Fish Tank is a Social Realism film starring Katie Jarvis, an underclass teenage girl who isn't an actor.
The text adheres to the Social Realism genre as the theme of a non-nuclear family is represented, however, when Connor is present there is an element of a nuclear family. This is shown by the point of view shot from Mia's perspective of Connor playing with Tyler. In this shot, the audience see Connor tickling and picking up Tyler as she is laughing - as a father figure would to their child. The audience see that Tyler is blocking the front door in effort to prevent Connor from leaving which suggests that she has instantly become attached to him, reiterating the fact that they don't have a father/male figure in their lives. The point of view shot connotes a calm atmosphere as the shot is still and it implies Mia's reflection and appreciation that he is making the family happier than when he's not around. It could also connote that Mia is jealous of the attention that Tyler is receiving from Connor and therefore she cannot help but watch them.
The director adheres to the narrative theme within Social Realism films of desiring a lifestyle. The editor uses a mid shot of Mia, in her kitchen, watching a music video and attempting to dance in the style that the girls do. In the shot, we can see a side view of Mia dancing with the TV in the shot and a shallow depth of field as the background of the working class kitchen is not in focus. This connotes that she has been influenced by what she has seen on TV and as she doesn't have any experience of middle-upper class so it implies that she assumes that they have an aspiration lifestyle.
The response uses good media language from the very beginning, which includes camera techniques and typical character roles such as the dysfunctional family. It also shows good exam techniques as each point that is made is backed with in depth narrative description. It could relate back to the question more toward the end of paragraphs, although it does a good job of using language from the question throughout. It could include another convention although there's referencing to technical codes throughout both points.
ReplyDeleteIt goes into a lot of depth, and gives clear points which has made me realise just how bad my own response was. It's a great response in the time frame.
Brief introduction but it concisely details Social Realism & Fish Tank. Could have a little more detail, maybe about the genre and about the film itself. Might also be good to say what the impact of Katie Jarvis not being a professional actor has on the film.
ReplyDeleteReally good first paragraph analysing and explaining the role & representation of Conor, with good examples of specific clips to support. Good reference to how the audience will respond. Might be worth mentioning how the audience would feel in response to it, eg, uses and gratifications or empathy? (Which is typical of social realism also).
Good second paragraph full of vocabulary and flair. I would use the would "different" or "better" lifestyle, because she already has a lifestyle, but she aspires to have a better one.
Consistent use of the words 'typical' or 'adhere', so links to and answers the question well.
Really good well done :))))