film studies

FM3: Small Scale2nd Presentation

My Research Title – Genre Study

Statement:

“The impact of social realism in constructing counter stereotypical representation of

teenagers”

In the form of a question:

To what extent do the conventions of the social realism genre allow for a true

representation of teenagers?

How I intend to break up my investigation

What is Social Realism? What is it’s purpose?

What are the conventions?

Textual analysis of films, look at how these conventions have possibly impacted on the construction of the teen representations

Consider what is stereotypical in order to provide an explanation of what is counter stereotypical (may refer to another film which has a ‘stereotypical’ representation)

Consider audience response to these representations VS the stereotypical

Find out what he directors/writers have said about the films.

Focus Film – 2.372.37 (2006, Murali K. Thalluri)

My focus film is 2.37

- I chose this film because its counter stereotypical.

- Extreme and dark representation of teenagers.

- Deals with serious subjects such as suicide and sexual abuse.

- Social Realism; Documentary feel.

Additional Films – Kids & Fish Tank2009, Andrea

Arnold 1995, Larry ClarkFish Tank: - British

Social Realism film- Documentary feel- More realistic and relatable representation

Kids: - Extreme representation- Sex and drug oriented - Social Realism/Documentary feel- Explicit nature

Initial Research- The Social Realism Genre:- Themes often include: sex, drugs and

violence.- Unknown Actors and Actresses keep the

sense of realism

- 'Chick Flick' films:- How they have helped to form the

stereotype teenager we know today- Around since the very early days of cinema- Similar ideologies in these films that we see

today- In popular films teens are shown as living

adventurous, exciting yet unrealistic lifestyles

- Audiences start to believe and desire to lead similar lives to the characters

Examples of key scenes from films watched so far that will

help my investigation2.37 – The suicide scene and the rape scene.

They show a dark and extreme representation of teenagers. They also show that what we see on the surface isn’t always what they are feeling or are like underneath and in private

Examples of key scenes from films watched so far that will

help my investigationThe Rape scene in Kids and the scene where Mia gets attacked by some men in Fish Tank

Again it shows the nasty and horrific side to teenagers, that they are capable of doing things that some people may only associate adults doing.

Primary Research- Looking into audience responses for the counter stereo typical representations from my chosen films VS stereotypical representations

Problems that have occurred

- Chosen project area too big

- Not sure what to do for Primary Research

- What research would be relevant