The aim and objective of this page is to critically asses ideology within my three researched films and illustrating how I intend to construct the ideological messages and values within my short film.
Define Ideology
A system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy and/or
the set of beliefs characteristic of a social group or individual.
Explain Ideology
Ideology, from a Marxist point of view - 'The Mass Media is widely considered as a vehicle which articulates portraits of the world by providing texts which give false definitions of society through the exhibition of archetypal modes of appropriation which refer to morality, behavior and attitudes which encourage social conformity and integration.'
Karl Heinrich Marx (5 May 1818 – 14 March 1883) was a German philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, journalist, and revolutionary socialist. His view was that media that often represent the 'appropriate' social positions of men, women children and pensioners which could often be falsely presented and shown on the news, on t.v, radio, film and in the mass media.
Marxism Ideology is suggested to be a 'false consciousness' starting from the ambition of the dominant ideology "the values of the class which owns and controls the media".
We can question whether these representations are simply binary oppositions which allow us to see right and wrong, good and bad or whether these representations define rationality in our society. (How are we to understand good if there is no bad, hell without heaven, successful without unsuccessful) An example of this would be the characters of 'Eddie' and 'Saffy' in the hit t.v show 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Are these characters presented to us in Binary opposition to understand thoroughly the difference in personalities and lifestyle choices (good and healthy, bad and funny) or are we shown these characters to symbolize the 'typical' champagne drinking, middle class, cigarette smoking PR women of today's society?
The first video I have inserted is a montage of edits of the characters of Eddie and Patsy. This relates to my previous paragraph as it over exaggerates the representation whilst almost following the Marxist view. It does this so that we find it funny and entertaining. From this clip we can questions their morals, behavior and attitudes.
The second video I have is from a clip from You Tube, of a teacher explaining the Marxism theory. This is interesting as it gives another interpretation.
I have also linked an article on Ab Fab to show another interpretation for a more broader and wider knowledge background.
Interpolation and Hegemony
Define Interpellation
To insert or introduce between other elements or parts
To insert (material) into a text.
To insert into a conversation. To change or falsify (a text) by introducing new or incorrect material.
Explain Interpellation
Theory
Interpellation is used in almost every aspect of our society, especially in the marketing and merchandise. We are Interpellated to believe that the main centres of power and authority in our society i.e. the Government are always right and Interpellations society 'Hails' them to believe their Ideology. The term 'Interpellation' was an idea introduced by Louis Althusser (1918-1990) to explain the way in which ideas get into our heads and have an effect on our lives, so much so that cultural ideas have such a hold on us that we believe they are our own. There are two types of Interpellation styles. R.S.A's and I.S.A's. The differences between the two are that RSA's are mechanisms of power that force us into our place. These are shown through demonstrating strength of power, for example the Police, Armies and Prisons are all forms of RSA Interpellation. Whereas ISA's operate through ideas and representations that we encounter throughout our lives, training and conditioning us to believe the set ideology. Examples of these would be Schools, Churches, Books and television. Each of these examples provide us with certain behaviours, attitudes and ideologies which help shape us. This relates to my subject matter as I am 'Hailed' subconsciously into watching certain T.V shows such as AB FAB because I conform to the Uses and Gratifications Model. Here below is the Theory from Wikipedia.
Define Hegemony
The process by which social groups come to gain power to lead, how they expand and maintain their power. A hegemonic group would be a leadership position within a particular sphere.
Explain Hegemony
Hegemony forms around common sense and the assumptions we make in todays society. Formed on Antonio Gramsci (22 January 1891 – 27 April 1937) who was an Italian writer, politician, political theorist, sociologist, and linguist. His idea that the main things in life we can accept as'natural' or 'the way things are' even if they are wrong. We can question what is common sense is and how it affects us as human beings. 'Common sense' is something we all base our daily lives on, we should retain common sense in order to function (supposedly) an example of this would be that it would not require that much common sense to understand that you should not cross the road whilst it is busy as we will most probably have an accident, but we do so any way if we are in a hurry or rush. Does this mean that we do not have common sense and therefor not function properly? A similar connection to this applies to what we think is 'natural' or 'un natural'. Nature could be defined as something the human race is not able to control. With this in mind We can question whether in 1950s America it was natural that people of a different race and ethnic background were immediately lower in society and the whites where superior to them because we assumed that this is 'the normal'. If these things are simply natural then we are un able to challenge them, this is another form of Binary Oppositions
How does this relate to my film?
From this research I have come to the understanding that I will be basing my film in the Drama genre with a realist style using Satire and Pastiche to represent this.
SATIRE
DEFINITION-
To insert or introduce between other elements or parts
To insert (material) into a text.
To insert into a conversation. To change or falsify (a text) by introducing new or incorrect material.
Explain Interpellation
Theory
Interpellation is used in almost every aspect of our society, especially in the marketing and merchandise. We are Interpellated to believe that the main centres of power and authority in our society i.e. the Government are always right and Interpellations society 'Hails' them to believe their Ideology. The term 'Interpellation' was an idea introduced by Louis Althusser (1918-1990) to explain the way in which ideas get into our heads and have an effect on our lives, so much so that cultural ideas have such a hold on us that we believe they are our own. There are two types of Interpellation styles. R.S.A's and I.S.A's. The differences between the two are that RSA's are mechanisms of power that force us into our place. These are shown through demonstrating strength of power, for example the Police, Armies and Prisons are all forms of RSA Interpellation. Whereas ISA's operate through ideas and representations that we encounter throughout our lives, training and conditioning us to believe the set ideology. Examples of these would be Schools, Churches, Books and television. Each of these examples provide us with certain behaviours, attitudes and ideologies which help shape us. This relates to my subject matter as I am 'Hailed' subconsciously into watching certain T.V shows such as AB FAB because I conform to the Uses and Gratifications Model. Here below is the Theory from Wikipedia.
- Diversion: Escape from routine and problems; an emotional release
- Personal Relationships: Social utility of information in conversation; substitution of media for companionship
- Personal Identity or Individual Psychology: Value reinforcement or reassurance; self-understanding, reality exploration
- Surveillance: Information about factors which might affect one or will help one do or accomplish something
Define Hegemony
The process by which social groups come to gain power to lead, how they expand and maintain their power. A hegemonic group would be a leadership position within a particular sphere.
Explain Hegemony
Hegemony forms around common sense and the assumptions we make in todays society. Formed on Antonio Gramsci (22 January 1891 – 27 April 1937) who was an Italian writer, politician, political theorist, sociologist, and linguist. His idea that the main things in life we can accept as'natural' or 'the way things are' even if they are wrong. We can question what is common sense is and how it affects us as human beings. 'Common sense' is something we all base our daily lives on, we should retain common sense in order to function (supposedly) an example of this would be that it would not require that much common sense to understand that you should not cross the road whilst it is busy as we will most probably have an accident, but we do so any way if we are in a hurry or rush. Does this mean that we do not have common sense and therefor not function properly? A similar connection to this applies to what we think is 'natural' or 'un natural'. Nature could be defined as something the human race is not able to control. With this in mind We can question whether in 1950s America it was natural that people of a different race and ethnic background were immediately lower in society and the whites where superior to them because we assumed that this is 'the normal'. If these things are simply natural then we are un able to challenge them, this is another form of Binary Oppositions
How does this relate to my film?
From this research I have come to the understanding that I will be basing my film in the Drama genre with a realist style using Satire and Pastiche to represent this.
SATIRE
DEFINITION-
- 'The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues
- 'EXAMPLES-
- “Weekend Update” from Saturday Night Live
- The Daily Show
- The movie 'Scary Movie'
PASTICHE
- DEFINITION-
'An artistic work consisting of a medley of pieces taken from various sources'
EXAMPLES-
- Shaun of the Dead is a pastiche of various horror movies, including An American Werewolf in London, Evil Dead 2 and Night of the Living Dead.
- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen movie is a pastiche of Victorian-era stories.
- Monsters vs. Aliens is a pastiche of monster/sci-fi movies
This is England
The Ideology behind 'This is England' is based on the skinhead culture of the 1980s British working class. This is presented through costume and setting for example each of the characters wear denim jeans, checkered shirts, braces and most importantly have shaved heads. Whilst researching this I came across a book called 'Skinhead' written by Nick Knight, he describes skinheads as ‘an almost robot uniformed army, in which an attack on one individual would bring a violent response from the rest’. The stereotypical skinhead liked to be a part of one group identity, This is presented in This is England when Combo is talking to Shaun after his hair cut and says 'Are you a proper little skinhead, then, yeah?' . This shows Shaun's transformation from being a lonely, singled out boy to being part of a group identity. The skinhead culture originated among working class youths in London in the 60s, they then moved to other parts of Britain, seen here in This is England. They take there influence from West Indian mainly Jamaican rude boys and British Mods ('Fashionably up-to-date, especially in style, design or dress'). At first, during the early years of the Skinhead culture, race and politics were not nearly as important as they became later in time (Entering the Thatcherism period), within the skinhead culture, some skinheads ranging from far eft to far right. Many people associate the skinhead culture with Thatcherism, often being violent, aggressive and intimidating. Thatcherism is a 'system of political thought based on the policies of the former Conservative prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margret Thatcher'. This is seen heavily within This is England. She transformed the British economy to a more market oriented economy, stressing the importance of taking risks, wealth maximising and investing. This had a huge affect on the Working class in Britain, which is one of the obvious themes within This is England. One of the characters, Combo represents Thatcherism heavily. The Falklands War is something we hear Combo discuss passionately. Margret Thatcher is also seen in the opening sequence of the film, alongside other archive footage such as Princess Diana's wedding. This presents us very early on with the battle between Nationalism and Racism which often separated some Skinhead groups apart.
The Ideology behind 'This is England' is based on the skinhead culture of the 1980s British working class. This is presented through costume and setting for example each of the characters wear denim jeans, checkered shirts, braces and most importantly have shaved heads. Whilst researching this I came across a book called 'Skinhead' written by Nick Knight, he describes skinheads as ‘an almost robot uniformed army, in which an attack on one individual would bring a violent response from the rest’. The stereotypical skinhead liked to be a part of one group identity, This is presented in This is England when Combo is talking to Shaun after his hair cut and says 'Are you a proper little skinhead, then, yeah?' . This shows Shaun's transformation from being a lonely, singled out boy to being part of a group identity. The skinhead culture originated among working class youths in London in the 60s, they then moved to other parts of Britain, seen here in This is England. They take there influence from West Indian mainly Jamaican rude boys and British Mods ('Fashionably up-to-date, especially in style, design or dress'). At first, during the early years of the Skinhead culture, race and politics were not nearly as important as they became later in time (Entering the Thatcherism period), within the skinhead culture, some skinheads ranging from far eft to far right. Many people associate the skinhead culture with Thatcherism, often being violent, aggressive and intimidating. Thatcherism is a 'system of political thought based on the policies of the former Conservative prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margret Thatcher'. This is seen heavily within This is England. She transformed the British economy to a more market oriented economy, stressing the importance of taking risks, wealth maximising and investing. This had a huge affect on the Working class in Britain, which is one of the obvious themes within This is England. One of the characters, Combo represents Thatcherism heavily. The Falklands War is something we hear Combo discuss passionately. Margret Thatcher is also seen in the opening sequence of the film, alongside other archive footage such as Princess Diana's wedding. This presents us very early on with the battle between Nationalism and Racism which often separated some Skinhead groups apart.
Here is a clip from this is England, demonstrating the Skinhead Ideology.
Natural Born Killers
Natural Born Killers uses different ideologies as an underlying theme throughout the film. Binary Opposites such as Outsiders versus Insiders, Secular versus Religious, and Relative versus Absolute are presented as re occurring ideology motifs, which we as an audience become familiar with as we watch the film. Violence is also a key theme in Natural Born Killers, it also something we witness almost everyday, be it on TV, Playstation games, Comic books, on the radio, or a war zone on the news. The recurring question I have come across whilst researching Natural Born Killers and its strong use of violence, is whether the violence seen on screen produces behavioural effects in the viewers? We could question whether directors purposefully insinuate and condone violent behaviour as audiences are affected by what they see, however we could argue that audiences have the ability to watch films such as Natural Born Killers without being overly influenced. Furthermore, it could be argued whether audiences are passive or active. A theory that could argue this would be 'The Hypodermic syringe model' which suggests that 'Audience's are passive, easily influenced and manipulated by the mass media'. This suggests that the producers of media texts such as Natural Born Killers can persuade and manipulate the audience to subconsciously follow the films direct ideology or message that being, the glamorisation of motiveless violence, where the main protagonists get away with their crimes and are seen as heroes not villains. Often known as 'Copycat Crimes' or murders.
Presenting us with another binary opposite. Due to Mallory's abusive upbringing, the audience feel sympathy and pity for her, therefore, characters which should be seen as villains due to there violent slaughtering acts, are now seen as heroes. However, it would be a generalisation to suggest that screen violence produces behavioural effects in all audience members, The audience of Natural Born Killers would react emotionally in different ways, either appalled by the graphic violence and disturbed by what they have seen, Angered, Upset or they could even be Interested, amused and mentally affected, but each audience member is an individual with their own thoughts and ideological value's, therefore we cannot generalise the affect the ideology of Natural Born killers has on its viewers, as everyone is different.
Natural Born Killers uses different ideologies as an underlying theme throughout the film. Binary Opposites such as Outsiders versus Insiders, Secular versus Religious, and Relative versus Absolute are presented as re occurring ideology motifs, which we as an audience become familiar with as we watch the film. Violence is also a key theme in Natural Born Killers, it also something we witness almost everyday, be it on TV, Playstation games, Comic books, on the radio, or a war zone on the news. The recurring question I have come across whilst researching Natural Born Killers and its strong use of violence, is whether the violence seen on screen produces behavioural effects in the viewers? We could question whether directors purposefully insinuate and condone violent behaviour as audiences are affected by what they see, however we could argue that audiences have the ability to watch films such as Natural Born Killers without being overly influenced. Furthermore, it could be argued whether audiences are passive or active. A theory that could argue this would be 'The Hypodermic syringe model' which suggests that 'Audience's are passive, easily influenced and manipulated by the mass media'. This suggests that the producers of media texts such as Natural Born Killers can persuade and manipulate the audience to subconsciously follow the films direct ideology or message that being, the glamorisation of motiveless violence, where the main protagonists get away with their crimes and are seen as heroes not villains. Often known as 'Copycat Crimes' or murders.
Presenting us with another binary opposite. Due to Mallory's abusive upbringing, the audience feel sympathy and pity for her, therefore, characters which should be seen as villains due to there violent slaughtering acts, are now seen as heroes. However, it would be a generalisation to suggest that screen violence produces behavioural effects in all audience members, The audience of Natural Born Killers would react emotionally in different ways, either appalled by the graphic violence and disturbed by what they have seen, Angered, Upset or they could even be Interested, amused and mentally affected, but each audience member is an individual with their own thoughts and ideological value's, therefore we cannot generalise the affect the ideology of Natural Born killers has on its viewers, as everyone is different.
Fridge
The Ideology behind Fridge is based on poverty in working class areas of the england. Survival of the fittest is featured heavily within the film. The characters are depressed and struggling to survive, however when the young boy becomes trapped in the old fridge, a homeless, drunken couple attempt to help him. The camera shots establish the range of ages within the estate from young children aged 7 to old pensioners aged 80 plus, the viscous circle of poverty is presented within the film as a dominant ideology and as a result, the characters within the film are un able to escape the money ruling lifestyle of todays society.
The Ideology behind Fridge is based on poverty in working class areas of the england. Survival of the fittest is featured heavily within the film. The characters are depressed and struggling to survive, however when the young boy becomes trapped in the old fridge, a homeless, drunken couple attempt to help him. The camera shots establish the range of ages within the estate from young children aged 7 to old pensioners aged 80 plus, the viscous circle of poverty is presented within the film as a dominant ideology and as a result, the characters within the film are un able to escape the money ruling lifestyle of todays society.