COLLECT HMK

Storyboards and commentaries

Marxism
What can you remember?

Marxism
Core Marx idea = all societies have an economic base. Central core and focus of any society = what makes it function In Western cultures economic base = capitalist (capitalism: based on the pursuit of wealth)

Marx = problem: does not benefit all rich get richer and the poor poorer Leads to social inequality

 Marxism = capitalist society is a split society Those who control/have power: bourgeoisie Those who do not and who have to sell their labour (or work) for minimal pay with little/no share of the profit: proletariat Marx = institutions that exist in a society (such as those linked to the law, education, politics and the media) do so to support, serve and legitimise

the ruling elites base to society

they partly exist to convince people that the way the country works is the right way.

The peasants are revolting?

Bourgeoisie are outnumbered by the proletariat so why dont they simply rise up and overthrow their masters?
Marxism = elements of societys internal structure, eg the Media, are used to brainwash the proletariat into seeing the existing structure as natural and right Create a sense of false consciousness promote a fake view that the world is exactly as it should be. Reassures the proletariat Stops feeling that anything should be done about the situation Unaware of the true nature of their exploitation and unfairness Do not question inequality = normalised Most powerful ruling group = stay in power to preserve privileged position. Use media to keep society the way it is preserve the status quo

Marxist developments
Gramsci and Hegemony Ruling classes, through power and control of media, promote their ideologies Repetition and the absence/marginalization of other views, the proletariat eventually accept these as common sense and the natural way to view things.

A Marxists view the media in a capitalist culture = agents of the ruling elite Media used as a more subtle, less objectionable control mechanism than the Army. Gain peoples agreement to the way society is, rather than having to beat them into submission

 PRACTICE WRITING EXAMPLE SENTENCES USING EXAMPLES THAT GROUND THEORISTS

Representation (Hall), is to display or re-present a version of reality to the audience; this version displayed here (Coronation St), is one that is not only palatable to the dominant patriarchy but significantly does not also not challenge the status quo or hegemony (Gramsci), conforming with Marxist perspectives.
The costume of casual wear in grey colours connotes a dreary, unexciting monotony of working class life; an existence only made enjoyable by the time spent with friends (significantly male) in a (significantly) male dominated environment. In this image the working class male is represented as a simple creature, simply satisfied, with simple pleasures. Surrounded by close friends, raising a pint towards the camera in a friendly gesture, expressions of pleasure and contentment are clear.

The mise en scene shows beer pumps and the backdrop of a room, signifying a pub a From a Marxist perspective, the straight significant reinforcement of the working class camera angle combined with the character's direct gaze could reinforce the male stereotype as a basic creature with basic tastes; he accepts his place in society (Marx) and concept of desired (but false) equality. does not seek to better himself with books, However, as the characters look to the through sport or spend time with his family. In audience accepting their lower social class, simple beasts, simply satisfied, any contrast, after a day of manual labour he can be found in pubs, drinking and dulling his senses challenge to dominant patriarchy with friends who share his values and beliefs. negated.

Hustle

Inspector Morse

Dr Who

Larkrise to Candleford

Verisimilitude
The appearance of reality or truth, artificial but appears to be real Deliberate choice of plot and characters that are used to create a believable and plausible plot

Realism
British Soap Operas tend to focus on more everyday characters and situations Frequently set in working class environments Contrast with the typically attractive, seductive, glamorous and wealthy characters shown in US daytime soaps UK Soap Operas explore social realist storylines such as: - family discord - marriage breakdown - financial problems UK Soaps also tend to use and celebrate their location - an important ingredient of the programme Deliberately play to stereotypes: accent, occupation, costume eg: EastEnders - tough, grim life in Londons East End Coronation Street - Manchester, "Northern straight talking

Task
Focus on the TV drama you have been assigned, (extract approx 4 minutes) Use the worksheet to create a detailed analysis of representation of class from four technical areas Be ready to present to the class
Groups: 1) Georgina, Matt, Ellie, Tom W 2) Harpreet, Connor, Tom H 3) Sophie, Jamie, Megan, Sam

How is the representation of class constructed in this extract?

Camera Shot/Movement Mise en scene Sound Editing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbZdHx1jQZo &playnext=1&list=PL5E4F6FBC08F7A7E7&feature =results_video