Analysis of Sub-Genre Conventions - Macro

Analysis of Sub-Genre Conventions - Macro

The macro aspects of a film include:

• Who produces it
• Audience for the films
• Cast
• Plot lines
• Characters
• General ideas 

The Breakfast Club - (High school drama)

Key Plot?

• Follows 5 very different students within a high school Saturday detention. Each character has its own distinct stereotypes. Questions why the students are in detention.

What order is the story line introduced?

• Conflict between them as they all have different personalities.
• shows us why they are in detention
• Conflict with authority (teacher)
• Expect conflict then they all become friends

Characters?

• A princess
• A brain
• An athlete
• A criminal
• A basket case

Social groups? How are they represented (Positively, negatively, stereotypical)?

• Princess - presented as a spoilt girl who only cares about the money her father gives her, and her appearance. we can see this when we see her with her father when she is introduced. she is also a "daddy's girl" type.
• Brain - introduced as isolated, quiet and focuses on his studies. He also has very strict parents which contributes with the stereotype nerd with strict parents and gets the best results. we see this when he is told to try and study by his mum when being dropped off.
• Athlete - introduced as the stereotype american jock with his varsity jacket with the schools team logo on it. The dad is only concerned whether detention will interfere with his son's sports record.
• Basket case - immediately presented negatively with the name. she is neglected by her parents as they do not say a word to her and when she tries to talk to them, they drive off which shows the parents don't care about her. This influences her behaviour which is also why she has gained the name of a "basket case" from other students.
• Criminal - While the rest of the characters are being dropped off by their parents, the criminal arrives by himself which contributes to the idea that a criminal is independent and doesn't like authority. He is portrayed as tough and intimidating. 

Fish Tank - (Youth drama)

Key Plot?

• The main character (Mia) is very angry. shows very aggressive behaviour (punches girl and throws rock).
• Had an argument with her friend and trying to fix it.

Order of story line?

• Mia is angry. Has arguments with everyone she comes across with.
• Tries to release a horse.
• The horse symbolizes freedom (Macro concept)
• She feels like she cant breathe while being in an empty room and trapped. Possible connection to the concept of a fish tank.

Characters?

• Mia
• Mia's friend's father
• Little local girl
• Group of local girls

Social groups? How are they represented (Positively, negatively, stereotypical)?

All the characters in this intro as presented negatively. Both Mia and her friend's dad is shown being very angry and aggressive by throwing rocks and using fowl language. The local girls dancing are presented as the stereotypical 'chavs' with bad attitude similar to the american concept of cheerleaders.