New/updated Essay Plan

Essay Plan Updated

Introduction:

• Despite the world's fandom for the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy, there is a mega shift in the tone and feel of Hollywood characters especially those in the superhero genre. This is particularly apparent in Christopher Nolan's highly commended Dark Knight Trilogy where the character of the Joker does just that. In Nolan's film, the Joker has seemed to be one of the best performances ever made by Heath Leger. It has been praised as one of the best acting portrayals in cinema history, and this is very much influenced by the fans reaction. Heath Ledger's Joker has seen to set a bar in acting, as one of the best portrayals on screen ever, and his Joker has gained much love from fans and audience members across the world who are in delved in to the character of the Joker. After the final instalment of The Dark Knight franchise (The Dark Knight Rises), fans were eager to see what was next for the Batman, as he has just defeated his most iconic enemy of all time; The Joker. However, a shooting had taken place in Aurora where the accused had stated in the court room that he was 'the Joker' and had re-enacted traits that the on-screen character would do, things such as bombs in his room as a booby trap. This had raised awareness by not only the media, but also audience members whether or not such characters should be viewed by the audience as it has seen to of had an impact on a fellow audience member. The character has been argued to have kept in place to interact with the modern audience, and that they relate more too serious characters. However, this can be seen in the 1960's adaption of the Batman characters which took an alternative approach to the same characters including the portrayal of the Joker. This essay will be exploring to what extent are on screen character such as the Joker having an impact on audience members.

Institutions (Censorship, Box office record)-

• Box office success with each film (in the trilogy)
• draw links between the films (which was the most successful? why?)
• off screen violence

Section 1 (P1): Back story of the actor and his encounters with psychopathic behaviour. Introduces the other actors who have played the same role and their effects

The Joker is the arch enemy of the Batman, who holds psychopathic traits in the comic book universe. He is famously known for the way he looks as well as acts, in and off comic book material. The character has been largely influenced by "The Man Who Laughs" (1928), which acted as the base point of what the character would look like and be perceived like. It wasn't until The Dark Knight movie had finally had its own adaption on the character, and it was fantastic. However, after the death of the actor who played the Joker; Heath Ledger, there had grown conspiracies over his death. Many artefacts were discovered such as his journal and behind the scenes information. Furthermore, a gun shooting had taken place in which a young man had claimed that he 'was the joker'. This had become one of cinema's iconic moments, where an audience member had mimicked the crimes and violence he had seen on screen and did them in real life.

Key points:

• DC's influence to create the Joker (the man who laughed)
• the rise of the controversy (mainly about Heath Ledger)
• police evidence (notebook, hotel locking)
• other actors who played the role and their effects of playing the character (Jared Leto)

Quotes:

• William H. Macy- Quote~ “My heart goes out to his family and his kid. I don’t know, you know, people have demons. Sometimes it’s hard to see them”
• Thalia R. Goldstein-  Do fictional characters on screen have an impact on audience members?
• News link (Gun sales going up after theatre shootings): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18981769

Section 2 (P2):

The film had a positive reaction and had gained so much recognition for one of the best performances ever made of screen, and that was the performance made the Ledger. It has been critically acclaimed as one of the best trilogies of all time, and has even won an oscar for the Joker's portrayal. The shootings at the Aurora had sparked so much news coverage over the influence that on screen characters such as the Joker. Another infamous case that is also very much linked to this topic is the incident on James Bulger, and how the young teenagers mimicked the violence on screen by the film 'Child's Play'. Since people were familiar with the case, it has been a while since such events have happened, however this incident had brought about moral panics which (largely) the media created.

• The impact that the film had on audience members/critics.
• appraisal as one of the best performances ever
• Give an example of the 'James Bulger' case and the media reaction to it
• IT incident (the poster) created the killer clown craze
• The sense of moral panics towards such content and films

Genre (Argue the representation of the superhero genre, moral panics for the future of child films)-

• Parents misinterpretation of the genre to be 'kidy' and associated with children
• the dark theme makes the mainstream think otherwise
• people re-think the future of superhero movies (dark, gritty?)
• moral panics due to the rise of dark themed superhero movies (children influence)

Audiences (Audience theories)-

• Audience impact when watching the film
• critic reviews
• the James Bulger case
• hypodermic needle model theory and the media's negative portrayal of cinema
• creation of moral panics

Media Theories:

* Hypodermic Needle Model reference

Quotes:

• "The Dark Knight became the fourth highest grossing film of all time. Clearly something about the film appeals to viewers, despite its subversive narrative structure".
• "...Nolan's nightmarish version of the Joker persistently suggests his capacity as an agent of chaos".
• "images of the 2001 attracts and their capacity to elicit emotional effect and incite trauma in viewers, and second, The Dark Knight's potential to revoke such effects through flashbulb memory, the arresting image, or a simulation of traumatic memory".
• "What the Joker makes clear in The Dark Knight is the success evil can enjoy when we naively ignore the presence of evil".
• “Genres may be defined as patterns/forms/styles/structures which transcend individual films, and which supervise both their construction by the film maker, and their reading by an audience”.

Section 3 (P3): The Joker and his connection to the audience (justification of why he can influence the audience)

The Joker has had many different portrayals over the years, but one doesn't come close to the way Heath Ledger portrayed his incarnation of the Clown Prince of Crime. This villainous character was more than just a straight-up superhero villain, he had a role that completely subverted audience expectations of what a villain should be like. One of the major things that had an impact on the influence the character had on the audience, was the mise-en-scene and camera presentation. Furthermore, ever since the passing of Ledger, audiences have been clamouring that the character should be returned to the silver screen, and it came in the form of Jared Leto. Although, in the new Suicide Squad (2016) for less than 10 minutes, he had a major role off set. Cast members being frightened of the insanity that the actor was going through, showing traits of what Ledger was facing. It was allowing the media to reinforce the moral panics that the Aurora shootings may not be the last.

• Evidence and information regarding the accused
• the past Joker influences (by actors)
• events and crimes that have been influenced by the Joker
• this aftermath of the shooting (gun sales)

Media Language (Posters, clothing, props, make-up)-

The above image was the first teaser at the Joker's visual side of the new Dark Knight movie. As you can see from first glance, it doesn't look like it is anywhere in relation to a Batman movie, rather a new horror movie. This poster gives off the impression of a horror film, everything from the anonymous blurry effect to the make-up of a clown gives off the impression of all things horror. If this poster didn't come with a Dark Knight title, audience members (such as myself) would have led to believe that this was a teaser for an upcoming horror movie just strictly based off of its visual style and effects. 

Narrative (How has the selected scene tried to convey and narrative and what form of narrative it trying to be shown)

• narrative through the characters voice (Jokers scar stories)
• linear narrative
• chaos

Quotes: 

• "Objectively, one can label the Joker as evil, but his make-up, his purple suit, and his absurdity can still seduce the objectivity-minded guardians of good".
• "The Dark Knight's cinematography and mise-en-scene continually operate to slightly aspects of 9/11".

• "The twist, of course, is that this is a new breed of criminal (and not just because he shoots his fellow thieves), one who dislocates himself from the narratives sterilised notion evil that characterises the mobsters".
• "the Joker's behaviour with chaos theory in that his actions provoke scenes of spectacular destruction".
• Article about Jared Leto sending gifts to fellow cast members of Suicide Squad:
  http://www.cinemablend.com/new/How-Jared-Leto-Dead-Pig-Stunt-Affected-Viola-Davis-Suicide-Squad-Performance-113127.html
• Joker influences in real life-

  whatculture.com/comics/9-horrifying-real-crimes-inspired-joker#

Section 4 (P4): Introduce the historical text (1960's Batman). Show the change in the time periods (Zeitgist) etc as well as the differences in the texts overall. Form a focus on the Joker and how he is portrayed. Reference other texts (small section), preferably Black Mass (2015).

The Joker has been played by various different actors over the years, and have had their own interpretations of the character. One of the most iconic was the 1960's batman TV show, which intern brought the character of the Batman and Robin duo (as well as Joker) to an on screen performance. However, this portrayal was more in fit with the time period it was created in. It followed various similarities in the sense that ideologies, values and expectations of the audience was reflected through this TV show, creating a more 'camp' and 'comedic' tone to the character simply for audience pleasures.

• how the historical text version of batman has changed over the years
• fit for the current audience and pleasures at the time (camp, comedic, slap-stick)
• the different portrayal of the Joker and the differences between the 1960's and the current version
• Other films such as Black Mass, and how they convey a similar dark/psychopathic portrayal to the audience

Quotes:

• “there were two main reasons for the appearance of genre and genre’s on the agenda of theorists…. One was the desire to engage in a serious and positive way with popular cinema in general and with Hollywood in particular”.
• 
  

   “Hollywood and its films- on the grounds that they were commercially produced, that they were aimed at a mass market, that they were ideologically or aesthetically 

  conservative…”.

Section 5 (P5): Overall conclusion whether or not, is there a form of link towards content viewed on screen and to the consumers who take in this information. *Can be for or against the question.

Although it may not prove 100% that audience members are effected by what they see, there is an extent to where they feel influenced, or even emotionally connected to what they have viewed and is something they will not forget. The fact that the director can try and aim for a specific take on a character can really create something innovative and iconic, similar to the way that Joker was presented. There have been past encounters with on screen violence being re-enacted off screen including other media outlets such as video games, and therefore show that there is some degree of influence upon audience members.

Critical Investigation Task #5

Critical Investigation Introduction Paragraph

Q: To what extent are on-screen Hollywood villains, such as ‘The Dark Knight’s 'Joker', having an impact on the audience?

Old Introduction Paragraph

Despite the world's fandom for the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy, there is a mega shift in the tone and feel of Hollywood characters especially those in the superhero genre. This is particularly apparent in Christopher Nolan's highly commended Dark Knight Trilogy where the character of the Joker does just that. In Nolan's film, the Joker has seemed to be one of the best performances ever made by Heath Leger. It has been praised as one of the best acting portrayals in cinema history, and this is very much influenced by the fans reaction. Heath Ledger's Joker has seen to set a bar in acting, as one of the best portrayals on screen ever, and his Joker has gained much love from fans and audience members across the world who are in delved in to the character of the Joker. After the final instalment of The Dark Knight franchise (The Dark Knight Rises), fans were eager to see what was next for the Batman, as he has just defeated his most iconic enemy of all time; The Joker. However, a shooting had taken place in Aurora where the accused had stated in the court room that he was 'the Joker' and had re-enacted traits that the on-screen character would do, things such as bombs in his room as a booby trap. This had raised awareness by not only the media, but also audience members whether or not such characters should be viewed by the audience as it has seen to of had an impact on a fellow audience member. The character has been argued to have kept in place to interact with the modern audience, and that they relate more too serious characters. However, this can be seen in the 1960's adaption of the Batman characters which took an alternative approach to the same characters including the portrayal of the Joker. This essay will be exploring to what extent are on screen character such as the Joker having an impact on audience members.

Word count: 333

New Introduction Paragraph

Despite the world's fandom for the critically acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy, there is a mega shift in the tone and feel of Hollywood characters especially those in the superhero genre. This is particularly apparent in Christopher Nolan's highly commended Dark Knight Trilogy where the character of the Joker does just that. In Nolan's film, the Joker has seemed to be one of the best performances ever made by Heath Leger. It has been praised as one of the best acting portrayals in cinema history, and this is very much influenced by the fans reaction. Fans and film viewers in general were very pleased with the portrayal of the Joker they demanded more of it, unfortunately the actor Heath Ledger had died shorty after the films release. Conspiracy had generated after the passing of Ledger where it was believed that the actor couldn't tell the difference between being a psychopath of the Joker or being a normal man. A moral panic had launched in the media which got people including parents concerned whether this type of portrayals are really suitable for a younger demographic especially when it is for a 12A certificate. What also was controversial is the fact that an incident had taken place where a member of the audience (who was watching the final instalment of the franchise), had got up and killed many viewers who were watching the last Dark Knight movie in Aurora cinema. What is so fascinating is that an on screen character- The Joker had influenced this man to go out and mimic his actions that occurred on screen. "The Dark Knight became the fourth highest grossing film of all time. Clearly something about the film appeals to viewers, despite its subversive narrative structure" [1]. This is precisely the aim of what the essay is trying to argue, if there is a correlation of content seen on screen and the viewers who consume it.

Word count: 320 (with quote)

500 Word Argument

Q: "This house believes that films featuring ethnic minorities should only be produced by those who have the ethnic identity being represented."

This question is one of the hardest questions to argue, simply due to the fact that it involves personal references. On one hand, we have the idea that stereotypes are being reinforced by those who simply don’t understand the culture, and on the other we have a side where creativity will be put to a halt.

Firstly, one reason why I am for this argument is because stereotypes that are currently presented in film are very unequal. Films such as Deadpool or even Hancok have this ‘typical’ portrayal of ‘the indian’ man as either a cab driver (as seen in Deadpool’s Dopinder) or even a shop keeper. As someone who is from this culture it is seen why people get easily offended by this typical role being constantly presented to us audiences. Not only are stereotypes reinforced, but also the meaning presented. If a white director was creating a film based on a black person, the message that either the narrative, speech or even actions may be interpreted very differently. They may do a lot of research, but they don’t know how to present this in the best way possible to convey the meaning as they have never felt it before. People, who are essentially watching their own live being presented back at them, would feel shocked and offended with the way in which this text tries to send out a message. It goes to show, that someone who is not from the same background, may not fully understand the culture and ideologies that people of that culture have.

One reason why this argument can be subverted is simply due to the creative limitations it can hold for future films. This is because the house states that the directors and creative people should ONLY stick to creating films/content that are associated to their life and culture. However, this will ultimately lead to lower creativity on so many levels. If someone who is seeing someone else homeless and decides to make a film about him/her, it creates awareness but most importantly it creates an informative piece of work. Majority of today’s cinema (and the past) has had a range of successful films that are not associated with the directors culture, and if this question comes in to reality there will be less creative work being presented and it would essentially harm the industry. People won’t be able to experience something new and exciting which is what cinema and film is all about.

Overall, I stand 50/50 on this debate as I believe that both sides of the argument are fairly relevant in today’s society. On one hand, there are films that create an offensive tone to the audience un-intentionally, and on the other there will be a lack of creativity being given out of the industry.  If a group of people have been bullied over a certain thing and a film trues to convey that feeling, it may make that group deeply offended as that is not the correct way that specific topic should be handled or conveyed. In addition, people should have the freedom to create films based off of their experiences and what they deem to be an entertaining story films such as Django (directed by Tarantino) is a film that isn’t directed by a black director but is yet one of the most successful Tarantino films to date. Why? Because people love the creative approach to such stories. 

Critical Investigation Task #4

Essay Plan- Critical Investigation

Q: To what extent are on-screen Hollywood villains, such as ‘The Dark Knight’s 'Joker', having an impact on the audience?

Introduction:

• A brief description of my text- The Dark Knight Trilogy as one of the most successful film series of all time. Money references (box office), comic book institution (DC), and the influence of the Joker. 
• why I am arguing this question- the controversy that the film has developed over the years, reference the James Bulger case and show the 'possible' link between the two texts
• hypothesis for the end of the essay- what I want the end of the essay to show, the outcome (possible)

Section 1 (P1): Back story of the actor and his encounters with psychopathic behaviour. Introduces the other actors who have played the same role and their effects

• DC's influence to create the Joker (the man who laughed)
• the rise of the controversy (mainly about Heath Ledger)
• police evidence (notebook, hotel lockings)
• other actors who played the role and their effects of playing the character (Jared Leto)

Section 2 (P2): *Hypodermic Needle Model reference

• The impact that the film had on audience members/critics.
• appraisal as one of the best performances ever
• Give an example of the 'James Bulger' case and the media reaction to it
• The sense of moral panics towards such content and films

Section 3 (P3): MIGRAIN Analysis (reference the textual analysis of the two Joker scenes).

Media Language (Posters, clothing, props, make-up)-

The above image was the first teaser at the Joker's visual side of the new Dark Knight movie. As you can see from first glance, it doesn't look like it is anywhere in relation to a Batman movie, rather a new horror movie. This poster gives off the impression of a horror film, everything from the anonymous blurry effect to the make-up of a clown gives off the impression of all things horror. If this poster didn't come with a Dark Knight title, audience members (such as myself) would have led to believe that this was a teaser for an upcoming horror movie just strictly based off of its visual style and effects. 

Institutions (Censorship, Box office record)-

• Box office success with each film (in the trilogy)
• draw links between the films (which was the most successful? why?)
• off screen violence

Genre (Argue the representation of the superhero genre, moral panics for the future of child films)-

• Parents misinterpretation of the genre to be 'kidy' and associated with children
• the dark theme makes the mainstream think otherwise
• people re-think the future of superhero movies (dark, gritty?)
• moral panics due to the rise of dark themed superhero movies (children influence)

Representation (representation of women in Dark Knight Rises, and criminals)-

• women's passive[ness] is reinforced
• women seen as 'objects'a man's toy
• damsel in distress is reinforced (batman saving Rachel)
• woman to be the only one to have affairs with men (using men)
• the poor portrayal of criminals- societies real view of them
• the reality of how they are treated (by the public)

Audiences (Audience theories)-

• Audience impact when watching the film
• critic reviews
• the James Bulger case
• hypodermic needle model theory and the media's negative portrayal of cinema
• creation of moral panics

Ideologies (Audience opinion and perception towards the content/film)-

• the positive reviews that people (including fans) gave the film
• the tension that the character builds through-out the film

Narrative (How has the selected scene tried to convey and narrative and what form of narrative it trying to be shown)

• narrative through the characters voice (Jokers scar stories)
• linear narrative
• chaos

Section 4 (P4): Introduce the historical text (1960's Batman). Show the change in the time periods (Zeitgist) etc as well as the differences in the texts overall. Form a focus on the Joker and how he is portrayed. Reference other texts (small section), preferably Black Mass (2015).

• how the historical text version of batman has changed over the years
• fit for the current audience and pleasures at the time (camp, comedic, slap-stick)
• the different portrayal of the Joker and the differences between the 1960's and the current version
• Other films such as Black Mass, and how they convey a similar dark/psychopathic portrayal to the audience

Section 5 (P5): Overall conclusion whether or not, is there a form of link towards content viewed on screen and to the consumers who take in this information. *Can be for or against the question.

• Although it may not prove 100% that audience members are effected by what they see, there is an extent to where they feel influenced, or even emotionally connected to what they have viewed and is something they will not forget.

Bibliography

Critical Investigation bibliography 

Works cited:

Books

Barrie Gunter. (1998).The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked

Gina Misiroglu- The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood

Karin Beeler. Children's Film in the Digital Age: Essays on Audience, Adaptation and Consumer Culture

Maximillien de Lafayette- Hollywood's Earth Shattering Scandals: The infamous, villains, nymphomaniacs and shady character in motion pictures. 8th Edition

Melvyn Stokes. (2007). Hollywood Abroad: Audiences and Cultural Exchange

Neale Steve. (2000). Genre and Hollywood

Timothy McGlinchey. (2016). Audience and Empathy. Film as a Uniquely Evocative Medium

Quotes

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “there were two main reasons for the appearance of genre and genre’s on the agenda of theorists…. One was the desire to engage in a serious and positive way with popular cinema in general and with Hollywood in particular”.

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “Hollywood and its films- on the grounds that they were commercially produced, that they were aimed at a mass market, that they were ideologically or aesthetically 

conservative…”.

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “…that they were imbued with the values of entertainment and fantasy rather than those of realism, art or serious aesthetic stylization”. 

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The second was that in the cinema, the figure equivalent to the artist or author (auteur) in painting or in literature was- or could be- the director”.

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The impact of auteurism on film criticism in general and on the criticism and appreciation of Hollywood films in particular was immense. It enabled both a systematic charting of a great deal of Hollywood’s output, and much detailed discussion of form, style, theme and mise-en-scene”.  

Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 12. “Genres may be defined as patterns/forms/styles/structures which transcend individual films, and which supervise both their construction by the film maker, and their reading by an audience”.

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “there were two main reasons for the appearance of genre and genre’s on the agenda of theorists…. One was the desire to engage in a serious and positive way with popular cinema in general and with Hollywood in particular”.

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10.  “Hollywood and its films- on the grounds that they were commercially produced, that they were aimed at a mass market, that they were ideologically or aesthetically conservative…”.

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “…that they were imbued with the values of entertainment and fantasy rather than those of realism, art or serious aesthetic stylization”. 

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The second was that in the cinema, the figure equivalent to the artist or author (auteur) in painting or in literature was- or could be- the director”.   

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The impact of auteurism on film criticism in general and on the criticism and appreciation of Hollywood films in particular was immense. It enabled both a systematic charting of a great deal of Hollywood’s output, and much detailed discussion of form, style, theme and mise-en-scene”.  

MM57.Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 12. “Genres may be defined as patterns/forms/styles/structures which transcend individual films, and which supervise both their construction by the film maker, and their reading by an audience”.

Moving texts

·         Black Mass (2014)- Directed by Scott Cooper

·         Goodfellas (1990)- Directed by Martin Scorsese

·         Chucky (1988)- Directed by Tom Holland

·         Scarface (1983)- Directed by Brian De Palma

·         A Clockwork Orange (1971)- Directed by Stanley Kubrick 

Online

Aurora cinema shooting BBC article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18937513

American clown sightings article: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/05/clown-sightings-south-carolina-alabama

Amazon review- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Killing-Joke-SpecialEd/dp/1401216676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476173266&sr=81&keywords=the+killing+joke+comic

Article about Jared Leto sending gifts to fellow cast members of Suicide Squad:

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/How-Jared-Leto-Dead-Pig-Stunt-Affected-Viola-Davis-Suicide-Squad-Performance-113127.html

A tweet from a highly acclaimed person regarding Ledger’s death: 

https://www.accesshollywood.com/articles/updated-stars-react-to-heath-ledgers-death-62175/

Batman shooting info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Aurora_shooting

Documentary of the batman shootings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeQgz9uDhqY

Ledger’s notebook conspiracy: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3193027/Documentary-Heath-Ledger-s-father-reveals-journal-actor-kept-prepared-role-Joker-resurfaces.html

News link (Gun sales going up after theatre shootings): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18981769

News link (Obama’s reaction to the shootings): http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18949783

Jared Leto’s psychopathic off-screen acting:

http://www.metronews.ca/views/in-focus-richard-crouse/2016/08/04/how-jared-leto-freaked-out-his-suicide-squad-costars.html

Wikipedia document on the ‘Mass Media’- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influence_of_mass_media

Man dressed as Batman to fight clown craze:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/12/man-dressed-as-batman-chases-killer-clowns-in-cumbria/

Man dressed as batman to fight crime (Bromley Batman): http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/655343/Victim-claims-she-was-saved-by-none-other-than-the-Bromley-Batman

Journals

Do fictional characters on screen have an impact on audience members?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mind-stage/201211/do-fictional-characters-affect-our-real-life

Heath Ledger death conspiracy: http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/what-killed-heath-ledger-documentary-reveals-chilling-details/story-INYcak19qwQOeYeLuuwyGN.html

Joker influences in real life- whatculture.com/comics/9-horrifying-real-crimes-inspired-joker

Kirsh Olczak. (2002). https://www.geneseo.edu/~kirsh/vita/kirsh%20olczak.pdf 

Looper staff- http://www.looper.com/13883/joker-haunted-every-actor-played-role/

Print texts

News-paper article on IT (film remake) and its influence on the killer clown craze influence: London Evening Standard (broadsheet) - Page 5

Media Magazine regarding Dark Knight Trilogy (MM44, Page 37): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0i5diL3vrEiSGxRNHIyZmM4Ums

Critical Investigation Task #3

Historical text analysis and research

Chosen text: Goodfellas (1990)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pQ6fd6iO_c

• How society and the issue you are investigating has changed over the years and how these changes are reflected in different media texts?

The censorship that this film had back in the 90's has changed significantly int he 21st century cinema. For its time period, this film contained a lot of graphical content that would have most likely stirred up controversy for a film. Everything from stabbing scenes to shooting scene's, majority of the killing scenes in this film were too graphical especially during the 90's. Furthermore, the psychopathic portrayal of Tommy Devito was something unique to audiences, as it was a portrayal of an actual man in real life. But audience members may be used to this portrayal as films such as Freddie and The Shinning show off similar character to Devito's and therefore it may not come across something too shocking.

The one way that this portrayal has changed is its shift in genre. The psychopathic story lines and character have now shifted to horror genre as it basically gives audiences a separation from this portrayal. It can be considered as a way of 'dumbing-down audiences' as they cant handle graphical content for a crime film and therefore the character has to shift to a completely different genre, most likely horror. 

• How popular culture reflects the 'spirit of the age' or zeitgeist?

The text very much reflects the time period it was created in. The use of the props and speech is something that is carried over to the film and not necessarily a significant part of the film. The creation and widespread of the mafia all over America was something that Americans were very afraid of, as they have previously been used to seeing such people involved in attacks. The film was essentially mirroring societies fears of the mafia at the time as there was so much news coverage of them at the time.

• How is it similar/different to your main text?

Similarities- The things that are similar in this text to my original/main text is the psychopathic approach that the character 'Tommy Devito' has. The reason why I hold interest in this character is causerie Goodfellas isn't an intentional horror/gory film. It's a biopic of an actual event and people that had taken place long ago. This is similar to the Dark Knight as the film director wasn't wanting to make a horror-like film, its the audiences reaction to the characters that made the Joker feel more like a character that has been ripped out of a horror film due to his portrayal. The character Tommy Devito shows traits that the Joker has in the Dark Knight film. His over-the-top killing spree's and his verbal communication is what generally creates the horror feel in this character which is what the Joker has in the film.

Differences- The main difference is the approach to the character as well as the entire genre that this film is based off of. The film is a biopic about an actual event whereas The Dark Knight is based on a fictional character as well as being in the superhero genre. 

• How does this show how the genre/society/issue has changed?

Society has changed very much. Their expectations for films is defined by its genre. They know what to expect to when they watch a comedy, or an action film. However during the 20th century, there was different aspects of many genres in one film. Audiences deemed this to be 'acceptable' and has been like this till now. There has been a great split during the ages where audiences can no longer handle such content which now results in characters and themes to be only suitable for a specific genre. 

Chosen text: Batman (1960's)

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgakLemPh_k

• How society and the issue you are investigating has changed over the years and how these changes are reflected in different media texts?

This is very much the same source as my original text The Dark Knight as these two texts are based off of the same characters as well as the villain I am focusing on. The Joker is the key element I was to discuss in this essay regarding his portrayal being completely different due to the time period it being set it. This portrayal of the batman and the joker is very camp-like as well as being dumbed down for audience members. 

• How popular culture reflects the 'spirit of the age' or zeitgeist?

These characters were best suited to fit the time period it was designed for. The 1960's is more of a fun time period, where there was largely comedy shows dominating audience pleasures and this was no exception. There weren't any graphical content during that time, majority of such things were censored and therefore this show was to reinforce the typical American values and expectations towards a TV show. People wanted to see camp like theme and more of a less serious tone to it, and this is what the show reflected.

• How is it similar/different to your main text?

Similarities: This text shares the same characters that I am investigating which is the batman characters. This is essentially a different and historical portrayal of the text I am viewing as it can show how times have changed and how audience demand for more serious content has changed over the years. Furthermore, the text does follow some aspects of the original DC character of batman, as a detective which is a similarity between the two texts.
Differences: There are many differences between the two texts as the characters are portrayed in very different ways. The Dark Knight batman is portrayed as dark and gritty and approaches the audience with a more serious matter. However the batman tv show has a more comedic approach to it, trying to fit the norm with what audiences during that time would expect from a tv show. They expected slapstick comedy and hilarious tones rather than serious tones. 

• How does this show how the genre/society/issue has changed?

Audience has changed so much since the 60's. They don't want the 'kiddy' portrayal of a character. They have grown to like serious themes and tones in movies, things that show a unique twist to what they were expecting. Which is what many films in today's society are doing. Films such as Man of Steel show a very dark tone to the character, ways in which audiences have never experienced or even imagined. The ideology of changing a camp-like content and having its own fresh take is something that is common in today's society. Characters like the Joker had shown this when Jack Nicholson portrayed the joker in Tim Burton's batman movie. It was a fresh take on the joker, one of which made his scary rather than the 60's way of being presented as 'stupid' or 'funny'. 

Updated Notes and Quotes Document

Updated Version

Q: To what extent are on-screen Hollywood villains, such as ‘The Dark Knight’s’ 'Joker', having an impact on the audience?

Total words: 4,542

[1] Batman shooting info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Aurora_shooting

During the release of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated and final take on the Batman movie, fans have been eagerly waiting for the film’s release. However, when the film had launched in Aurora, an incident took place regarding a male shooting people in the theatre who were watching the new Batman film. The man, known as James Holmes was arrested, and when Police wanted to know the reasons for the shooting, James simply stated ‘I am the Joker’. He even went to the extent to mimic the characters comic book portrayal by booby-trapping his room, if some and to enter it the bomb would go off.

I could use this as an introduction, introducing the examiner to the topic and what is happening as well as what I am arguing. This is because without any contextual insight in to what I am arguing, the examiner won't know what i'm arguing and why I am doing so. Furthermore, this article by WIKI will most definatley help when it comes to developing/creating an introduction. It will help the examiner/marker to understand where i am going with this investigation and where i would like to end up at the end of the critical investigation.

[2] Documentary of the batman shootings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeQgz9uDhqY

This documentary is the coverage of the Aurora shootings and the in depth investigation of what lead to this event from taking place. I could use evidence from the documentary to show the fear and emotions that people were having towards this event and drawing up a link between he on screen Joker portrayal, as the accused had been stated to have been mimicking the characters on screen doings in reality- this being one of them.

[3] American clown sightings article: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2016/oct/05/clown-sightings-south-carolina-alabama

A famous craze has been scouring the globe, as people dressed like clowns. Some have led to believe that the sightings are influenced partly by the Joker iconic appearance. A recent film called ‘Suicide Squad’ had the appearance of ‘the new Joker’ which held the iconic characters comic book portrayal as a cynical villain.

[4] Barrie Gunter: The effects of video games on children: the myth unmasked (1998)

This book is about the effect that video games have on children who play them. Although, my argument isn’t to do with video games, it is linked with the media having an impact on audiences. I could use this as proof that characters on multi-media platforms such as games, are causing audience/players to be influenced to do something (may be a good/bad deed). I would like to write a small section regarding this as I am showing wider knowledge of other industries that can have the same impact as cinema does. 

[5] Kirsh Olczak- https://www.geneseo.edu/~kirsh/vita/kirsh%20olczak.pdf (2002)

This document is about the comparison that violent comic books have compared with non-violent comic books. This is similar to the games link. Although, this isn’t a reference to films, however the reference to the film’s original source material. As I am talking about ‘The Dark Knight’ it origin of story is from the comic book adaptation produced by DC comics. Therefore, if there is seen to be graphic content on screen, there may be graphic content seen within the comic book. And I would like to show that print has a part to take when such controversial texts are being noticed by the public. 

[6] Looper staff- 

http://www.looper.com/13883/joker-haunted-every-actor-played-role/

This article draws the conclusion that the ‘Joker’ character has had on the actors who played them. And use valid evidence to show the effects of such a character would have on an actor. This site will come useful as it shows the impact that the Joker has had on each and every one of their individual lives. I could use this as a reference that the character has had more than one impact on a person other than Heath Ledger. 

[7] Maximillien de Lafayette- Hollywood's Earth Shattering Scandals: The infamous, villains, nymphomaniacs and shady character in motion pictures. 8th Edition. 

This book reveals the truth behind actors and actresses off set from a movie production. Their on screen portrayals are what blinds the aud8ience into thinking that is their real life portrayals; however the reality is hidden off screen. The book shows cases from famous faces in Hollywood who have suffered from traumatic experiences of drugs relationship problems. I could use this as a way to show how; the on screen character may take a toll on the actor’s life, or even create a disruption in their lives. For example, Heath Ledger locked himself in a room (hotel room) to fully dive in to the Joker role, this made Ledger’s real life self very different compared to before portraying the Joker. 

[8] Gina Misiroglu- The Supervillain Book: The Evil Side of Comics and Hollywood

This book is about the iconic villains in all texts such as comics, and it explored their creator’s mind-set and end goal in which they would want the character to be portrayed. I could use this text as it could show the intentions that the Joker creator (Bill Finger) wanted the character to come across. He may have wanted the reader to be scared and frightened of his character. 

[9] Aurora cinema shooting BBC article: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18937513

This BBC article shows the traumatic aftermath that the shooting had had on the citizens of Aurora. It also goes in to detail, of what the accused killer had done in preparation to leading up to the event. I could use this, as evidence to show that the Joker has actually had an impact on viewer, as the killer stated in court “I am the Joker”. He even went to the extent of booby-trapping his room.

[10] News link (Gun sales going up after theatre shootings): 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18981769

This article shows the rise in the number of guns and weaponry going up in America after the shooting of Aurora. This can also act as evidence as I could use statistics, to back-up the point that people in America have been influenced by this act made by James Holmes. Furthermore, this article can also state the opposing side of the argument. The side that American citizens are so convinced that this act can occur any time in the future, that they purchase gun's and weapons for safety purposes. 

[11] News link (Heath Ledger death conspiracy):

 http://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/what-killed-heath-ledger-documentary-reveals-chilling-details/story-INYcak19qwQOeYeLuuwyGN.html

This website is about the Joker’s impact on Heath Ledgers life. It states that the role he was doing had influenced him to go into depression and do drugs which tragically lead him to his death. I could use this article to show how the character had influenced the actor and how this may have an impact on the audience members who view this character as ‘the greatest’.

[12] News link (Ledger’s notebook conspiracy): 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3193027/Documentary-Heath-Ledger-s-father-reveals-journal-actor-kept-prepared-role-Joker-resurfaces.html

This article goes in depth of how Ledger went in to the role of his most iconic big screen portrayal yet- The Joker. It shows the 'unseen' side of what actually happened and the consiparcy that is built in to this situation. First of all, the video shows the frightning drawings and notes that Leger did to himself via his note book. There were many references to suicidal thoughts and acts throughout his notebook which grew suspicion of Ledgers darker side. The words he was using were very much linked to joker's comic book wording. It created a big conspiracy amongst the press as they were lead to believe (judging on the information found) that Ledger had been in fact under the manipulation of the Joker character and that he subsidies his complete life in to this character that it took over him.

[13] News link (Obama’s reaction to the shootings): 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-18949783

This BBC article shows the shear reaction that Obama had towards the Aurora shooting, and his determination to crack down on tightening gun laws in the US. It shows how the impact of gun violence has led to the government trying to put something into place. I can bring forth (or reference) the political aspect that this event had had on the US especially the president. This was one of many gun attacks which America faced for years and this speech can show how horrific such events are and the extent to which they cause empathy to one another.

[14] Amazon review- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Batman-Killing-Joke-Special-Ed/dp/1401216676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476173266&sr=8-1&keywords=the+killing+joke+comic

Author: R.Rampton (Amazon review) Quote~ “Fantastic artwork and dark thrills are going to make this a winner on Christmas day, i know it. Only problem... I was sorely tempted to keep it for myself!”

This review from Amazon about a graphic novel dedicated to the origin story of Joker shows how its dark atmosphere and r-rated theme creates a positive impact on the reader. Normally, people associate this tone with adult content, and comics are to do with children. However, to read this text, they seem to accept it, it could be possible that they are also accepting the events that go on in that novel.

[15] Jared Leto’s psychopathic off-screen acting:

http://www.metronews.ca/views/in-focus-richard-crouse/2016/08/04/how-jared-leto-freaked-out-his-suicide-squad-costars.html

In this article it shows how the newest addition to actors playing the Joker, has been suspiciously been acting somewhat awkward to cast members as well as in real life. Jared Leto who is going to play the new Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad, has dedicated all his time in to playing the Joker. Some much so, when he’s off screen he wants people (cast members, director and crew) to call him Mr J (which is a short abbreviation to Joker). It shows how the character he was playing has taken grips of his life and he is acting scary on set.

[16] A tweet from a highly acclaimed person regarding Ledger’s death: 

https://www.accesshollywood.com/articles/updated-stars-react-to-heath-ledgers-death-62175/

William H. Macy- Quote~ “My heart goes out to his family and his kid. I don’t know, you know, people have demons. Sometimes it’s hard to see them”

This is a tweet from an iconic person within the media who has written a tweet sending his condolences to Ledgers family members, but also expressing his views on the situation. Towards the end of his tweet he reinforces the fact that there was a darker side the Ledger, and that people were blinded by this fact. It goes to show, how people who didn’t even know the actor, believe that there is a different side to the story than before.

[17] Do fictional characters on screen have an impact on audience members?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mind-stage/201211/do-fictional-characters-affect-our-real-life

This is an article created by Thalia R. Goldstein who has created an in depth article about the impact that fictional character have on audience members. I believe that this article is very vital for my critical investigation as it is arguing a similar point to what my critical investigation is based off of. I could use a lot of quotes from this article alone as it has more of a direct link to what my investigation is to do with.

[18] Wikipedia document on the ‘Mass Media’-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influence_of_mass_media

Similar to the previous link, this is a wiki article about the influence of mass media. Although it isn’t a ‘direct’ link to my critical investigation, I need to show the audience side as well and this article is very audience heavy which can aid me in that field. I can gain more knowledge of the mass media and how they are feel towards certain texts being shown. It's data being shown from a group of people rather than individual.

[19] Joker influences in real life-

whatculture.com/comics/9-horrifying-real-crimes-inspired-joker

I could talk about, how there is proof that characters such as the Joker have had an actual impact on audience members, as this article shows 9 crimes that have been influenced by the on screen character to commit crimes. Although, it doesn’t work for every audience member, I am talking about the fact that there is a possibility that an audience member will be influenced to re-enact the characters portrayal on screen in real life. 

[20] Man dressed as Batman to fight clown craze:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/10/12/man-dressed-as-batman-chases-killer-clowns-in-cumbria/

This article is a little different to the one I am going to be discussing further one regarding the 'Bromely Batman'. In fact this article is about despite the wide spread of clown crazes who have largely been influenced by the new 'IT' movie poster, there is also a man dressed as batman on the streets. This article shows how even a hero on screen can be mimicked by audience members and it is not entirely based around the villain. This article shows a man dressed as batman who is hunting the streets of his home town for clown, so that he can scare them and deter them from appearing again. This is essentially a mimic of the onscreen duo Batman and Joker and it is being re-enacted in real life. 

I can talk about this article in my critical investigation by showing that it isn't always the villain that can be influential, but also the hero. I believe this can bring forth some levity and balance to the critical investigation as I am showing the marker/examiner that I can see the point from both sides of my argument.

[21] News-paper article on IT (film remake) and its influence on the killer clown craze influence:

London Evening Standard (broadsheet) - Page 5

This article is about the recent craze that the world (first America) had faced with which was known as ‘The Killer Clown craze’. This was an event at spread across the world where people would dress like a clown and scare people in public. This has seen to be influenced by the recent release of the new ‘IT’ remake, where this craze had originally originated from. This is another form of research which I could use to back up my critical investigation title as it links very much to what I am arguing. 

[22] Man dressed as batman to fight crime (Bromley Batman):

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/655343/Victim-claims-she-was-saved-by-none-other-than-the-Bromley-Batman

This is another vital research link that is about a man dressed as batman and goes out fighting crime. The reason why I chose this article for my footnotes, is because it also linked to my critical investigation title, of Hollywood characters influencing the audience to put what they see on screen in to reality. I want to show the alternative side to my argument, that it’s not only negative things that the audience are influenced by; but the good as well. I want to talk about how there are people who inspire to be the heroes they see on screen and want to deter those who do wrong. That is what the article is about; it’s about a man who is serving justice similar to the on screen adaptation of the character. 

[23] Book text (1):

https://wordery.com/childrens-film-in-the-digital-age-karin-beeler-9780786475964?currency=GBP&gtrck=QWJiQytJUmZmellmRUJCeHhiQkZIcHMxL1l1RXhyTkpVR3hlU3AzWitsNnkzRzFUbGNsell2QzdzOTk4MFBhaXlueVhYRDBoZTI4TVN5OXpWMnNqNmc9PQ&gclid=CNWxuZHG188CFdU_GwodPM4MWQ

This academic book is a collection of essay’s that that explore how children are affected by multi-media strategies as well as their consuming culture towards media texts. I believe this to be a vital text as it can show how certain segments of audience members react to what they see on screen and throughout the media. I don't want to subjectify my critical investigation to a singular age group (that being of the adult category). I believe it is equally important to add balance to the argument and discuss its impact towards kids. This will work well as my text is in close relation/link to the children age group as it is regarding superhero movies like Batman and therefore it is key to include information about their opinions on content.

Furthermore, the idea that children's views on films in the 21st century have changed so much since the 20th century. Somethings have become the 'norm' of movies such as witnessing blood splatter out of a man's mouth, or someone being exploded by a hero. These are all things that happen in children films showing that films are in fact keeping up with children's ideology changes towards films and what they deem as acceptable and extreme. Sexual scenes is obviously something that isn't for young children, but kissing is. This text could dive in to the fact that children's aception of films may have changed and may suggest a reason for them to accept the Dark Knight trilogy as a 'superhero film' and have nop issues regarding its dark and gritty atmosphere. 

[24] Book text (2):

https://wordery.com/hollywood-abroad-melvyn-stokes-9781844570515?currency=GBP&gtrck=QmFtV1RxSVZHdmJ2cUhvRmJCUVQyOHVRdmgvVjhtc2duSWFTU3N0eUdNQWMvVmZSUFM1Zlowc2hOeVVNNTZXYkNrV0R3cWhhbGgzeTRwRVdnOGRyS3c9PQ&gclid=CMyMxI_G188CFQMW0wodCjsP5g

This acemedic book is about the impact Hollywood movies have on a non-American audience. This is of great value to my investigation as it can help with the audience section of my argument. I can discuss the difference that films have depending on different audiences in different regions of the wold. I can talk about how different cultures can portray a movie in a different way to an American film. In addition, I want to see what does these films do to these audiences, does it create any pattern? Or is there a completely different representation to the audience? These are the questions I want to answer as they are vital to the impact of the overall argument of the question. This link reference in my critical investigation can bring forth a lot of balance as I wont be arguing one side of the argument, that it 'only' affects' American audiences, but also its wider context as a whole, whether or not it has the same impact as American audiences do. I can talk about the impact in countries such as India, China (if its even shown there), Germany etc.

[25] Book text (3): 

https://wordery.com/audience-and-empathy-film-as-a-uniquely-evocative-medium-timothy-mcglinchey-9783668228757?currency=GBP&gtrck=VllwWnlyZlNhS1FUOFQ0R0tzSzNNWk9xUWM1SDZXMmFqeDl1ZG5iQzhBR1pCTmdwQ1R0L2kzSDQxRTNUVjFueWFRZEZMWlhvNDZRakQxMGFJc3A1UkE9PQ&gclid=CPD4sq_F188CFRa3GwodNmEC7g

This is a rather interesting academic text, that discusses films ability to tap in to the viewers mind and create emotions withing them. The reason why I show interest in this text is because films have a very unusual, yet, amazing way of trying to interact with the audience, and to express different emotions to them at once. An example is, the Joker's interrogation which is famously known for the actors realistic portrayal and horror like performance during this scene. It is said that this is one of the most iconic scenes in film history as it really taps in to the mindset of the viewer and makes then feel awkward and frightened upon the Joker. 

[26] Article about Jared Leto sending gifts to fellow cast members of Suicide Squad:

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/How-Jared-Leto-Dead-Pig-Stunt-Affected-Viola-Davis-Suicide-Squad-Performance-113127.html

This article is about how a fellow Suicide Squad cast member “Viola Davis” was freaked out after receiving a gift from Jared Leto. Inside the gift box was a dead pig which got Davis scared and worried about Jared Leto. This would be great use as evidence in my critical investigation as I could talk about proof yet again that the character has had on another actor. It even shows the reaction that an actual member of the cast has felt towards his actions of a psychopath. This could have all just been seen as a prank so that it can get out as a story to the world as 'hype' for the movie as they will finally be getting the Joker they always wanted (that was Heath Ledger's Joker) and wanted someone who can fill in the boots. However, the article goes more in depth in to the actors response and it doesn't seem like its an 'act' of any sort. It seems like the role has had an impact on  the character and these are the traits/signals. 

[27] Media Magazine regarding Dark Knight Trilogy (MM44, Page 37)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0i5diL3vrEiSGxRNHIyZmM4Ums

This Media Magazine page shows how the Dark Knight had changed significantly to stand for more than just a man wearing a bat-outfit. Stating that Joel Schumacher’s 'Batman and Robin' had ruined any further ideas of a future superhero genre moving forward as this take on the batman had completely ruined the comic book film universe. However Christopher Nolan had in fact 'resurrected' the character.

This is very important to my critical investigation because Media Magazine is a very profound source in this subject and any references to this magazine will show my wider contextual reading. This is a source I could most definitely use as I could talk about how the batman films have changed over time and with new directors taking the role to shift the universe, so does the tone and theme of the character as shown by Nolan's dark and gritty tone to the batman- yet an awesome movie.

[28] Media Magazine regarding villains in films (MM57, Page 19)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0i5diL3vrEiSGxRNHIyZmM4Ums

[29] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “there were two main reasons for the appearance of genre and genre’s on the agenda of theorists…. One was the desire to engage in a serious and positive way with popular cinema in general and with Hollywood in particular”.

This quote I believe really sticks out to relate to my question, the idea of exploring a media product and how it really works is something I want to discuss in my critical investigation, and this quote (along with many others) I can really justify my reasoning for some of the statement I have made as well as backing them up with evidence such as this. 

The following quote shows how film genres have the 'desire' to engage the audience in a very serious and positive way. This is the travel of emotions from the screen to the audience which plays a key role in my investigation. The system of how a content consumed and how it affects the consumer is something I want to investigate further in to. 

[30] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “Hollywood and its films- on the grounds that they were commercially produced, that they were aimed at a mass market, that they were ideologically or aesthetically 

conservative…”.

This quote shows the angle of which cinema in general, how it was trying to work and what made it work in that way. For example, aesthetics and ideologies put into theatre productions all has a play towards creating this 'commercial' system. This quote can be used in my critical investigation as I write about the shift in Hollywood as a product and how much its content has changed over the years and that it isn't what it once was. It has become many segments of the picture market, by having niche audiences and indie audiences, people enjoy movies from different languages and ideologies which is what has changed Hollywood so drastically over the years.

[31] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 10. “…that they were imbued with the values of entertainment and fantasy rather than those of realism, art or serious aesthetic stylization”.

This quote is a very significant one. It shows how the traditional way of film-making was and how it 'always' was. Now we see this go out of date to an extent. Film's are now trying to become more realistic and are fading away from this 'fantasy' world which it has been creating for numerous years. It has become 'mainstream' and the new niche 'realism' is becoming the 'new mainstream'. Films such as superhero movies, biopics as well as war films have now changed the face of Hollywood and what it was before is completely different to what it is now. 

[32] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The second was that in the cinema, the figure equivalent to the artist or author (auteur) in painting or in literature was- or could be- the director”.   

This quote references a text I previously studies (A Field in England), where the director was presented as the auteur; the selling point. The reason why I included this quote in this document and why I want to reference it in my critical investigation is because it can show how the directors has an influence in changing the character of the film to be more menacing and how his script had played a part in creating this strong and frightening character that we see on screen. Nolan has been a critically acclaimed director for many years and his scripts are no exception. He really knows how to get the best out of an actor even if the world doesn't see it.

To conclude, i am considering not to use this quote as it will drive away the attention from my core argument as it is more of the directors influence, however if I do decide it to be 'necessary' I will include a short segment about the directors influence on how the character should be portrayed to the audience.

[33] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 11. “The impact of auteurism on film criticism in general and on the criticism and appreciation of Hollywood films in particular was immense. It enabled both a systematic charting of a great deal of Hollywood’s output, and much detailed discussion of form, style, theme and mise-en-scene”. 

This quote focuses more on the viewers and critics and how their voices/comments have steered the boat of Hollywood to making better films for all to consume. I could reference this quote by talking about a how the X-Men films were really the first superhero[esk] film to be successful and showing institutions that there is a possible profit to have been gained from this. And it wasn't until the trilogy of the franchise showed staggering numbers which is what acted as a trigger for Hollywood to invest their money is superhero films. 

[34] Genre and Hollywood. Neale Steve.  Page 12. “Genres may be defined as patterns/forms/styles/structures which transcend individual films, and which supervise both their construction by the film maker, and their reading by an audience”.

This quote is really significant to my question that I am arguing. It talks about how genre's can be defined by the readers interpretations of the film as well as the director. I could talk about how film's like the Dark Knight trilogy were not completely a superhero film, but also a dark and gritty detective movie about a vigilante. The reason I am saying this is because this film takes one of the world's most prominent superhero characters is none another than 'batman' and by creating a film based on this dark humour and gritty atmosphere really takes away what audiences (especially children) already know of the character. The character (generally) is seen more comedic with the appearance of the joker. However, the film makers took their own spin on this film and directed it in a way audiences haven't seen before. It showed a new side of superhero movies and the ways these character can be presented. 

I could also talk about how other films were influenced by this 'dark and gritty' atmosphere in superhero movies. These include, Batman v Superman, Man of Steel, Watchmen, Dredd and Thor the Dark World and even Kickass (1 and 2).