Case Study 2: The Dark Knight Rises.

Print
http://www.empireonline.com/interviews/interview.asp?IID=1524

The link above is a interview with Anne Hathaway to who plays the female character of Selina Kyle (cat women) in The Dark Knight Rises."Selina Kyle came from a poor background and never lived an easy life. To help escape from the sinking weight of poverty she took to a life of crime, developing herself into an accomplished thief".  Also, this is an example of a print media as this interview is from the Empire magazine and now it is available online. This is effective as people can access the internet to read the interview or articles from the magazine if they do not have a copy of it and it highlights that technology is becoming more advanced. Furthermore, Empire is a British film magazine which is published monthly by the Bauer Consumer Media. Also, apart from the film news, previews and reviews Empire magazine has some unique regular features and in terms of the social demographics the magazine targets a wider audience which are usually men from the age of 18-35 year olds. This is because the features which are included inside the magazine are in great detail therefore the younger audience may not understand the language being used. As the magazine is male dominated this may portray that the editors carefully style the magazine so it would fit their target audience. For instance by featuring sex icons in their issues such as Megan Fox would be effective as it would appeal to males.  Furthermore, the social economic classification for Empire magazine could be A,B, C1 which are more likely to be middle class men. However, the secondary audience for this article could be individuals who are fans or the Batman trilogy or are fans of Anne Hathaway and aspire to be like her. In this interview Anne Hathaway talks about her role in the film, costumes, how it felt working with the other cast members on set and her experience. For example she quotes "I think that Catwoman depends on the Gotham City she lives in. The characterisation of her is informed by the world around her. So what I sought to do with my Selina was make her part of Christopher Nolan's Gotham". This could suggest that Anne Hathaway really wanted to develop into her character and make make it in this visions of what the directed Christopher Nolan expected. Additionally, in the interview Anne Hathaway talks about her role in playing Selina Kyle and how she is the first "true action women" in Christopher Nolan films. In The Dark Knight Rises Selina Kyle is a head strong, independent, intelligent and flirtatious female character who does not let anybody get in her way which highlights a alternative representation of her. This is because in many films the female characters are usually represented in being inferior, objectified or not taken serious which are stereotypes of how people view women in society. However, in The Dark Knight Rises Selina Kyle has some control the protagonist (Batman/Christopher Bale) which conveys she is not inferior and her action skills she uses to defeat men who get are a threat to society highlights that she is fearless. 

E-Media

An example for a E-media platform would be The Dark Knight rises teaser trailer. Teaser trailers are usually only made for big budgeted films and the purpose of a having on is to inform the audience about a upcoming film. This use of a teaser trailer is effective because the audience would have an insight of what the film is going to be about which would add to the excitement of the upcoming release. In terms of The Dark Knight Rises teaser trailer it begins with a non-diegetic sound of a male voice over who talks about a character in the film which the audience would acknowledge that it is Batman (Bruce Wayne). For instance, the diegetic sound of the male character lying in the hospital bed  talking about the "legend" Batman could highlight his desperation for him to come back to Gotham City as in the The Dark Knight society believed that he was dead. Also, the parallel sound used throughout the teaser trailer creates a gripping atmosphere for the readers as they may want to know what happens to the Batman in this last trilogy. Moreover, according to Barthes theory of narrative codes this teaser trailers contain enigma codes such as knowing who the villain is, the plot etc.  This is effective as the narrative enigma would leave the audience in suspense which would keep them gripped and intrigued in wanting to know more. Another code and convention for a teaser trailer is it includes important information such as the release date, director, cast, institution company. For example, the very first on screen text which is shown to the audience is "Every hero has a journey" followed by "Every journey has a end" highlights to the audience that this is the final trilogy of Batman which links to the narrative. Also, the director name "Christopher Nolan" is stated in the middle of the trailer which is effective as it allows the audience to be aware of who made the film and as Nolan is a successful director it highlights to the audience that The Dark Knight Rises would be a worth watching. Additionally, the film title is shown towards the end of the teaser trailer which is effective as it would keep the audience hooked on to the film and the screen text "The epic conclusion" clearly highlights to the audience that this is the final film. Moreover, towards the very end of the teaser trailer it states that people can watch the film theatres and Imax which conveys that the film is big budgeted as it is going to be broadcasted in Imax as well which highlights the concept of synergy. Furthermore, according to Propp's theory of character types for this teaser trailer the villain would be Bane followed by the hero who would be Batman. Moreover, according to Katz and Blumler uses and gratifications theory the audience would be able to escape from their ordinary life or a situation by watching this trailer and entertainment would be associated with this as well. 

Broad Cast
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql1SMYCbvJ4&safe=active

The video above is a interview with the director of The Dark Knight Rises Christopher Nolen where he talks about the cast members playing the characters and how he feels about The Dark Knight Rises being the last film from the trilogy. Christopher Nolan is a successful British-American film director who has directed prosperous films from The Batman trilogies to Inception which have been Hollywood blockbusters. This conveys that Nolan has gone from a "low-budget independent films to working on some of the biggest blockbusters ever".  In this interview Nolan reveals that he felt as if he needed to finish the story and wanted to put it all together into one trilogy. To add on, he talks about each of his cast members and how they were perfect for their role in the film. For instance, Nolan shares with the interviewer that the actor Christian Bale (plays Batman/Bruce Wayne) is very talented as he developed into his character further from The Batman to now The Dark Knight Rises and how it was a pleasure to work with him for 9 years. Moreover, he talks Anne Hathaway who plays the new female character Selina Kyle and how she fitted the part perfectly. In the film Selina Kyle is represented in being a head-strong, independent, powerful female which goes against the dominant representation of women in society, as being inferior, objectified and dependent on men. Furthermore, 

Bibliography
http://www.forafewmoviesmore.com/discussions/character-study-the-dark-knight-rises-catwoman/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0634240/bio

Comparing The Dark Knight Rises & Ill Manors

Print Media

Firstly,  GQ magazine is a men magazine focusing on style, fashion, sports, fitness, sex, etc which highlights that their primary audience would be men. However, the secondary audience could be individuals who are fans of the film Batman or of Christian Bale which may intrigue them to buy the magazine to read the article about him. The age demographics for this magazine could possible be 25-39 year olds with a desire of style and the magazine features articles about sex, fitness, fashion which may likely appeal to older, sophisticated males. Also, in terms of the social demographics associated with GQ magazine, middle class men  may likely to buy this magazine. This is because, as the magazine targets older successful and sophisticated males they are more likely to have good jobs compared to working class males, therefore they would be able to afford GQ as it cost £3.99. The price of the magazine is expensive compared to other magazines which could convey that middle class men are more likely to buy the magazine compared to working class males. Furthermore, this conveys that the social economic classification for the GQ magazine could be A and B as that is the audience demographic group  for middle class individuals who have high and middle class ranking professionals. Furthermore, a medium close up shot is used of the actor Christian Bale wearing a suit which represents him as being successful and sophisticated. The fact that his tie is not tied to the top of his shirt button could highlight his laid back attitude. Also as GQ magazine focuses on men's culture and Christian bale is represented in looking smart which could suggest that he cares about his fashion style, therefore males may aspire to be like him. In some extent, the use of the direct mode address, his facial expression in looking serious and the suit he wears represents Chrisitian Bale as being powerful, wealthy and a strong minded man. This is because, the audience would be aware that he is a prosperous actor and his appearance for this magazine front cover reinforces his success and wealth. To add on, the colour scheme used on the magazine is yellow, light blue and white which contrasts well with the grey background and creates a fresh vibe. The cover line 'Christian Bale' is in a yellow striking typography and the cover lines underneath 'Behind the mask'/ 'Batman Speaks' are both in a different typography colour. All three of the cover lines are associated with the film The Dark Knight rises and link to Christian Bale persona Batman. The fact that Chrisitian Bale surname is in a larger typography size compared to his first name could suggest that he is well known for his surname.

A medium close up is used of Plan B (Ben Drew) for the NME magazine which represents him as a working class youth. For example, the clothing he wears of a hoody over his hair is stereo-typically associated with working class males and the use of the direct mode address/his facial expression in looking serious portrays Plan B in a threatening perspective. Also, the prop of the cigarette and his body language of this middle finger sticking up reinforces the idea that he is against the government values which highlights that he is promoting a alternative ideology. Another interpretation of the prop could suggest that Plan B identifies himself with the working class youth as they are stereotypically portrayed in the same way as Plan B is represented in this front cover. The striking cover lines 'David Cameron be very afraid' followed by 'Plan B is coming to get you' clearly highlights to the readers that Plan B is extremely passionate about making a change in society. Also, the cover line 'David Cameron be very afraid' is in a larger typography size compared to the cover line underneath 'Plan B is coming to get you' and the difference typography size is effective on the readers. This is because, the image anchors the meaning  as it highlights that Plan B challenging the dominant ideologies in society by conveying that the government does not help the working class individuals. Moreover, the colour scheme  is white and yellow which makes the front cover looking plain and simple and the lay out for the cover lines all on one side is beneficial as it makes the front cover look readable. Furthermore, the NME magazine focuses on different genres of music. The magazine could be targeting young males rather females from the age of  18-25 year olds. This is because that is the age where most of the young males would go to gig/ music festivals and they might be interested in knowing the latest music news, therefore they could likely buy this magazine.

Broad Cast

Tom Hardy appears on the Jonathan Ross show where he talks about his career, the film The Dark Knight Rises and the villain he plays in the film Bane. He is represented in a casual manner through his clothing of jeans, shirt which the buttons not done up from the top and his body language the way he sits on the sofa is relaxed which could suggest his laid back attitude and he may also feel comfortable. Also, Tom Hardy gives direct contact to Jonathan Ross most of the time when he answers his question and allows him to speak which highlights good communication and also the audience would be aware that he has a strong British accent and speaks fluently. During the interview he reveals that he is the ambassador for The Prince's Trust which is a charity organisation that helps disadvantaged young people to boost their confidence, motivation, self-esteem. This is effective as it shows the audience that he is determined to help and support young people, therefore people may aspire to follow his footsteps. Moreover, he audience would acknowledge that Tom Hardy is from a middle class  background through his clear and sophisticated communication which conveys that he is educated. However, the fact that he reveals he went "of the rails" as he went through theft could be effective for young males who could identify with him. Moreover, the psycho graphics would be mainstreamers as it appeals to a wide audience and as interview is full of humor the audience would feel engaged and entertained. To add on, I think the social demographic which would be associated with this specific interview may be C2, B and possibly A.This is because, Tom Hardly is a successful middle class man which a high ranking professional job, therefore individuals could identify with him.

Uses and Gratifications:  Personal Relationships, Personal Identity, Diversion.

Plan B was on the Jonathan Ross show where is was talking about his latest film Ill Manors, music/album and his social background. The show is a commercial broadcaster as it is aired on ITV therefore; it focuses more on entertainment and there is some extent of informing. Plan B appearing on the Jonathan Ross Show is beneficial in promoting the film because, it gives the audience an insight of what the film is about, what influenced him making Ill Manors and the moral behind the film. Plan B is represented in a formal manner by wearing a black suit which is different to the way he portrays himself in a bad boy image. This could suggest that Plan B wants the youth to look up at him which conveys that he wants to be a good role model to them.

During the interview Plan B is revealing is ideologies to the audience which is about making a change in society especially for the working class individuals who are suffering and the film reflects this. He is passionate in making a difference in society and wants to be father figure to children who's parents to not value their education or are not motivates; shows he is a good role model as he wants to make life better for working class children. The interview does not specifically focus on just Ill Manors as Plan B talks about his beliefs and what he is really passionate about however; the interview does give the audience a idea of why he made the film and what motivated him in creating a film which reflects modern society. The social economic classification which would be associated with the interview would be C1 and C2. Moreover, the psycho graphics would be mainstreamers as it appeals to a wide audience and as interview is full of humor the audience would feel engaged and entertained.

Uses and Gratifications: Personal Relationships, Personal Identity, Diversion, Surveillance

Similarities & Differences between both of the interviews

Similarities

• Both films are broadcasted through the Jonathan Ross Show.
• Tom Hardy (plays the villain Bane) and Ben Drew (director of Ill Manors) both support children. For example, Ben Drew is passionate about making a change in society and for Ill Manors he allowed some working class teenagers to get the opportunity to be a apart of the film. Similarly  Tom Hard is the ambassador for The Prince's Trust organisation which helps and supports disadvantaged children to boost their confidence, motivation and self-esteem.
• Both talk about their careers.
• Both have been through drugs and crime.

Differences

• Ben Drew portrays himself in a formal manner by wearing a black suit, where as Tom Hard represents himself in a casual manner in jeans and a shirt.
• Interview with Ben Drew focuses more on his personal background which could appeal to working class youth that look up to him as a role model.
• Both of their verbal communications are different (way they speak). Tom Hardy speaks fluently in a more sophisticated/formal way, where as; Ben Drew uses some informal words. 
• Both have been brought up into different social classes: Ben Drew - working class individual where as, Tom Hard is from a middle class privileged background.

E-Media
The Dark Knight Rises
Fan Pages:

1) http://batman-news.com/
The link above is for individuals who are fans of Batman and the website gives away prizes, allows people to look through the gallery and even play games. This is all effective as it keeps the fans interacted and engaged with the film; however, in order for fans to play any of the games or watch the videos they must sign into their Facebook, G-mail or Twitter account to access the games. I think the most effective tab on this fan page website would be the 'Giveaway: Batman and Superhero T-Shirts' (picture shown below).  The website updates new T-shirts of give away for fans which is a good promotion because those individuals who are big fans of the film are likely to buy these merchandise.

2) https://en-gb.facebook.com/thedarkknightrises

E-media is another way of promoting a film to people and it is easy for the public to access the internet. The Dark Knight Rises was promoted through the social networking site Face Book which is effective as many people access it everyday day of their lives. The picture above is a screen shot of The Dark Knight rises fan page on Face Book which highlights that the film is a massive hit with as it received 3,222,283 likes and 14,148 'people talking about this'. Promoting the film The Dark Knight Rises through Face Book is effective for the audience as it would keep them connected and interacted which highlights the concept of user generated convergence.This is effective, as it allows individuals to read the comments posted on the page or to watch videos, look through the photo gallery  Social networking sites are more likely to appeal to the younger generation compared to the older generation as they would know more about modern technology. In this case, the primary audience for this Facebook page would be Batman fans or people who enjoyed watching the film and want to stay connected to find out about the latest news.

Learner Response For Exam.

Grade B+

LR:
Account for more E-Media Similarities and Differences - write a paragraph on this.

One example of a E-media platform is the Ill manors website. The audience can interact with the film through social networking sits such as Facebook and Twitter which highlights the concept of user-generated convergence. This is effective, as it would allow them to feel connected and able to get the latest updates on the film. Also, the website promotes Plan B album Ill Manors which is known as synergy and this is effective as it gives the audience an insight of the music he produces. Moreover, the background setting  of a council estate, graffiti writing and the use of dull colours create a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Additionally, as there are more than one character appeared on the Ill Manors website suggests to the audience that the film is a multi-strand narrative. Furthermore, the characters clothing of hoodies, tracksuit bottoms and the prop of a gun which the male character holds clearly links to the genre of being a urban drama as the way they have been represented links to it. The uses and gratifications which the audience would receive by accessing the website would be entertainment and surveillance. Similarly, across the platforms the Ill Manors film poster and website both give the audience important information such as the release date, actors/actresses, director etc. However, as print media is in decline with the younger generation, because there is more technology available therefore the website is more likely to reach to a larger audience. Furthermore, the Ill Manors film poster also include a image of the male character who appears on the website which clearly highlights the the audience that he is the protagonist of the film.

Case Study 2

The Dark Knight Rises - Institution Research.

1) The Dark Knight is a Hollywood blockbuster which is a comic adaption as well. The film is a trilogy as it begins with Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and lastly The Dark Knight Rises. All three of the films have been a massive hit with the audience which clearly highlights it is a successful blockbuster. Furthermore, the The Dark Knight Rises follows on from the ending of The Dark Knight as Batman takes the fall for Harvey Dent murder. The narrative for the The Dark Knight is full of thrilling aspects and excitement which would keep the audience gripped to their seats. Batman has to go through obstacles to defeat the evil force called Bane who has arrived to Gotham city in order to achieve his goal by taking over the world and to reveal the truth of who Harvey Dent really was.

Director: Christopher Nolan

Producers: Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven.

Starring: 

Christopher Bale (Batman/Bruce) 

Anne Hathaway (Selina Kyle/CatWomen) 

Tom Hardy (Bane)

Josepth Gordan - Levitt (John Blake/Robin) 

Michael Cain (Alfed Pennyworth)

Gary Oldman (Commissioner James Gordan) 

Morgan Freeman (Lucius Fox) 

Marion Cotillard (Miranda Tate)

Distributor - Warner Bros. Picture

Release Dates: July 16th 2012 (USA) and 18th July 2012 (UK) 

Running Times: 165 Minutes.

Budget: $250-300 million

Box Office: $1,081, 041, 287

2)

The scene I have chosen to analyse from the film is when Selina Kyle enters into the Bar and serves justice by  catching out the dangerous character male. The reason why I chosen this specific part is because Selina Kyle also known as Anne Hathaway is represented as being a powerful and sly female character in this scene and through out the film. This is effective because, it goes against the views of how females in society are stereo typically represented as being inferior compared to men. One could argue that in The Dark Knight Rises she holds the same power as men or is even more superior than them. Moreover, the setting of the scene is takes place at night in a quiet bar and the low key lighting creates a mysterious atmosphere. A long shot is used of the female character wearing a black dress with red lipstick, as she walks into the bar  with all these men in around which gives the audience a sense of conflict. The colour black could connote she that she is dangerous and not the girl men would want to get on her bad side; Where as, the colour red represents her in being seductive and feminine which could appeal to the male audience. Additionally, the over the shot conversation is used to show an on going conversation between both of the characters clearly highlights to the audience that conflict is going to occur. The male character is dressed formally with wearing a suit which could suggest that he is wealthy. However, his facial expression in looking serious and the fact that he is waiting for the female character to come while other men one the look out which highlights that the male character is dangerous. An example of this is when the one of the male character worker puts a gun against the side of Selina Kyle head as the prop of the gun symbolises death/violence. Furthermore, the atmosphere completely changes once the fighting begins with the Selina Kyle then men which grips audience attention. The fast pace action with the fighting, gun shooting and police coming all creates a hectic and exhilarating atmosphere as a lot is going on in just one scene, also links to the genre of being an action/thriller. Moreover, the fact that the female character is fighting all of the men clearly represents her as a strong woman which some of the female audience may aspire to be like her.

3) Differences

• Both films target a different audience.
• Ill Manors is directed by a famous well known artist Plan B (Ben Drew) whereas, The Dark Knight Rises is directed by Christophere Nolen who is also successful but is not a singer/rapper.
• The Dark Knight Rises a big Hollywood blockbuster and Ill Manors is a low British blockbuster.
• The genres are different as Ill Manors is a Urban Drama where as The Dark Knight Rises is a hybrid as the genre of the film is action, thriller and drama 
• The Dark Knight made $1 billion in US box office whereas, Ill Manors made £453,570 in the UK box office.
• The actors and actresses which appear in Ill Manors are not well known to the public, whereas in The Dark Knight the actors and actresses which star in the film are successful  popular with the public therefore more people are likely to watch the film.
• Both film certificates are different as The Dark Knight is a 12A (UK) and Ill Manors is an 18.
• Settings are completely different.
• Batman is a comic adaptation.
• Ill Manors had a multi-strand narrative

Similarities

• Contain aspects of actions.
• Includes enigma codes.
• Both films included more male characters compared to females.

The Dark Knight Rises
E - Media

The website for The Dark Knight Rises really engages the audience due to the different tabs which allows them to access more things. Once you access the website the trailer for the film appears straight away which highlights the key concept of synergy; however, viewers can close the trailer if they do not want to watch it. The trailer is as it gives the audience an insight of the film if they have not see the trailer before. Compared to Ill Manors there are more tabs available for the audience to engage in or find out more information about the film, watch clips, download wall paper through Iphone and Ipad etc. Also, the audience are able to interact with the film through the social networks such as Face Book which highlights the concept of user generated content as the audience would keep the audience connected and engaged. The strap line on the website "Own It, Blu-Ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital Download, Now" clearly highlights the concept of synergy as now people can watch the film on DVD or download the film rather than watching it in the cinema. Furthermore, the colour black is used on the entire background of the website which creates a mysterious and dangerous atmosphere and links to the genre of the film as being a thriller. Moreover, the first image which appears on the website is of the protagonist Batman (Bruce Wayne) and the setting is of an explosion in a city which the colour orange is used to create an thrilling atmosphere. The fact that the audience cannot see Batman face due to his black masks covering his eyes does represent him as being a mysterious and heroic figure as he wants to hide his identity. The typography for "The Dark Knight Rises Own It Now" is in a bold white font which is a good contrast with the background colour of black.

Trailer
Broadcast/E-media

The beginning of the film trailer is set in a football stadium as a young boy sings the national anthem while all the fans stand up listening, creating a quiet atmosphere. However, the atmosphere changes once audience are introduced to the villain Bane, who is climbing up the steps which clearly highlights to the audience that conflict is going to occur which is clearly shown through the clips later on in the trailer.  The fact that the title of the film is shown at the end of the trailer is effective as it keeps the audience engaged and appealed with all the chaotic elements being shown they would ant to know what the film is called. Additionally, important information such as the release date is also shown at the end as well after the title of the film, this would make the audience aware of when the film will be coming out in cinemas.  Furthermore, montage editing is used through out this trailer which shows it is a non linear narrative in terms of the shots and fast pace and it is a multi-strand narrative as there is more than one narrative; effective in generating excitement for the audience. Also, the different action shots is effective in creating a thrilling atmosphere which would keep the audience engaged and links to the genre. The fact that actors and actresses who are starring in the film are well known is effective as more people are likely to watch the film as they maybe fans of them. According to the narrative   Propp character theory which is related to the trailer is: the 

Hero -Batman (Christopher Bale) 

Villain -Bane (Tom Hardy)

 Princess - could be Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway) as in the trailer we the audience would be aware of the close connection she has with Bruce Wayne (Batman)

Donar - could be Alfed as he has looked after Bruce Wayne since his parents got murdered and he has been there for him throughout all of the Batman trilogies.