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.