Iron Man 2 - Notes

Genre: - Action/Adventure/superhero film. Leading role Robert Downey Jr brings a touch of comedy to the film.
Mise en scene - Big blockbuster, CGI, glossy and all American.

Narrative: - Diagetic sounds such as gunfire and explosions, non diagetic sounds such as fast paced music that creates tension. Main protagonist is portrayed as a womaniser, but perhaps with a soft side? For example, the way he treats his assistant/later girlfriend Pepper Pots.

Representation: - The antagonist of the film is from Russia, this is very stereotypical of the action genre.

Other notes: - The opening scene reinforces the stereotype of Russians through Mickey Rourke's Character, Ivan. The Mise en scene, through aspects of low key lighting, dark gloomy sets, costumes and make up all reflect that of a poverty stricken life. All of that adds to the 'action film villain' stereotype.

The opening scene establishes a strong binary opposition within the narrative between Tony and Ivan. This is very typical of the genre. Other examples include, Batman, Spiderman and Superman.

Binary opposition allows for the conflict within the narrative which is entertaining for the audience.

The conflict within the narrative is important for the motivation of the characters, also for the disruptions (temporary) of the equilibrium(s) within the narrative.

The negative representation of Russia is set against a positive, more dominant representation of the US. This is very typical of the genre.

The start of the narrative sets upon enigma for the audience, which is 'Who is Ivan?' and 'What is his motivation?'

The hero is Tony Stark and he displays many, if not all, of the traits of a typical hollywood narrative hero. Add this to the screen persona of Downey Jr makes him very attractive to the target audience.

Main protagonist is male, typical of the genre and also reflects Hollywood as an 'institution', also the comic book genre is typically one read by men.

There are two female characters who are active in the narrative. Natalie Rushman (played by Scarlett Johansson) being more empowered, she is let down by the fact that she is a 'black widow'. Both women are presented in a highly sexual way and there is evidence of the male gaze theory. The representation is limited in terms of age.

Narrative is action driven, this is typical of the hollywood blockbuster genre. It has expensive CGI scenes that cater to the target audience.

The ideology put forward is very pro American.

Black American representation is positive, with two particular high status characters that challenge historical negative stereotypes.

Magazine front cover + Double page spread

This is my music magazine front cover

And double page spread

Proposal

I am going to research the representation of young women in music videos, I will be comparing two texts, one music video from the 80's and one music video from the present.

I am going to look at how the women are dressed, their dance moves, what they're singing about and how men react to them.

The music videos I am going to look at will be accessible via YouTube.