Thursday, December 6, 2018

Exploring Representation

I would like to represent the issue of diversity. In recent years, I have noticed that social groups have not been inclusive unless your a certain type of person. Racial and ethnic social circles have always been around, but now, it is also based on your activities. For Example, I have friends that only hangout with kids that are involved in the same sports as them or have the same classes. The cultural diversity is becoming more sectioned off and people aren’t exploring different groups.
Recently Michael B. Jordan, star of Creed, spoke about wanting to increase the influence of minorities in Hollywood. In a Interview with npr about Creed he stated, “So I've always had the notion of create the roles, you know, not the stereotypical roles. You know, I told my agency at a younger age earlier in my career, like, I only wanted to go out for roles that were written for Caucasian males because I knew the roles had no bias on it.” His goal is to challenge social norms and conceptions of what should be accepted. That is a big issue I would like to tackle in my project.
Another film that tried to increase understanding between racial groups was Straight Outta Compton. The film depicted the harsh reality of racism that still existed well into the 1980s. The Group highlighted in the film, NWA, challenged this prejudice and it help lead to better race relations. The most important part of accepting diversity is realising where the other side is coming from. This movie showed the hardships of racism in the 80s.
Recent stories have been talking about the integration of minority groups in films, but it isn’t often celebrated. In most of the movies that minorities play a role, it isn’t a lead. I would use the idea of prejudice against minority groups and show how it can be corrected. The idea that it is changing would be challenged in my piece.  

Finding a New Genre

The genre I will be discussing is Action. Typical conventions in action movies include a plot that is based on a extreme story and fight scenes which are common. Most conflict in the story is physical and involves chases. Productions techniques often include fast camera cuts that make actions fights seem much more intense. The music used in these films are meant to get the audience’s heart pumping and adrenaline heightened. The fight scenes also usually travels through a series of sets.

A great action film that showcases these techniques is The Dark Knight. This film is based on the superhero Batman and his encounters with the Joker. The majority of this film showcases the relationship between the two arch enemies. The use of a metropolis like Gotham City and cars flying shows surrealism, but the people and interactions are very much aspects of realism. Action movies often enjoy pushing this boundary and challenging norms. Also, throughout the film, Batman and The Joker travel through a number of different settings. These long, drawn-out fights are quite typical in action films.

Another action film that is uses conventions and techniques is Skyfall. This is one of the most recent Bond films. It involves Bond trying to save the rest of MI6 while taking down his enemy. The plot is quite consistent with Bond films and action films. It involves a long story that travels to many locations. The soundtrack used powerful songs which were meant to excite the audience. As James Bond travels from train to car to a boat, the action scenes become quite long.

Good Action Film examples include:
John Wick












Logan












Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation












Taken










The Bourne Ultimatum



Daybreak