Monday, 12 January 2015

Narrative Theory: Blog Task


The trailer for The Hunger Games Catching Fire uses Todrov's theory of the equilibrium. It teases the story by having the equilibrium with Katniss and Peeta living life after surviving the previous Hunger Games. The disequilibrium is the riots that have happened after the survival which has caused chaos. Another potential disequilibrium is that Katniss is taken back to the Hunger Games to compete in 75th game which involves previous victors. The new equilibrium isn't present in the trailer as it would ruin the story and the small tease of the Hunger Games starting off in the end of the trailer.

Propp's theory of characters is present with Katniss being the protagonist of the trailer which is different as the protagonist in a majority of films are mainly male. Peeta is the heroine for Katniss which is like a gender bend as men are mainly seen as the "heroes". The antagonists are the hosts of the Hunger Games who put Katniss through challenging obstacles. Haymitch is a mentor to Katniss as he gives guidance to her in the trailer. 

Barthes' theory of enigma codes to the audience of Catching Fire could be questions like does she survive? or How will the story ends which in effect could lead to potential ticket buyers. Another question could be what is Katniss' motives or will they change over time? Action codes could be the weapons pulled out by authorities. There are other action codes with the contenders practicing with their weapons. 
     

Representation Task: Hunger Games Catching Fire



The representation of stereotypes in Hunger Games: Catching Fire are subverted. The stereotype of women being the damsel in distress isn't present with protagonist Katniss Everdeen being an independent survivor participating for the Hunger Games. She has the characteristics of a hero as she is brave by willing to sacrifice her life for her sister. Normally women are stereotyped as being weak or vulnerable but in this film, she is represented as a strong participant compared to her companion Peeta who isn't as strong or brave as he worries about Katniss as though a woman would worry about her partner which shows another subvert in the trailer. Normally we'd expect Peeta to be the main hero of the Hunger Games if we haven't seen any trailer or read the books then we'd think differently because of the fact that most films make men the heroes then Peeta would be the expected hero but in this film we see a gender role switch. The society that Katniss resides in, involves a game show that kills till there's the last survivor. Typically we'd expect a male to win because on average Hollywood films, they show more qualities of a survivor for instance; courage, intelligence, set skill in combat, and more compared to women who don't always engage in fights.   

The Hunger Games Catching Fire: Case Study

Hunger Games Catching Fire
Reasons for choice: It's an Adventure/Sci-Fi which are the genres I'm interested in.
Institutional background
Film studio behind it and Distributors: Lionsgate

No brand loyalty
Genre: Adventure/Sci-Fi. The overall tension from the trailer that shows the protagonist overcoming obstacles that get in her way. 

3+a) It's a sequel to the first film. The film is based of the books that are already famous.

It’s all a matter of timing
1) UK Release Date: 21 November 2013

2) First Trailer Release Date + Video: 20 July 2013 


3) Examples of Advertising: Billboards, Posters, TV Adverts, Magazines (Empire), Subway Meal promotions.

It’s a social thing
1) It has mixed feedback. Some said it was a bad film or "a bad battle royale" others called it a great follow up to the first

2) "Closer to the Book"-view_and_review
    "Another example of a sequel that's far better"- Gerryt22
    "Battle royale goes Twilight"- otto_schitburger

Risky business

Budget:$130,000,000

Opening Week Earnings: $158,074,286

Gross: $424,645,577

Stars in their eyes

Previous Directing: I Am Legend; mainly action

Main Star: Jennifer Lawrence

Main Stars other Appearances: X-Men Saga, Silver Linnings Playbook

The director or stars weren't featured