Media Texts:
Rocky
Goal!
The Damned United
Stick It
Web Research:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/index.html
Old sports reports of Fifa World Cup, starting from the first one in 1930.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/oct/05/owens-hitler-olympics-drama
Jesse Owens, Hitler and Nazi Germany- TV drama to relive 1936 Olympics.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/athletics/great-sporting-moments-jesse-owens-wins-four-gold-medals-in-berlin-1741209.html
Greatest Sporting Moments for each sport.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/feb/13/athletics.comment
Debate for and against Dwain Chambers, should he be supported by Great Britain or not?
Monday 11 January 2010
Sunday 3 January 2010
Task 6- Introduction & First Paragraph
An investigation in 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?
Historically, athletes have always been represented at sporting events such as the Olympics in a 'heroic' way. This is due to the idea of them representing a nation, and therefore representing a population. However it could be argued that not every sport person is victorious at the Olympics meaning not every athlete is perceived as 'heroic'. "There are heroes and villains, disappointments and triumphs, winners and losers, victory and defeat." Consequently the idea of utopia isn't the case as the media also may provide a 'villain' portrayal for those who flatter to deceive. This links to Propp's theory about how a narrative is set out. By having a protagonist and a villain, it is easier for audiences to recognise who to route for, hence a unified society occurs.
When developing a 'heroic' portrayal of sports people, a crucial stage is the narrative. Two texts which prove this are 'Miracle' (2004) and 'The Mighty Ducks' (1992). Both films are about a hockey team which lacks talent and ability. However they defy the odds by successfully over-achieving as underdogs. "Produce sporting narratives that can emphasise drama, spectacle and significance". This is a key focus for the media when creating the portrayal of sports people as 'heroes', the reason for this is to show audiences that the athlete(s) has accomplished something near impossible. Furthermore both texts have been distributed by Walt Disney which found Disneyworld, this relates to the idea about utopia as it enforces ideological values such as dreaming and believing of success. These values are passed on in the two texts when both teams are seen victorious.
Historically, athletes have always been represented at sporting events such as the Olympics in a 'heroic' way. This is due to the idea of them representing a nation, and therefore representing a population. However it could be argued that not every sport person is victorious at the Olympics meaning not every athlete is perceived as 'heroic'. "There are heroes and villains, disappointments and triumphs, winners and losers, victory and defeat." Consequently the idea of utopia isn't the case as the media also may provide a 'villain' portrayal for those who flatter to deceive. This links to Propp's theory about how a narrative is set out. By having a protagonist and a villain, it is easier for audiences to recognise who to route for, hence a unified society occurs.
When developing a 'heroic' portrayal of sports people, a crucial stage is the narrative. Two texts which prove this are 'Miracle' (2004) and 'The Mighty Ducks' (1992). Both films are about a hockey team which lacks talent and ability. However they defy the odds by successfully over-achieving as underdogs. "Produce sporting narratives that can emphasise drama, spectacle and significance". This is a key focus for the media when creating the portrayal of sports people as 'heroes', the reason for this is to show audiences that the athlete(s) has accomplished something near impossible. Furthermore both texts have been distributed by Walt Disney which found Disneyworld, this relates to the idea about utopia as it enforces ideological values such as dreaming and believing of success. These values are passed on in the two texts when both teams are seen victorious.
Task 5- Essay Plan
An investigation into whether the media's seemingly 'heroic' portrayal of sports people during the olympics seems to offer a more unified and utope notion of global cohesion. Or is it just constructed imagery?
I will talk about what my investigation is about and the relevance of it. Furthermore how a 'heroic' portrayal of sports people can lead to the idea of a unified and utope notion of global cohesion. I may also argue how it is constructed imagery.
Intro
I will talk about what my investigation is about and the relevance of it. Furthermore how a 'heroic' portrayal of sports people can lead to the idea of a unified and utope notion of global cohesion. I may also argue how it is constructed imagery.
Paragraph 1
This paragraph I will discuss the broadcasting platform. More specifically, film where I will compare the historical and contemporary texts. Such as how narratives are similar and how they address the idea of forming a unified society.
Paragraph 2
This paragraph may talk about the contemporary chamges made to the olympics. Such as a number of sports which have been cut such as baseball and the reasons behind. This may link to the point of the olympics trying to become more diverse.
Paragraph 3
This paragraph may focus on the global impact of the olympic games. Also how the powerful institutions may own the rights to the olympics so portray sports people in a certain way. Furthermore how political allegiances may link towards these portrayals.
Paragraph 4
In this paragraph what can be discussed is how the genre of sport has changed historically and what effect this has had on society. This could link to narrative as, the media may present it in a way to make it more appealing for viewers.
Conclusion
Will summarise the idea of how sports people are seen as heroes and tere effect on society. However will throw example that may be in opposition to this.
Task 4- Additional Web Research
Film Review: The Might Ducks
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104868/usercomments
"I loved how these bad-playing, poor attitude-having kids could always be inspired to become champions, no matter how tough the odds and no matter how many times movies like this were remade with soccer, football, baseball, and dogs. Even though I've seen it a million times, I still get chills when the team works as a team and goes out to try their hardest."
This review is important as it talks about the narrative and how it follows the codes and conventions you would expect. Furthermore it refers to how the characters are likeable and therefore this allows audiences to want them to win.
Film Review: Miracle
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349825/usercomments
"I was too young to have known anything about this game when it was played in real life, but it was definitely more than a game. It concerned world politics and the cold war. The movie did a good job showing how seemingly impossible it seemed for the young American team to beat the best team in the world who had been playing together for 10 years."
This review is useful as it talks about the techniques used to make the narrative seem interesting. Also its useful as it refers to how the film allows people who don't know much about hockey to still watch it. Therefore it appeals to a wider audience.
Fewer Sports For London Olympics
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/4658925.stm
"The 2012 London Olympics will have only 26 sports after baseball and softball were axed from the programme on Friday."
This is useful as it will show that research is up to date about the Olympics. Also that these sports may not appeal to people enough to be in the contemporary culture.
Rio To Stage 2016 Olympics
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,15234_5601627,00.html
"For South America, it will be a magical moment. For the Olympic Movement, it will be an opportunity to feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture, the sun of our joy."
This is useful as it talks about the idea of unity and how the olympics brings this through culture. In addition how the Olympics is attempting to be more diverse by havein it take place in South America.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104868/usercomments
"I loved how these bad-playing, poor attitude-having kids could always be inspired to become champions, no matter how tough the odds and no matter how many times movies like this were remade with soccer, football, baseball, and dogs. Even though I've seen it a million times, I still get chills when the team works as a team and goes out to try their hardest."
This review is important as it talks about the narrative and how it follows the codes and conventions you would expect. Furthermore it refers to how the characters are likeable and therefore this allows audiences to want them to win.
Film Review: Miracle
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0349825/usercomments
"I was too young to have known anything about this game when it was played in real life, but it was definitely more than a game. It concerned world politics and the cold war. The movie did a good job showing how seemingly impossible it seemed for the young American team to beat the best team in the world who had been playing together for 10 years."
This review is useful as it talks about the techniques used to make the narrative seem interesting. Also its useful as it refers to how the film allows people who don't know much about hockey to still watch it. Therefore it appeals to a wider audience.
Fewer Sports For London Olympics
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/4658925.stm
"The 2012 London Olympics will have only 26 sports after baseball and softball were axed from the programme on Friday."
This is useful as it will show that research is up to date about the Olympics. Also that these sports may not appeal to people enough to be in the contemporary culture.
Rio To Stage 2016 Olympics
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,15234_5601627,00.html
"For South America, it will be a magical moment. For the Olympic Movement, it will be an opportunity to feel the warmth of our people, the exuberance of our culture, the sun of our joy."
This is useful as it talks about the idea of unity and how the olympics brings this through culture. In addition how the Olympics is attempting to be more diverse by havein it take place in South America.
Task 3- Historical Text Analysis & Research
The historical text that will be investigated is The Mighty Ducks (1992). There are many similarities between this film and and the culture that is more recent. Such as there is an element of a rebellious side to the youngsters. This is because they don't obey and challenge the coaches authority. This links to current issues as young people have been perceived as deviant.
One moment of the film when the children are taught to 'dive' and 'play-act' by the coach. This conflicts with current times as this form of action would be looked down upon. Therefore it may be showing how values have changed overtime. Also the text may be questioning sports peoples behaviours and how they behave behind closed doors.
The clear similarities between this text and 'Miracle' is that they're both based on sports and specifically ice hockey. Therefore the target audiences will be similar as they are both similar genres. However this text maybe targeted at children as they will be able to identify to the characters more. Whereas 'Miracle' maybe targeted at slightly older people of 15 and above. This is because its about hockey in more depth and at a higher level as its about The Olympics.
Another interesting comparison is both texts are distributed by Walt Disney. Therefore it could be argued that the narrative of both films maybe similar. Also they maybe be conveying the same messages and ideological values. Such as both reinforce the idea of achieving the dream.
A similarity is how both coaches in the texts adopt a team that lacks ability and talent. Consequently both show the struggles and challenges put forward for characters Gordon Bombay and Herb Brookes. Furthermore both reveal that they succeed at the end due to perseverance.
One moment of the film when the children are taught to 'dive' and 'play-act' by the coach. This conflicts with current times as this form of action would be looked down upon. Therefore it may be showing how values have changed overtime. Also the text may be questioning sports peoples behaviours and how they behave behind closed doors.
The clear similarities between this text and 'Miracle' is that they're both based on sports and specifically ice hockey. Therefore the target audiences will be similar as they are both similar genres. However this text maybe targeted at children as they will be able to identify to the characters more. Whereas 'Miracle' maybe targeted at slightly older people of 15 and above. This is because its about hockey in more depth and at a higher level as its about The Olympics.
Another interesting comparison is both texts are distributed by Walt Disney. Therefore it could be argued that the narrative of both films maybe similar. Also they maybe be conveying the same messages and ideological values. Such as both reinforce the idea of achieving the dream.
A similarity is how both coaches in the texts adopt a team that lacks ability and talent. Consequently both show the struggles and challenges put forward for characters Gordon Bombay and Herb Brookes. Furthermore both reveal that they succeed at the end due to perseverance.
Task 2- Additional Reading
Bennett, Peter. Slater, Jerry. Wall, Peter (2006): A2 Media Studies: The Essential Introduction. Oxon: Routledge.
Pages 10-12
'Television gave extra prominence to top clubs and made celebrities out of their players'.
'Sky attempted to gain control of one of the world's leading sporting brands, Manchester United, a new era had dawned.'
The chapter links to sport and how influential the media is when portraying sporting events. Also reflecting the impact of catchy headlines in newspapers about footballers and what effect it will have on readers. Furthermore it points out that the media was the reason for the increased amount of popularity in sports.
Casey, Bernadette, Casey, Neil. Calvert, Ben. French, Liam. Lewis, Justin (2002): Television Studies The Key Concepts. London: Routledge.
Pages 226-228
'Television corporations are able to influence which sports flourish commercially.'
'Produce sporting narratives that can emphasise drama, spectacle and significance.'
Looks at the history of sports and how this has coincided with a number of media forms. It also links this to an extent with globalisation.
Creeber, Glen (2004): Fifty Key Television Programmes. London: Arnold.
Pages 85-90 & 149-153
'The Olympic Games is routinely celebrated, not least by its organisers the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the television event that brings the 'global village' together through shared appreciation of the universal ideals embodied in athletic competition, transcending racial, national and religious differences.'
This title focuses specifically on two sporting events; The Fifa World Cup and The Olympic Games. It mentions the idea of how they bring communities together and creates a unified society, the power of the media to make this happen.
Williams, Kevin (2003): Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
Pages 36-38
'Hence the media are instruments of social control whose content is manipulated to mislead people and encourage them to accept their subordination.'
This refers to the theory that I will be looking at; Marxism. It mentions how the ruling class own the means of production, such as the media. Links it to the idea of 'false class consciousness.
Pages 10-12
'Television gave extra prominence to top clubs and made celebrities out of their players'.
'Sky attempted to gain control of one of the world's leading sporting brands, Manchester United, a new era had dawned.'
The chapter links to sport and how influential the media is when portraying sporting events. Also reflecting the impact of catchy headlines in newspapers about footballers and what effect it will have on readers. Furthermore it points out that the media was the reason for the increased amount of popularity in sports.
Casey, Bernadette, Casey, Neil. Calvert, Ben. French, Liam. Lewis, Justin (2002): Television Studies The Key Concepts. London: Routledge.
Pages 226-228
'Television corporations are able to influence which sports flourish commercially.'
'Produce sporting narratives that can emphasise drama, spectacle and significance.'
Looks at the history of sports and how this has coincided with a number of media forms. It also links this to an extent with globalisation.
Creeber, Glen (2004): Fifty Key Television Programmes. London: Arnold.
Pages 85-90 & 149-153
'The Olympic Games is routinely celebrated, not least by its organisers the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the television event that brings the 'global village' together through shared appreciation of the universal ideals embodied in athletic competition, transcending racial, national and religious differences.'
This title focuses specifically on two sporting events; The Fifa World Cup and The Olympic Games. It mentions the idea of how they bring communities together and creates a unified society, the power of the media to make this happen.
Williams, Kevin (2003): Understanding Media Theory. London: Arnold.
Pages 36-38
'Hence the media are instruments of social control whose content is manipulated to mislead people and encourage them to accept their subordination.'
This refers to the theory that I will be looking at; Marxism. It mentions how the ruling class own the means of production, such as the media. Links it to the idea of 'false class consciousness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)