1) What is the name of the film, the director and notable stars?
Suffragette is a 2015 British historical period drama film directed by Sarah Gavron and written by Abi Morgan. Some notable actors that are in this film are; Carey Mulligan, Helen Bonham Carter and Meryl Streep. The film is based upon women's rights in the 1912's and the riots they carried out in order to be heard by everyone else. The film conveys the struggles women had to face both during the riots and before.
2) When was it released?
The filming for this film started on the 24th February 2014 and the film was released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 12 October 2015. On 27 March 2015, Focus Features set the film for an 23 October 2015 limited release in the United States.
3) What genre is the film? What are the generic conventions that tell you the film belongs to this genre?
The genre of this film is a British historical period drama. Some of the generic conventions that portray the film to be a historical period drama is the year it was set in (1912). Furthermore, the type of clothing they wear in the film emphasises the time period. We can also tell that this is an historical period drama, as the buildings look quite old and not so modern. In addition, there isn't much use of technology seen throughout the film and not many cars or modern transportation are conveyed, which better shows the time period of this film.
The genre of this film is a British historical period drama. Some of the generic conventions that portray the film to be a historical period drama is the year it was set in (1912). Furthermore, the type of clothing they wear in the film emphasises the time period. We can also tell that this is an historical period drama, as the buildings look quite old and not so modern. In addition, there isn't much use of technology seen throughout the film and not many cars or modern transportation are conveyed, which better shows the time period of this film.
4) What was the critical reception? What is the film rated on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes?
The reviews that this film had received were quite positive, for example the website 'No Spoiler Reviews' said the film was well told and the actors played a significant role in telling the story, "That “Suffragette” accomplishes this is due to its performances, its beautiful re-creations, and its lovely direction."
Furthermore, critics from 'Rotten Tomatoes' have said the film is almost like a history lesson, "this is an urgent, persuasive, if cloyingly conventional history lesson with a story that Hollywood's barely touched on before." Therefore, the film is seen to be both educational and entertaining. However, the film did receive some negative reviews. For example, some viewers felt as if the film was 'cliché' within it's narrative, "it is too conventional and marred by some clichés and silly plot devices to create suspense - like someone conveniently finding a newspaper with an information that he needs."
Therefore, the film received both positive and negative reviews from the public.
Broadcast
1) Write a close-textual analysis of the trailer using the MIGRAIN key concepts of Media Studies.
Throughout the entire trailer, there's a use of non-diegetic music, which is parallel to the trailer itself. This is used to create more suspense and emotion to keep the audience engaged. Furthermore, the lighting throughout the trailer remains quite dim and from this we can infer that the film may be emotional and sad. During the trailer In addition, as the film was set in 1912, the director has used props and costumes to make this evident in the film. Also, the way some of the characters speak isn't of the modern language that we speak today, which adds to the fact of the film being set in the 1912's.
From the trailer we can tell this film is a British historical period drama. It would mainly appeal to a older audience (18-30), also, it might appeal to mainly women, as the film is about women trying to gain the right to vote. The film could also appeal to people who don't have a clear understanding of who the Suffragettes were. This films goes against the dominant representation of what women were supposed to act like. Considering this movie is about women being less inferior and men having all the power, Mulvey's theory can be applied here, as she states that the dominant view in the media is masculine.
From the trailer we can tell this film is a British historical period drama. It would mainly appeal to a older audience (18-30), also, it might appeal to mainly women, as the film is about women trying to gain the right to vote. The film could also appeal to people who don't have a clear understanding of who the Suffragettes were. This films goes against the dominant representation of what women were supposed to act like. Considering this movie is about women being less inferior and men having all the power, Mulvey's theory can be applied here, as she states that the dominant view in the media is masculine.
2) Find examples of television promotion on YouTube (adverts, chat shows, ‘red carpet’ interviews etc.) and post them to your blog along with an explanation of how these promote the film.
/
This interview from the Graham Norton show helps promote the film as the actresses from the film speak about the film itself, and the history of women trying to get rights.
This helps in promoting the film, as the audience gain a better understanding of what the film is about. In addition, both Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman talk about how most people don't actually know the difficulties women had to face in order to just have a say in what went on, or even have the right to vote.
Therefore, this interview helps greatly in promoting the film as it gives the audience a clearer understanding of what the movie is actually about.
This helps in promoting the film, as the audience gain a better understanding of what the film is about. In addition, both Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman talk about how most people don't actually know the difficulties women had to face in order to just have a say in what went on, or even have the right to vote.
Therefore, this interview helps greatly in promoting the film as it gives the audience a clearer understanding of what the movie is actually about.
This is an interview from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This helps in promoting the film as Carey Mulligan talks about the history of the Suffragettes and what they had to face and overcome to gain a vote, as well as having a say in anything else. Furthermore, she talks about her character and what her character comes across and the things she has to do. She also gives the audience a rough idea of what the film is about.
This therefore might persuade the audience or viewers at home into watching the film.
This interview with Carey Mulligan is a good way in promoting the film, as Carey gives a background of what the film was based upon. She admits not knowing a lot about the Sufragette movement, and from working on this film, she learnt a lot about the movement of which she did not before. This manages to give viewers a rough idea about what the film is about. Also, the fact that Carey Mulligan, one of the main characters in the film is talking about the history of what the film was based upon may draw the audience into watching the film.
1) Read at least THREE reviews of the film and provide a quote from each one.
- Reviews from the website Rotten Tomatoes claim the film was beautifully told, "This is a beautiful film, not just in its narrative but also in its astounding cinematography and production design."
- Another review from The New York Times claim the film was once again, well told. However one critic said they wished there was more emotion in the film. Also, the critic believes everything shown in the film was done properly, "I loved the movie. Did I wish that it had more emotion? Sometimes, but I chalked it up to this being a British movement. Things were done properly even the bombings."
- Lastly, a critic from a website called Metacritic spoke about the acting in the film, and loved it. He/She said that they brought a lot emotion to the camera. Also, they said the film gave them a better understanding of the history of the film, "One of the best movies I've watched. The acting of all the actresses was outstanding. It brought tears to my eyes on many occasions and it also made me understand an important and serious part of history which later led me to further investigation."
2) Find examples of print promotion (e.g. film poster, billboard adverts etc.) on Google images and post them to your blog along with an explanation of how these promote the film.
This is a good example of print promotion, as it stands out with it's bright colours. The title is boldly conveyed on the poster and can be easily caught by the audiences eye. Furthermore, the use of positive reviews shown on the poster helps with promotion, as it would influence the audience in watching the film, as there reading positive reviews and not negative ones. Furthermore, this would also promote the film as it has three of the main characters on the front cover, and therefore if the audience are familiar with them, they'd be more drawn to watching the film. In addition, it conveys important details such as the release date of the film, etc.
This film poster of the film is quite similar to the previous. The title title is boldly portrayed in the centre of the poster, along with the release date of the film. Furthermore, at the top there actresses names are clearly shown with their character names from the film. The use of using both names may help the audience get a better idea of who is starring in the film. Also, using a picture of one of the main characters adds to this. Bright colours are used, which is a good example of print production as the poster will be easily caught by the audiences eye.
Furthermore, these colours used on the poster were used back in the 1912's as a key symbol of the Suffragettes.
This film poster of the film is quite similar to the previous. The title title is boldly portrayed in the centre of the poster, along with the release date of the film. Furthermore, at the top there actresses names are clearly shown with their character names from the film. The use of using both names may help the audience get a better idea of who is starring in the film. Also, using a picture of one of the main characters adds to this. Bright colours are used, which is a good example of print production as the poster will be easily caught by the audiences eye.
Furthermore, these colours used on the poster were used back in the 1912's as a key symbol of the Suffragettes.
This poster isn't as bold as the other two, however it's still quite similar. The title stands out and is easily noticeable. The use of the main characters is once again useful in promoting the film, as it gives the audience a clearer idea of who is starring in the film. A slogan from the film is also used which is a good way of promoting the film. Furthermore, the poster portrays the release date of the film, which is a key factor in promoting a film.
The brands image is constructed to portray an inspiring and positive image of the women, which is shown in the film itself. The film has an extremely strong meaning to it as it shows the importance of women trying to gain a right to vote. This is quite similar to the film The Kings Speech as it also contains the message of having a voice and being equal in life.
E-media
1) Research the film’s presence on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. How does the film’s social media presence help promote the film?
Having a Facebook account helps in promoting the film, as it's used by many people. Therefore, as Facebook is used by many, if the managers/directors wanted to share something to their audience they would be able to. Also, promoting things on Facebook is efficient and quick. In addition, using a social media website in order to promote a film is good, as the directors are able to keep the audience informed of when the release date is, and can spread the word about the film quicker. Furthermore, as there is a comments section on the website, people/fans can post their opinions of what they think about the film and therefore give other viewers a better understanding of what the film is like, and could even influence them into watching it. This is the same for both Instagram and Twitter, they allow the audience to be informed and updated with release dates, and any other important events that revolve around the film. In addition, uploading posts on these social media websites can give the audience a quick sneak peak of they can expect from the movie itself. Therefore, by using all these social medias, there's a higher chance of the film becoming even more known by the public, which then adds to more viewers and more profit.
2) Analyse the official website for the film. How does it use the film’s brand? What examples of synergy can you find with the other platforms?
The main page of the website has the trailer automatically playing, this allows the audience to be instantly engaged.7 The website for the film is quite efficient, it has a section about the film so it allows the audience to get a better insight of what the film is about. Also, it has a gallery section, which allows the audience to view pictures from the film. Viewers can also view the full trailer from the website, they can also get tickets from the website in order to watch the full film. The website also contains the links for the films Facebook, Instagram and Twitter page which allows the audience to automatically view the official pages.
3) Did the film run any kind of e-media based campaign to generate interest in the film?
The film ran a competition in which the audience were able to post an image of their mums with the hashtag #InspiringMothers on social media like, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. They were then entered for a price draw with a win of £250 gift voucher for Outfit. This creates interest and promotion as it allows the audience to interact and express personal opinions.
4) Can you find any examples of the two-step flow theory online – did celebrities or journalists tweet or post about the film in order to promote it to their followers?
The director tweeted about the film winning awards, and nominations that it had gotten. This allows the directors followers to see what is happening with the film, and allows them to keep updated. Also, on Twitter you're able to retweet, which would allow more people to become aware of the film.
Audience
1) Who is the target audience for this film? Demographics and psychographics.
I think the target audience for this film would mainly appeal to an elder audience, aged 18-35. In terms of psychographic groups I think this would appeal to successers as successers are self-confident and have a strong goal orientation and as the film is about women trying to gain a vote and being successful this would appeal to extremely well to successers. Also, I think the film would appeal to Aspirers as they are people who are driven by others’ perceptions of them rather than by their own values. This film is mainly about women trying to have the right to vote, therefore, these two psychographic groups would be extremely interested in the film. In terms of Demographic groups, I think this will appeal to working middle class people, as the characters in the film aren't of the upper class and still have to work to make a profit.
2) How does the cross-media promotional campaign target this audience?
The cross-media campaign manages to target it's audience because as the film targets an older audience as well as a younger audience having different media platforms allows the film to appeal to a wider audience. For example, the younger generation are the ones who use social media and the older generation would read articles.
3) What audience pleasures does the film provide? Think about the BFI lecture on audience pleasures in British film
The film provides many audience pleasures. One of these main pleasures is that this film it provides historical information through a film. Furthermore, not does it provide a historical lesson, it gives off pure entertainment for the viewers.A UK audience would enjoy the film, as it's based in Britain and has British culture throughout, as well as having a historical plot. In addition, the film is quite mainstream itself, and can be seen as a 'crowd pleaser' as its won numerous awards.
4) What similar films would the target audience enjoy? Justify your suggestions.
Another film the target audience would enjoy is 'The King's Speech' - This particular audience would enjoy this film, as it's similar to the Suffragettes in the sense that it's set in Britain and it was set in a similar time period. Also, like the Suffragettes the audience would consist of an older age.
The film 'The Iron Lady' as it's also set in Britain and would appeal to a UK audience. Also, like the Suffragettes and the Kings Speech, the Iron Lady is about British politics and so, therefore, this would also appeal to an elder audience, as the younger generation aren't as interested in politics.
Lastly, the film Iron Jawed Angels, released in 2004, is extremely similar to the Suffragettes, and therefore share the same target audience.
Institution
1) Which film studio produced the film? What other films have they produced? Do they have a track record with this kind of film and this target audience
In April 2001, it was announced that Film4 Productions, Focus Features and Ruby Films were developing a history drama film about the British women's suffrage movement. However Focus Features took over the distribution rights for the film.
Some other films Focus Features have produced are;
- The Danish Girl
- The Theory Of Everything
- Hyde Park On Hudson
- Paranorman
This company does have a track record with a similar target audience to The Suffragettes, however, this only applies to certain movies. The company releases films that have a target audience which completely differs to the Suffragettes.
The films the release vary between young children, teenagers and elder people.
2) Which company distributed the film in the UK? What other films have they distributed?
The company that distributed the film in the UK was CANAL+.
Some of the films this company have distributed are:
- Jurrassic World
- Mustang
- Five
- Taken 3
3) Do they have a track record with this kind of film and this target audience?
The company doesn't have a track record with this type of audience. The company have released mainly action films, such as Jurrasic World, Taken 3 and the Transporter films. Therefore, the target audience for these films completely differ to the the target audience for the film Suffragettes.
4) What was the budget for the film?
The budget for this film was 14 million USD.
5) How successful was the film financially? Why do you think this was?
As of March 7, 2016, Suffragette has grossed $4.7 million in North America and $25.3 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $30 million. I think financially the film was very successful, due to it being based upon real life events. Also, due to in having well known characters such as Meryl Streep. As she's such a well known actress. Furthermore, the fact that it was set in Britain this would appeal to a wide variety of the UK as well people nationally. Also, it was released by a well known company and therefore, the film would have been able to have a bigger promotion and more people would've been aware of it.
6) Was this film more successful in the UK or worldwide/USA? Why do you think this is?
In my opinion, I think that the film was more successful in the UK. I think it was more successful due to the film being based in Britain. Also, most of the characters from the film are British themselves, which would've managed to attract more of a British audience.
7) What certificate was the film given (12A, 18 etc.)? What was the reason for this certificate? Is the certification important for this film in terms of targeting its audience? Why?
The film was given a certificate of a 12. It was given this certificate as even though the film didn't contain much violence or bad language, it still had a bit of strong language which wouldn't have been suitable for children to view. Furthermore, it had scenes of moderate violence, which also wouldn't have been suitable for children. In my opinion, I think the certification for the film was very important, as it did contain violence and strong language. Therefore, having a certificate manages to restrict a younger audience from viewing this. Regardless of it having a certificate it still manages to reach it's target audience.
Representation
1) What representations of people, places or groups can be found in this film?
There are many representations of people that can be seen in this film. Firstly, the representation of the women being rebels can be portrayed, as the rebel against the law in order to get a vote. Also, there's a representation of the people in Britain being of lower working class. Furthermore, there's a representation of Britain. It isn't seen as so wealthy, as most of the people are working. In addition, there's also a representation of men, they're conveyed as being the dominant ones over the women.
2) What representation of ‘Britishness’ does the film contain?
This film contains quite a lot of 'Britishness'. For example, the way all the characters dress can help us infer that it's based in Britain. Also, the accents play a key part in this. Furthermore, the settings show a lot of Britishness, as the Big Ben is portrayed in one of the scene, also the name 'Oxford Street' is shown. Lastly, in one of the scenes, the women are seen at a horse racing game, which is commonly known as a British game.
3) How does the representation of Britain differ to Ill Manors?
4) What values and ideologies can you find in your chosen film? (E.g. The King’s Speech is extremely patriotic, pro-monarchy etc.)
One main ideology that can be seen in the film Suffragette is that the Suffragettes take charge in trying to gain equality. Therefore, there's the ideology of standing up for what you believe in.
1) What similarities and differences can you find between Ill Manors, A Field In England and your chosen case study film? List all that apply.
Similarities :
- A Field In England and Suffragette are both set in the past.
- iLL Manors and Suffragette used famous/well known people to promote the film.
-A Field In England and iLL Manors have a use of drugs.
-A Field In England and iLL Manors are low budget films.
iLL Manors and Suffragette were shown on TV shows.
Differences :
-Suffragette was high budget film
-AFIE and iLL Manors didn't have any well known people starring in the film.
-AFIE was the only one that released the film on all platforms on the same day.
-iLL Manors and Suffragette had a staggered release.
-AFIE didn't have much broadcast aspects.
- A Field In England and Suffragette are both set in the past.
- iLL Manors and Suffragette used famous/well known people to promote the film.
-A Field In England and iLL Manors have a use of drugs.
-A Field In England and iLL Manors are low budget films.
iLL Manors and Suffragette were shown on TV shows.
Differences :
-Suffragette was high budget film
-AFIE and iLL Manors didn't have any well known people starring in the film.
-AFIE was the only one that released the film on all platforms on the same day.
-iLL Manors and Suffragette had a staggered release.
-AFIE didn't have much broadcast aspects.
No comments:
Post a Comment