identities and the Art of Macho Drag Critical Quarterly' 36 (1) 86 - 93.) EXPLAIN QUOTE! how he starts to become more feminised (caring about looks - stereotype of women) being represented as a normal superhero, as well as representing himself as the "protector of mother earth" (patriarchal views) men protectors of earth? (use quote from Spiderman to better describe this.... "With great power, comes even greater responsibility") with 'Hancock's' great power he has bigger responsibilities like the whole human economy as well as earth (main narrative)... Then end para by linking back to question. (R, I, N, A, S)

SECTION 3:

In this para, talk about the celebrification factor (Will Smith = idol = hero? and talk about Columbia pictures and their success), also go further in to the film and discuss why he drinks ('Hancock').... escape reality ? link to audience (uses and gratifications theory) not typical superhero (relies on drink)... at heart 'Hancock' might be afraid.... QUOTE (Umberto Eco (1932) Travels in Hyper-reality (Harcourt)... EXPLAIN QUOTE!... at heart he is afraid as he is not liked and people want him gone... people afraid and don't understand him link to other superhero texts.... (1st batman film original one, afraid at first)... talk further about image of 'Hancock' state not normal attire at first, ragged clothing analyse clothing (grey hat = clouded mind (drink to release tension?), eagle on front of hat = urge to be free, restricted people need his help?, Leather jacket = rebel (break laws) also young at heart, eagle t-shirt = freedom, fierce, patriotic (society = belief) (bird of America), black shades = mysterious, hiding)... link to question. (ML, R, ID, A, S, IN)

SECTION 4:

Compare other superheros that are not typical, e.g. 'Batman' - has no superpowers, is a human, can be killed, revenge motivates him (looking for parents killers, as well as saving Gothem in the process)... link to 'Hancock'... QUOTE (Carol Lynn Pearson (1994) 'The Hero Within':) EXPLAIN QUOTE!... batman = parents death (journey), confront dragons (killers), true selves (revenge = kill or not to kill?)... superman (Clark Kent), shy, weak, venerable, clumsy etc... not typical as superman is opposite (binary opposition, Levi Strauss)... Spiderman = (Peter Parker) nerdy, weak, afraid etc... Spiderman opposite to him... Spiderman 3 (bad Spiderman opposite to a typical rep of superhero, unforgiving, evil etc) ("never judge a book by its cover") this quote shortened down - Jean de La Fontaine (1929)???? (think it him)... Link back to question. (ID, A, R, G)

CONCLUSION:

Highlight key points covered in each para, linking back to REPRESENTATION (my main focus), involve in the other texts. e.g. how 'Batman, 'Spiderman, 'Superman' and 'Hancock' are all linked (not typical, in the sense 'Batman' no superpowers (human), 'Spiderman' (nerdy teen), 'Superman' - ulta-ego (Clark Kent-Clumsy, slow etc) and 'Hancock' - (drunk, not caring?)... bring in 'Superhero movie' - spoof how 'Hancock' can conform to this film genre!... QUOTE... "There are Heroes...There are Superheroes...and then there's 'Hancock'"... EXPLAIN QUOTE! how he more then a superhero... explain again difference between hero and superhero (heroes can be killed (have no powers) vigilantes e.g. police, firemen, surgeons, doctors, bystanders etc... superheroes unique, special, powerful etc.

ALL POINTS ABOVE IN ALL PARA'S NEED TO BE EXTENDED IN TO MORE THEN 1 PARA FOR EACH!

Posters

Why are women directors a rare sight ?

5 Reasons:

1) Film is such a male dominated industry. If you know some one higher up then there's a better chance of you (women) getting promoted and established.

2) Women and mother-hood don't mix, if a woman has a baby it will be very hard to balance a directing life as well as a motherly maternal life.

3) If women became directors, the categories of "bitch", "mother" and "sex symbol" will be gone as women will start to give true representations of how women are.

4) There are not enough role models out there, for women to strive for and try to become, so therefore making it harder for women directors to break into the scene.

5) Women are better at writing rather than directing, so they can do the script bit however it seems that men are more creative.

5 female directors

Jodie Foster:

In 1975, Jodie was offered the role of the prostitute 'Iris' in the movie Taxi Driver (1976). This role, for which she received an Academy Award nomination in the "Best Supporting Actress" category, marked a breakthrough in her career. In 1980, she graduated as the best of her class from the College Lycée Français and began to study English Literature at Yale University, from where she graduated magna cum laude in 1985. One tragic moment in her life was March 30th, 1981 when John Hinckley attempted to assassinate the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. Hinkley was obsessed with Jodie and the movie Taxi Driver (1976), in which Travis Bickle, played by Robert De Niro, tried to shoot presidential candidate, Palantine. Despite the fact that Jodie never took acting lessons, she received two Oscars before she was thirty years of age. She received her first award for her part as Sarah Tobias in The Accused (1988) and the second one for her performance as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Her films:

Flora Plum (2010) (pre-production)
Home for the Holidays (1995)
Little Man Tate (1991)

"Tales from the Darkside" (1 episode, 1988)

Stella Stevens:

Stevens was first under contract to 20th Century Fox, then dropped after six months. After winning the role of "Appassionata Von Climax" for the musical Li'l Abner (1959), she gained a contract with Paramount Pictures (1959-1963) and later Columbia Pictures (1964-1968). She shared the 1960 Golden Globe Award for, "Most Promising Newcomer - Female," with Tuesday Weld, Angie Dickinson and Janet Munro for, Say One For Me. Throughout her career, Stevens appeared in dozens of TV shows and was a regular on the 1981-1982 prime-time soap opera Flamingo Road. She teamed with the late Sandy Dennis in a touring production of an all-female version of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, playing the messy one. She produced and directed two films, The Ranch (1989) and The American Heroine (1979).

Her films:

American Cowslip (2007) (pre-production) (attached)
Popstar (2005)
Hell to Pay (2005)
Glass Trap (2005)
Blessed (2004)
The Long Ride Home (2003)
Size 'Em Up (2001)
Invisible Mom (1997) (V)
Bikini Hotel (1997)
Virtual Combat (1996)
Body Chemistry 4: Full Exposure (1995) (V)
The Granny (1995)
Illicit Dreams (1995)
Star Hunter (1995) (V)

Maria Maggenti:

Maria Maggenti (born c. 1962) is a film director and screenwriter for film and television.
She has been the script editor and has written many episodes of the American television series, Without a Trace (2003), but is perhaps best known for her feature film, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995). Her film Puccini for Beginners was in competition at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006. She was also an activist with ACT UP for many years. She attended Smith College and majored in Philosophy and Classics.

Her films:

Puccini for Beginners (2006)
The Love Letter (1999)
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
La Donna è mobile (1994)
Name Day (1993)
Waiting for War (1991)
The Love Monster (1990)
Doctors, Liars & Women (1988)

Diane Keaton:

Diane Keaton (born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946) is an Oscar-winning American film actress, director and producer. Keaton began her career on stage, and made her screen debut in 1970. Her first major film role was as Kay Adams in The Godfather (1972), but the films that shaped her early career were those with director and co-star Woody Allen, beginning with Play It Again Sam (1972). Her next two films for Allen were Sleeper (1973) and Love and Death (1975) and they established her as a comic actress. Her fourth film for Allen, the semi-autobiographical Annie Hall (1977) won her the Academy Award for Best Actress

Her Films:

Unstrung Heroes

The First Wives Club

Hanging Up

Kimberly Peirce:

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Peirce grew up in a trailer park. She graduated from Miami Sunset High School in Miami, Florida and attended the University of Chicago earning a degree in English and Japanese Literature. She moved for several years to Kobe, Japan, working as a photographer and model. Upon returning to America, she enrolled at Columbia University, earning an MFA in film. Initially, Peirce pursued a story about a female soldier in drag during the American Civil War for her thesis, but eventually nixed the plan due to a lack of personal connection with the story. While attending Columbia, Peirce read a Village Voice article about Brandon Teena, a transman raped and murdered in Falls City, Nebraska. Switching from her original thesis project, Peirce traveled to Falls City, where she researched and attended the trial of the two homicide suspects. The subsequent film short she made for her thesis in 1995 was nominated by Columbia faculty for a Princess Grace Award, and received an Astrea Production Grant. That grant and her involvement with the Sundance Institute;'s 1997 Sundance Filmmakers, Writers and Producers Labs helped her develop the short into the 1999 feature film Boys Don't Cry.

Her films:

"The Last Good Breath" (1994) (16mm short - director & writer)
Leopard of Tomorrow Program at 1994 Locarno International Film Festival
Boys Don't Cry (1999) (director & writer)
The L Word (2006) (director - 1 episode (Lifeline - 3x05), TV series)
Stop-Loss (2008) (director & writer)

1990's

'Fatal Attraction' - (1990)


'Species' - (1995)

'Fatal Attraction' is the male backlash (susan Faludi) she says that men were getting angry with the fact that women were gaining so much prestige so this film was made to show the needy side. This film also brings in the idea of femme fatale, which basically means deadly women, as the lead women is crazy and physcopathic. While the film 'Species' is a about a sex crazy alien, this can show the eagerness of females and can further show the 'whore' ideology, the character played by Sharan Stone is very promisicious eventhough she kills the men, this portrays power again of women being able to out power a man.

1980's

'Terminator' - (1984)


'Legend'- (1985)

'Terminator' shows the depiction of manhood, as "aggresive" and fight first think later attitude, the woman Sara is feeble and is not until O'Connor comes that she is safe, this film epitomizes the direction of representations of females was goin in the 1980's. Further reinforcing this is the film 'Legend' this shows the damsell in distress who creates chaos, when she inervertedly gets a unicorn captured and its horn chopped off she tries to do a solo misson and fix everything, unknown to herself that she is being lead in to a trap, in which the 'Dark Lord' seizes and hypnotizes her paving the way for Jake, Gump and other fairies on a mission to save not only her but the unicorn of light and life, which if killed sends the world into darkness.

1970's

'Star wars' - (1977)


'Alien' - (1979)

'Star wars' is a predominently male leading cast with Luke Skywalker, Obi Wun Kunobi, Hans Solo etc, however the female role is princess leia, she is seen as fragile but can put up a fight when needed and she does not conform to the traditional sterotyped female that always needs rescuing, however this does happen in the movie. While on the other hand 'Aliens' is about a woman that defies all odds to kill aliens, she shows power and reinforces the strength of women as the 70's became the second wave of feminism.

1960's

'The Sound of Music' (1965)


'Cleopatra' - 1963

'The sound of music' and 'Cleopatra' and two films which are the opposites of one another as 'The sound of music' shows the nurturing side of a woman and the lead character Marie (Julia Roberts) is seen as the 'Madonna' as she is pure a virgin and a nun, however 'Cleopatra' was a strong and prevalent leader in the Egyptian times seen by many as a 'Goddess' she was feared by men and woman alike, power was her prerogative. Even though in the 60's there was no real change for women as men were still "stealing the spotlight" some films like 'Cleopatra' brought to mind the empowerment of women.

1950's

'High Noon' - 1952

'Samson and Delilah' - (1950)

Both films show the strength of lead male roles in this era, 'High Noon' a traditional western "the tough west" is no real place for a woman, so therefore it can be said that the woman if there is any in this movie will act as the "damsel". While the classic 'Samson and Delilah' shows the power of a man and how they are "macho" and have been given the "hero" status however the power of a woman is all that was needed to bring a all mighty man weak to his knees. Thus showing maybe a change as women are now seeming to get more power from this ? Contradictory the 50's are mainly to do with male heroes who are assertive, confident and dominent.

Book Quotes

Jones A (1993) 'Defending the Border: Men's Bodies and Vuneralbility' Cultural srudies from Birmingham, no2
"Far from imposing dominatnt forms of masculinity upon the audience, film heroes allow the subject space to identify with an ideal self of either gender who embodies desired power".

Healey M. (1994) 'The Mark of a man Masculine identities and the Art of Macho Drag Crtical Quarterly' 36 (1) 86 - 93.
"Poofs can look like real men...therefore real men look like poofs."

Bob Dylan (1941) - Song writter/singer:
"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom."

Umberto Eco (1932) Travels in Hyperreality (Harcourt):
"The real hero is always a hero by mistake; he dreams of being honest but afraid like everybody else."

Henry Louis Mencken ('American humorous Journalist and Critic of American life' 1880-1956)
"Complete masculinity, ("heroes") and stupidity are often indistinguishable”

Carol Lynn Pearson (1994) 'The Hero Within':
"Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.”

Felix Adler (American educator and founder of the Ethical Movement, 1851-1933)
"The hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by.”

Norman Mailer (b. 1923), U.S. author. “Petty Notes on Some Sex in America,” (1966).
"Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor".

Representations of gender today

Gender in contemporary TV programmes:

. In prime time TV shows, 1192-1993 men took 61% of the total number of speaking roles, women having 39%.

. 1995-1996 study found that men took 63% of the speaking roles, women having 37%.

. 1992-1993- 18% of the female characters took the major role and more than two thirds were the stars of domestic situation comedies.

. 1995-1996 43% of major characters were female, although still less than half.

. 1992-1993- 3% of women were represented as housewives as their main occupation- massive decrease from the 1970. An additional 8% of women were shown as 'homemakers'.

. 1995-1996- On a character b character basis, females male were equal in these respects.

. Overall the 1992-1993 study found that ' the women on prime time TV in the early 1990s was young, single, independent, and free from family and work place pressures' (Elasmer, Hasegawa and Brain, 1999:33).

. 1990s to a certain extent, programme makers arrived at a comfortable, not particularly- offensive modes of masculinity and femininity, which majority of the public seemed to think were acceptable.

Friends is a internationally popular sit-com,the programme series consisted of 3 males (Joey, Chandler and Ross) and 3 females (Monica, Rachel and Phoebe). The three males are shown with masculine qualities, although with some characteristics of "sensitivity" and "Gentleness" and male bonding. The three females are shown as "intelligent" and "non-housewifely".
This gives it a refreshing feel to it rather than the traditional family. Programmes such as "Ally McBeal" (1997) and "Sex and the City" (1998) put successful women at the forefront and focuses on their paths to and for sex.

Buffy is a female icon, a role model to younger teenage girls everywhere, as well as this it can be said she is there for male gaze (Laura Mulvey) this is just my opinion. Buffy has won 'Best television show' in SFX magazines annual readers poll over and over again. Which launched the idea of powerful and heroic women in TV, as seen from the 'New Adventures of Superman' as Louis Lane is a successful reporter as well as a strong independent women, who does at the end need help from the 'sweet and insecure' Superman.

Maggie Humm's Feminism and film:

"Film... often and anxiously envisions women stereotypically as good mother and bad hysterical careerists. in the past and today, every Hollywood women is some eles's other."

Michael Thomson:

"By all means be feisty, but never forget to be feminine".

Charlie Angels starred Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu all hired by an anonymous person named Charlie to solve mysteries. The girls are represented as the redhead (Barrymore), blond (Diaz) and brunet (Liu) these girls are portraying themselves as deadly but sexy, bringing in to mind the idea of 'femme fatale' (deadly women). The women are strong and independent however they are also seen as promiscuous, and the idea of 'the whore' comes to mind as they are role models as they save peoples lives but not after being half naked and doing other male gaze pleasuring activities.

The study talks about whether "girls power" leads to "girl violence"; this study is by psychologists, Muncer, Campbell, Jervis and Lewis (2001), respond to the growing concern of the Media term "Ladettes", these are women who are assertive with an aggressive attitude which are usually associated with "Lads".

Representations of gender in the past

This chapter and the next one provide an overview of representations of gender in the media, magazines, newspapers and adverts all contain images of women and men, and even songs on the radio might feed into or challenge our ideas about gender. Online magazines and general entertainment sites have become increasingly popular, and these merge with digital television, electronic media becomes yet another source of gender information.

Women and men on TV:

Miles found that there were nearly equal proportions of men and women in situation comedies - although, of course, the gender roles and the humour could still be traditional and sexist, despite this statistical parity - whereas in action - adventure shows, only 15% of the leading characters were women.

Gunter in the 1970s found that marriage, parenthood and domesticity were shown on TV to be more important for women than men. Further the women's movement had been largely ignored by TV as married housewives were seen to be the main female roles shown. While in the 1970s McNeil found that men were given the dominant characters ad the decision makers or the one's that give out the orders.

Men were more assertive (aggressive), whilst women were more passive, men were seen as brave, outgoing and adventurous whereas women were more frequently shown as weak or 'merely token females' (Gunter, 1995).

'The Symbolic Annihilation of Women by the Mass Media' (1978):

"From children's shows to commercials to prime time adventures and situation, television proclaims that women don't count for much. They are 'symbolically annihilated' and they are seen in American television as not important within American society."

'Degrading and trivialising views of women', sports programming remaining 'the preserve of men' and news programmes accused of tokenism or 'window dressing' by including some women in key positions whilst retaining a male-dominated culture (Dyer, 1987: 7-8).

Gillian Dyer observed that the number of women in central roles in police and crime series had increased, but found a new reason fro discomfort:

"This development, although in many ways refreshing, raises new contradictions in the portrayal of power and gender for, ironically 'strong' women policewomen, lawyers, etc. are invariably shown enforcing the patriarchal laws which oppress them."

Women and men in movies:

The films almost always focused on male heroes, women had important roles but were far more likely than men to be shown as frightened, in need of protection and direction, and offering love ans support to the male lead character(s). Some films may challenge this however played with the performance of gender, but only hinted at a challenge to masculine and feminine roles. Gender roles on average, did not differ greatly from previous decades, but male characters were consistently more intelligent more assertive - and much more prevalent.

Masculinity and femininity in films is often rather precarious, gender characterisations are often worthy of some examination. Women's roles, also have much more complexity and value, in history it is full of remarkable female characters in supporting roles.

Marjorie Rosen ('the Cinema Woman is a Popcorn Venus, a delectable but insubstantial hybrid of culture distortions'). She charted the changing representations of women in Hollywood films, nothing backlashes against working women in the 40s and 50s, and against female sexual emancipation in the 60s and 70s; Rosen described women as seen merely as 'sex objects'.

Sharon Smith said:

" Women, in a fully human form, have almost completely been left out of film... The role of a woman in a film almost always revolves around her physical attraction, and the mating games she plays with the male characters. On the other hand a man is not shown purely in relation to the female characters, but in a wide variety of roles."

Ann Kaplan said:

"In Hollywood films, then, women are ultimately refused a voice, a discourage, and their desire is subjected to male desire. They live out silently frustrated lives, or, if they resist their placing, sacrifice their lives for their daring."

Kathi Maio observed that Hollywood's ideas about gender were 'often reprehensible', and further went on to say:

" Women are not only given less screen time, when we're up there on the screen we are likely to be portrayed as powerless and ineffectual... Where are the triumphant women heroes to match the winner roles men play constantly?"

Hegemonic or Pluralistic?

In my opinion the pluralistic model is the one that influences me, as I feel that everything has more than one meaning such as all media related things (text, sound, images etc), this is also known as polyvalent. I further believe that uses and gratifications theory is the main ideology as I feel that media is only really made to escape (some media texts allow the user to escape from reality), social interaction (people create personal relationships with the characters in a media text), identify (people often identify a part of themselves in a media text, either through character or circumstance), inform and educate (the audience gain an understanding of the world around them by consuming a media text) and to entertain (consumed purely for entertainment purposes, meaning that text need not have any other gratifications). Furthermore this creates an active audience as I watch and read media things according to any of the uses and gratifications theory.

5 points I learnt

1) Media Theory - (theorists - Propp, Strauss, Todorov, Mulvey etc)

2) Knowledge and understanding of key concepts - M.I.G.R.A.I.N and S.H.E.P

3) Textual analysis

4) Wider reading and reseach

5) Audience theory - hypodermic needle, uses and gratifications theory.

Cover Work (analysis of scene from 'Hancock')

M.I.G.R.A.I.N:

M- Quick shots from train to car shows panic, and distress from the point of view of the driver, also with the quick shots it emphasises what is going to happen i.e. train hitting the car. Natural digetic sounds of the man screaming for help in the car, there is bright natural high ki lighting to show a "peaceful and calm" day, however that is not so. 'Hancock' arrives calmly and moves car out the way with ease and gets hit by the train, however the train gets destroyed and he has no scratches on him. He ends the scene by saying "Oh Shit" this shows his frustration and anger through the rude language he uses.

I- Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc

G- Action/ comedy

R- White middle-class men, as the one in the car is a stereotype of one, as he has a nice suit as well as a grand car, this represents that no matter how rich you are you are still able to make mistakes.

A- This seems like the type of film to appeal to everyone females and males from a very wide range however the certificate of the film is 12 so any male or female over the age of 12 can watch it, further the age range in my opinion is 12 - 21.

I- Patriarchy ideology as it is a man saving the day, as well as a man as the victim. Also the view of capitalism can be added as the government will need to pay for all the damage.

N- It is a straight forward linear narrative, it has no flashbacks or any other thing that could disrupt the flow, it is in chronological order and moves with ease from scene to scene.

11 keywords

Antagonist: The principle opposing figure or villain in a narrative, set by binary opposition against the protagonist - This will be use full for my essay because the film I have chosen to do shows how a hero in this case in seen different to other superheroes.

Audience: Groups or individuals targeted by producers as they intended consumers of media texts. Owning to the wide availability of media texts, the actual viewers, readers or listeners may not be those originally targeted - This will be used to show how audience can be used as a source of major fiance as they are the ones who will be watching it.

Binary opposition: A term used by Claude Levi-Strauss as part of his argument that narratives are structured around oppositional elements in human culture, for example, good and evil, life and death, night and day, raw and cooked etc - I will be using this because this theorist is use full for my essay as I will be applying the binary oppositions of sober vs drunk, good intentions vs bad outcomes, good vs evil etc.

Blockbuster: A big budget Hollywood film - Since the film is a big budget film this will be needed to show how much money is pumped in to Hollywood films.

Broadcast: The wide and random dissemination of media messages (broadly cast, i.e. spread over a wide area.) - The film was aired in over 50 countries worldwide, showing wider range of audience.

Celebrity: An individual who has become the focus of media attention and is therefore widely known and recognised by the public - In 'Hancock' the main character is played by Will Smith who is very famous and will draw in an audience of not only superhero movies but as well as the fans of Will Smith.

CGI: Computer generated imagery - With the large scale of money put in to the film CGI has now become the main focal point in allot of major Hollywood films, giving effects and more eye catching scenery.

Hybrid Genre: A cross between one film genre and another - There are two main genres in this which is action and adventure, so therefore showing a cross between two major genres.

Levi - Strauss, Claude (1908 - 90): French structuralist anthropologist whose analysis of human culture and myth argued for a common origin for all narratives, based on shared human life experience, fears and expectations - (same as binary oppositions).

Narrative theory: A type of thinking that seeks to explain narrative structures and their relationship to wider cultural and genre-related factors - Will be used to describe the genres within the film.

Sony: Multimedia global co-operation with headquarters in Culver City, California, USA (Columbia Pictures) - This is the company that financed the film as well as the company that made it.

Self Evaluation

Attainment - (2) - I believe that my attainment has been pretty good, even though I have missed some lessons due to illness, I feel that I do come most of the time.

Effort - (1) - I always put 100% in to my work and I always try my best in media, I think that I have put in allot of effort in so far, and will be hoping to continue with my standard of work I have put in so far.

Punctuality - (2) - My punctuality is good, I do sometimes come late, however most of the time I'm on time.

Submission and quality of homework - (1) - I always give my work in on time and is always to a very high quality, and I will be continuing with my standards.

Ability to work independently - (2) - In my opinion I can work well independently which I will be needed to do when working on my independent essay.

Quality of writing - (2) - My writing skills are very good I can write fluently with the correct media terminology and I further write to a very high standard so I believe that the quality of writing is very good.

Organisation of Media folder - (2) - I have when I get handouts been putting them in my folder when I get back from school, so I believe that it is organised.

Oral contributions in class - (1) - I believe that I contribute allot in the lessons, when needed I do give my own analysis and comment on what is being discussed about in lesson.

Standard of Module 5 blog - (1) - My med 5 blog is very good and I believe that the standard of it is very high, it well organised and is all completed.

Standard of Module 6 blog - (1) - My med 6 blog is very good and I believe that the standard of it is very high, it well organised and is all completed.

WWW:

. The organisation of my blog, because I believe that I have worked well on it and have really tried hard to do everything for it.

. Also my PowerPoint presentation I believe went well.

. My final achievement was the media awards, and my media production at the end it was really well done.

EBI:

. Come to every lesson earlier not just on the dot.

. Do everything on my action plan on time.

. Improve on my media terminology so I can improve my essay writing abilities.

'Hancock' Movie Reviews:

Rotten tomatoes:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/02/DD8O11HIL1.DTL&type=movies

"There's nothing he can't do, but because he's drunk and apathetic, he's sloppy about it. The public loathes him, because every time he does something good, he ends up ripping apart roads and demolishing buildings".

I will need this quote for my essay as it clearly shows how 'Hancock' is not a typical superhero, however contradicting this he can also be seen as a superhero as "there's nothing he can't do".

""Hancock" is an original creation, not based on a comic book series. It lacks the fable-like quality that comic book adaptations have at their best, but it also lacks the compressed, frenetic, action-packed-nonsense quality of comic book adaptations at their worst".

This will be needed because it shows that the film was an original idea, and was not based on a comic like other superhero movies, this again shows how 'Hancock' is not a typical representation of a superhero.

Imdb:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/usercomments

"Hancock is not the generic superhero film and is probably one of the more ingenious ideas to come across a producer's desk in quite some time".

I will be using this quote as it says in the opening line "Hancock is not the generic superhero film" this quote will just further reinforce my question.

"The lack of a central villain also hurts the movie a lot. The character that serves as Hancock's enemy in the finale isn't even well acted. The person is laughable".

This will be useful because all super-villains in all superhero movies are normally powerful and they normally have a long fight scene with the superhero. However 'Hancock' does not therefore showing how this film and 'Hancock' is not a typical representation.

My Presentation

WWW:
. Engaged audience
. Good powerpoint presentation
. Confident
. Good use of Hybrid Genre (Paroady)

EBI:
. Watch film again
. Check spelling and grammer
. Conclusion

Targets:
. Look up genre theory and how it has changed and why?
. Look at the old batman t.v series
. Look at past blogs

10 point action plan

1) Get outside knowledge of text used. (AOii)

This will be done within the next 2 weeks by the 3rd of November. The outside knowledge is key so that I have a further understanding not only for the text I'm going to be using but as well as the

2) Watch my film more than once. (AOi)

I have already watch the film once and will watch the film again by 1st of November.

3) Look at past blogs that relate to my superhero genre. (AOii)

Past blog research will be completed by 3rd of November.

4) Detailed information of theorists I'm going to apply to my essay. (AOiii.1)

Even though I have already done research on theorists I still need to do more so this part should be completed by the 8Th November.

5) Read the media guardian every Monday's and Friday's. (AOii, AO5 and AOiii.2)

I chose to do this on these two days because that's the days I am free on so it would be easier for me.

6) Highlight and use keywords from the A2 media booklet. (AOii will also help with AOi)

This will be helpful because I will be able to use wider knowledge of vocabulary, which will help me through my media essay. This is half completed so by the end of this week I will have it done so 25Th or 26Th October.

7) Read more reviews and post up findings on blog. (AOii, AOi and AO5)

Further this will be done in order for me to know how much the film made and see what other peoples opinion will be on 'Hancock'. This will be finished by the 8Th of November.

8) I need to be more organised as I normally leave things to last minute. (no real assessment objectives just for my own personal aim).

This will be done as soon as possible and will try my best to come up with a timetable of some sort to arrange my time. This should be done by the 26Th October.

9) I need to post more stuff on my blog. (all assessment objectives)

This is so that when I actually write my essay it will be all organised. This will be done during the course of the year but I will post up stuff by the end of this week.

10) Finally I have to go library and get book knowledge which is key to a successful essay. (AOii)

This is needed as you cannot just rely on the Internet, so by getting library knowledge it will be much easier. This will be done by the 1st or 2ND of November.

Self assessment of blog work

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Key Concepts employed within Media Studies and the evaluation of texts and ideas using the Key Concepts

In my opinion I believe that I have covered the key concepts (MIGRAIN), especially with the trailer and scene analysis, I feel the WWW is that I have carefully covered all the MIGRAIN things such as institution, media language, genre etc. Further I have included a narrative, genre, institution etc as main links on my blog page and I further believe that I have done all these in the correct and proper fashion. However I have not done the media languages and forms part, as it is very long and I will need to include alot of outside work, but I will do this and be up to date for when it is my time to do my presentation. The key concept I covered the best was the institution bit, as I included alot of relevant information that would be needed for my essay.

AO2: demonstrate knowledge and application of the wider contexts (historical, social, political, economic) relevant to Media Studies.

I don't think I have zeitgeist in my blog, as my question does not refer to modern day society, I think that what zeitgeist is. The SHEP part is covered in my blog, but it has little reference in some blog entries, such as social I talk about this when I discuss about how the people see 'Hancock' further the historical context part I do not refer to as I need no real historical context; I can repair this by probably getting a book that describes the role of men (patriarchal) views, which is not my main topic but something I can refer to. Economic is related to my text as in my blog I show the earnings the film made and how much the company of Sony Columbia Pictures is worth, and finally political is not used in my blog because I have no real use for political views as I am referring to films not documentaries, a way to rectify this is by maybe including a brief reference to a documentary based on superhero movies, this should invoke some political views such as how the government are involved with this such as the 'Captain America' movie.

AO5: Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate investigative and research techniques in carrying out an independent study of a media text, topic or issue.

I haven't really gone to look for books or online articles but I have got reviews done, for my main film, I really do not know what type of articles and books to get as I have no real historical views that can be shown as my question has no real relevance to it. I believe that my question is simple but is good and is easy to compare with loads of films relating with that genre, my hypothesis is not in the greatest detail however it does display a clear aim and objective which I will further be working towards.

I haven't really decided about issues and debates yet but one debate that's in my mind is that do you have to have powers to be a superhero? I haven't included it yet but I will. I have done textual analysis in the form of the film poster and the trailer as well as a scene from the film; at this moment in time I have only really analysed one trailer and 2 movie scenes. I have only scene my main film about twice, but I will be watching it another 1 or 2 times to get all I need out of the film; most of the films I am going to involve in my essay, are roughly 3-4 years old but there are some exceptions as some films are about 18 - 20 years old. Finally at the end of each work that I have posted on my blog I paste the web link that I got the information from, so that I know where to go for, for more detail.

SYNOPTIC ABILITY: Draw together understanding of Key Concepts, from different parts of the specification in order to make effective textual readings. Draw upon knowledge and application of a wide range of possible relevant contexts, in order to account for the characteristics of media texts

I have linked what I'm doing to other parts of last years course (MED2), by introducing theorists as well as narrative and audience etc. Further I have included this years MED4 involvement as well with my main focus of my essay being representation; however I do not think I have involved any MED6 topics yet! But I will when I think of what I can use from the MED6 category that fits in amongst my work. I haven't read any mediaGuardian articles because I can't find any that are relevant for my text that I'm going to be writing, I have done research in to the values and ideologies and it is posted up on my blog.

CRITICAL AUTONOMY: Apply critical ideas and principles to new situations – and demonstrate media literacy in responses to media texts:

I believe that I am thinking for my self, however I do get help or ask for peoples input when I need it, because it's good to get other peoples opinions. I come with my own ideas, and try my best to think of other ones I keep note of all the ideas I have and then if I think of something else I elaborate it. I personally believe that I am self motivated as I do try do all the work set, however I do sometimes leave things to the last minute.

QUALITY OF WRITTEN COMMUNICATION: Select and use forms and styles of writing appropriate to purpose and complex subject matter. Organise relevant information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate. Ensure text is legible, and spelling, grammar and punctuation are accurate, so that meaning is clear.

I believe that my work at the moment is well presented as it is in order; in my personal opinion it is clear and well organised. I do use key terminology when i write, I've got used to it now so it just comes to me when I write. At the end of my work that I have done if I use the PC I always spellcheck just in case I made some silly mistakes, finally I do highlight the key parts in stuff I have copied and pasted as well this I always write the web address down to.

Analysis on Hancock poster

As you can see from this poster, 'Hancock' (Will Smith) is a laid back character, as he is the main protagonist some sense of strain and pressure shows be seen through actions however he feels none of this, portraying himself as a un-stereotypical representation of how a superhero should be.

Further with the caption underneath "NOT YOUR AVERAGE SUPERHERO" underneath him lying down on his is name, it further suggests that he is not this as he is just relaxing which strengthens my opinion of him not having a care in the world.

The ragged clothing contrasts with the slick silver typography as it clearly displays the term 'from rags to riches' therefore enhancing the optical sense of laziness and manic disarray.

Assessment Objectives

AOi = Key Concepts (M.I.G.R.A.I.N)

AOii= Wider Context (historical, social, economic and political). Must offer both analysis and contextualisation of the text.

AOiii.1 = Issues, debates and theories

AOiii.2= To be able to analyse critically and comparatively two texts in order to account for their similarties and differences.

AO5= The ability to use appropriate investigative and research techniques.

The ones I feel are the hardest listed 1-5, 1 being

the easiest 5 being the hardest and targets on how to improve:

1) AO5 - Get outside knowledge not only about my main text but other texts (look at media guardian website at least once a week).

2) AOi - Look at loads of trailers and clips and just practise MIGRAIN.

3) AOiii.2 - Watch texts and just practise comparing the texts together showing the similarities as well as differences, also do it in time conditions to prepare myself for the exam.

4) AOiii.1 - Research about all the theorist and try to find ways into how I could use them in media, as well as my essay.

5) AOii - Same as AO5 but this is harder because it asks for social, political, economic and historical, so again further outside reading like library books and not just using the internet.

Review

If you can remember the seismic upheaval in the superhero order that was ‘Superman III’, during which the square-jawed one grew stubble, hit the whisky bottle and flicked peanuts at barmen, you may get flashbacks when watching Will Smith’s Hancock. But the big difference between Christopher Reeve’s trade hero and this latest lazy, drunken member of the caped fraternity is that Hancock was never a Samaritan in the first place.

He looks like a tramp, he kips on benches, and he leaves behind him a trail of destruction wherever he tries to lend a hand. He doesn’t even own a cape.He’s a selfish lay about in need of some old-fashioned movie redemption. Which is exactly what we get. Oddly, it takes a suburban PR executive called Ray – played with charm by Jason Bateman – to correct Hancock’s behavior, even if Ray’s wife Mary (Charlize Theron) is strangely wary of their friendship. As Ray gets to work on Hancock’s image, the film offers some comedy and Smith, as ever, is fairly charismatic.

For the first half, there’s a laid back, knowing vibe to the script and Smith has some fun with the whole bizarre idea while director Peter Ber swings his camera about as he did for ‘The Kingdom’. It’s a very modern conceit: that behind every successful man lays an even better publicist. And it’s no coincidence that Hollywood, with its reliance on a well-oiled PR machine, has come up with a fictional publicist who’s more angel than Svengali. But then the rest of the film – after an hour – flops spectacularly.

The big problem is that the script tries to have its cake and eat it, first ribbing us with nods and winks emanating from this sideways view of a superhero and then abandoning this detachment in favour of a traditional comic-book showdown that feels out of place, rushed and squeezed into the film’s remaining minutes. Put simply, the filmmakers bottle it.

Hancock’s reinvention as a good guy coincides with the emergence of a super-criminal played by Brit actor Eddie Marsan, who in the facial hair department looks like he’s stepped off the set of ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’. He’s a lame villain. There’s an unexpected twist that throws some weird, distracting logic into the mix, followed by a crisis, a fight, a spurt of apocalyptic digital larks – and it’s over. The film bows out not as a wink-wink pastiche but as a straightforward superhero movie – and a bad one at that.

From:

http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/85048/Hancock.html

Genre

The genre of 'Hancock' is hybrid genre as it is a mix of action adventure and comedy.

Generic conventions: The frequent CGI effects used when destroying or when he saves people; this is recognisable and repeated in the film which helps to identify the genre.

Iconographic features: At the beginning we know it is an action because of the opening scene, the crashing and damage caused is pictorial as it illustrates the film.

The genre in my opinion mocks all superhero movies as 'Hancock' does not conform to what a superhero should be, further this film comes across as a spoof so therefore involving another genre, however they do not mock other superhero movies; unlike the film 'Superhero Movie'.

Furthermore the star of the film Will Smith is multi successful, and has had great experience playing both comedy and action for e.g. 'Bad Boys 1 & 2' this film was funny and it was still full of action, like 'Hancock' this thus defines the genre of the film, as it has an actor who conforms to it.

Values and Ideologies

'Hancock' is not really a typical representation of how a superhero is meant to be, as he is not the stereotyped macho exterior such as Superman. The ideologies drawn from this is that firstly this is the first superhero movie with a black man as a superhero, therefore breaking away from stereotypical roles.

More so the character is seen as a tramp, and later on he ('Hancock') changes himself and his personality, this brings in the value factor as it has a hidden agenda and that is everyone can change. This film is mainly about finding yourself and fitting in these ideologies are displayed throughout the whole film but can only be really seen if you read in between the lines.

Media Audience

The target audience of 'Hancock' would be males and females as there is a girl in the movie therefore suggesting a relationship, the age will be a broad one from 12 (the certificate) to about 21, however there are a lot of people out there who are older that enjoy superhero movies. Further they would come under the social class as C as most people who would watch this would be blue collar workers, and maybe even C1 and C2 white collar workers.

Since this film was shot by one of the biggest movie companies in the world, huge amounts of money was poured in, therefore showing that they were trying to reach a much wider audience as this film was releast not only in the States but in England, and some other countries like France.

The uses and gratifications for this movie is predominately escapism this is so that the audience can just sit back and relax and just allow the viewers to escape from reality. But furthermore it was made to entertain; since this film is based on fiction.

Narrative

The narrative within 'Hancock' is a straight forward linear narrative, as the film is organised in a linear sequence. This film's linear narrative proceeds from the beginning through the middle to the end without deviations, usually tracing relationships of cause and effect, therefore showing that it is in a chronological order and has only one type of narrative. We follow 'Hancock' as he goes through his own day to day life, and the narrative shows his progression and urge to change who he is. However there is no sudden changes to the narrative such as flashbacks (e.g. 'Kill Bill'), we see one mans mission to be better person, this also raises enigmas such as can he really change?

Media Representations

'Hancock'

'Hancock' is represented as a clumsy alcoholic "do-gooder", he has all the best intentions however, unlike other super heroes he is lazy and even though he has powers he is reluctant to show them and further to use them.

He is portrayed like this through the eyes of the economy living in the area that he "works in". Furthermore in my opinion the alcohol symbolises his own personal way to get away from things (escapism) and it seems that it gives him confidence when everyone points blame at him. More so with the cloths he wears he is seen as a lazy person (tramp), as in the beginning he is sleeping on a bench, this not like a super hero as they all have costumes they where, however later on in the movie he trys to change and improve his shabby image. This is all done to try and improve his representation amongst the committee living there.