Task 1- Textual Analysis

An Investigation into whether the media's seemingly 'heroic' portrayal of sports people during the Olympics or other sports seems to offer a more unified and utopic notion of global cohesion. Or is it just constructed imagery?



The text I chowe to study for my critical investigation is 'Miracle'.When observing this piece of extract, a key element that needs to be considered is mise-en-scene. This is because it helps identify how the media uses techniques to get their portrayals across. Such as costumes, both teams are wearing costumes that represent their nation. This gives the portrayal of the teams being as equals to each other. As it connotes the ideologies of all of them being as one, therefore the idea of unity. Furthermore, unlike the crowd, the players are dressed in brighter colours. The reason for this may be to show the audience that they're the main focus of attention. By having the USA sportsmen in white it allows them to stand out more to illustrate that they're the winners.

The facial expressions and body language also give away of how the characters are feeling at particular moments. This links with camera framing as there are a number of close up shots which help demonstrate this. During the final moments of the match, there is a great amount of yelling and shouting. This represents the anxiety that everyone in the arena is going through which leads on to relief and despair for others. This connotes the similar feelings that opposing fans, managers and players had which hugely contrasts moments later. Furthermore the action of the arms being raised in the air is repeatedly shown to confirm the impact of the victory.

The setting of the scene is taking part in a hockey arena. This is introduced differently to how settings are usually introduced. It is expected for a long shot to show the surroundings of the setting, however instead it goes straight to a close up to show that the audience should already anticipate what is taking place.

The very first thing that is shown in this extract is the timer. This prop plays importance as it is shown from a low angle shot. It shows the audience that it has a sense of power over everyone involved as it controls the end result of the match. This is proven during the last moments when everyone is watching the timer end. Also another prop which enforces the idea of unity is the American flag. A huge crowd of people are seen waving American flags, this promotes the ideologies of everyone coming together. Also after the game, one of the players are shown with a big flag behind them. This presents the 'heroic' portrayal of sports people and the celebration of pride. The final significant prop is the medals which are shown near the end of this scene. By showing this to the audience after the game, the extract shows the rewards of hard work. This links with ideological values and meritocracy. As the film refers to an impossible situation being overcome through determination and effort.

Sound plays and important part in this extract. This is because there is diegetic and non-diegetic sound involved. Diegetic sound included the commentary, the crowd and the sounds of the hockey sticks hitting the ice. The impact of the commentary is to allow it to seem more realistic and believable as if it were a real game. They're also able to build up tension for the audience. Furthermore by hearing crys from the crowd demonstrates the importance of the outcome and what the implications are should their team lose. The extract begins with a soundtrack, which is parallel sound as it is music that would normally be expected to accompany this scene. The reason for this is to let the actual match flow. By the end of the game the soundtrack goes at a quicker tempo to show the sense of achievement. Also there is a voice over near the end of the scene. This maybe done to conclude the events that have just happened or for the audience to gain a better understanding.

The institution of this text is Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group Inc. This can be linked to the point of utopia as Disneyworld sets this idea. Therefore the ideologies of Disney are confirmed in this film as it embraces achieving the impossible. Also the scene reiterates having a dream and believing, which is popular in Disney's animated films.

The genre is a biographical sports film. It focuses on the hockey sports, which may target a niche audience. This is because it may not appeal to everyone, although the film has a different side to it about the struggles of the players. Therefore it may appeal to more audiences rather than just sports fans.

Socially this film promotes ideas of trying your hardest to succeed. Therefore it suggests class isn't a barrier to accomplishing. This may go against Marxism as it is suggesting that class doesn't effect what people can achieve. This scene links to historical as it reveals the traditions of the Olympics. This is because the award ceremony at the end, is something that has taken place for years.