TTIHAU Topic 1

How mainstream audience values inform feature film.

Example Essay 1

Mainstream audience values have a significant impact on the way screen media is produced, distributed, and consumed. These values can shape the stories that are told, the characters that are portrayed, and the messages that are conveyed. This essay will explore how mainstream audience values inform screen media, using the film "10 Things I Hate About You" as the main reference text.

The film "10 Things I Hate About You" is a modern retelling of William Shakespeare's play "The Taming of the Shrew." The film's plot centres around two sisters, Kat and Bianca, and their experiences navigating high school romance. The film was released in 1999 and was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million at the box office. The film's popularity can be attributed to its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and timeless themes of love and friendship.

One way in which mainstream audience values inform screen media is through the portrayal of gender roles. In "10 Things I Hate About You," the character of Kat is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who resists conforming to traditional gender roles. This portrayal reflects the changing attitudes of the time towards women's empowerment and equality. However, the film also reinforces traditional gender roles by portraying Bianca as a more stereotypical "girly" girl who is obsessed with popularity and boys. This portrayal may reflect the mainstream audience's desire for more traditional gender roles in some aspects.

Another way in which mainstream audience values inform screen media is through the depiction of romantic relationships. In "10 Things I Hate About You," the film portrays the central romantic relationship between Kat and Patrick as one that is built on mutual respect and understanding. This portrayal reflects the growing trend towards more egalitarian and respectful relationships in the mainstream audience. However, the film also reinforces traditional gender roles by depicting the pursuit of romantic love as the ultimate goal for the female characters. This portrayal may reflect the mainstream audience's continued desire for traditional romantic narratives.

Counterarguments to the influence of mainstream audience values on screen media may argue that filmmakers and producers are driven primarily by artistic and creative considerations rather than commercial considerations. However, this argument is difficult to sustain given the clear financial incentives for filmmakers and producers to create content that resonates with the mainstream audience.

In-depth analysis of "10 Things I Hate About You" reveals that the film's portrayal of gender roles and romantic relationships is not without its flaws. For example, the film's depiction of Kat as a "shrew" who needs to be tamed by Patrick perpetuates harmful stereotypes about women who resist traditional gender roles. Additionally, the film's portrayal of Bianca as a shallow and vapid character reinforces negative stereotypes about femininity and popularity.

Despite these flaws, "10 Things I Hate About You" remains a beloved film that has resonated with audiences for over two decades. This longevity can be attributed in part to the film's ability to capture and reflect the mainstream audience's values and desires. However, it is important to continue to critically analyze and evaluate the messages and values conveyed by screen media to ensure that they align with our society's values of equality and respect for all.

In conclusion, mainstream audience values play a significant role in shaping the content of screen media. "10 Things I Hate About You" provides a compelling example of how these values can influence the portrayal of gender roles and romantic relationships. While the film's portrayal is not without its flaws, it remains a beloved classic that has resonated with audiences for over two decades. It is important for us as viewers to continue to critically analyze and evaluate the messages and values conveyed by screen media to ensure that they align with our society's values of equality and respect for all.

Sample Essay 2

Screen media is a powerful tool in shaping the values of a mainstream audience. The values of the mainstream audience are reflected in the content that is produced, and in turn, this content reinforces these values in the audience. One film that demonstrates this process is 10 Things I Hate About You. This essay will analyze how mainstream audience values inform screen media through an examination of 10 Things I Hate About You.

10 Things I Hate About You is a teen romantic comedy that was released in 1999. The film is an adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew, and follows the story of two sisters, Kat and Bianca. The film presents a number of values that are important to the mainstream audience, including the importance of individuality, the value of education, and the belief in true love.

The film's portrayal of individuality is evident in the character of Kat, who is a non-conformist and fiercely independent. She refuses to conform to the expectations of her peers and teachers, and instead, pursues her own interests. This value is important to the mainstream audience because it reinforces the idea that it is important to be true to oneself and not conform to societal norms. By presenting this value, the film suggests that individuality is something to be celebrated and admired.

The value of education is also important to the mainstream audience, and this is evident in the film's portrayal of the characters' academic pursuits. The character of Bianca is portrayed as a high-achieving student who is dedicated to her studies. This value is important to the mainstream audience because it reinforces the idea that education is important and that success can be achieved through hard work and dedication.

The belief in true love is another value that is important to the mainstream audience, and this is evident in the film's central love story. The film presents the idea that true love is possible and that it can overcome any obstacle. This value is important to the mainstream audience because it reinforces the belief that love is a powerful force that can bring people together and overcome any differences.

However, some may argue that the values presented in the film are too simplistic and idealistic. They may argue that the portrayal of individuality, education, and love is too perfect and does not accurately reflect the complexities of real life. While there is some truth to this argument, it is important to recognize that the film is a work of fiction and is intended to be an idealized portrayal of these values.

In addition, it is important to consider the cultural and historical context in which the film was made. The late 1990s was a time of social and cultural change, and the values presented in the film reflect this changing landscape. The film's portrayal of individuality, education, and love reflects the growing importance of these values in contemporary society.

In conclusion, 10 Things I Hate About You is an example of how mainstream audience values inform screen media. The film presents a number of values that are important to the mainstream audience, including the importance of individuality, the value of education, and the belief in true love. While some may argue that the values presented in the film are too simplistic and idealistic, it is important to recognize the cultural and historical context in which the film was made. Overall, the film provides a valuable insight into how screen media reflects and reinforces the values of its audience.

Sample Essay 3

Screen media is a powerful medium that can entertain, educate, and influence mainstream audiences. The values and expectations of these audiences play a significant role in shaping the content and themes of movies and TV shows. In this essay, we will explore how mainstream audience values inform screen media, using the film "10 Things I Hate About You" as the main reference text.

Firstly, it is important to understand that mainstream audiences have certain expectations and values that they bring to the screen. For example, they may expect to see familiar themes such as romance, comedy, or drama, and they may value relatable characters and realistic scenarios. In "10 Things I Hate About You," the filmmakers cater to these expectations by telling a relatable story about high school romance.

Moreover, mainstream audiences often have moral values that they expect to see reflected in the screen media they consume. These values may include respect for authority, honesty, and fairness. In "10 Things I Hate About You," the filmmakers present a moral lesson about the importance of being true to oneself and respecting others. The main character, Kat, learns to let go of her anger and open up to love, while her love interest, Patrick, learns to be honest and vulnerable.

However, it is important to note that not all audiences share the same values or expectations. Some may find certain themes or messages offensive or inappropriate. For example, some viewers may object to the depiction of premarital sex or drug use in "10 Things I Hate About You." These differing values and opinions can lead to controversy and debate about the appropriateness of certain screen media.

Furthermore, mainstream audience values can also be influenced by larger cultural and societal trends. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for diversity and representation in screen media, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and social justice. In "10 Things I Hate About You," the film reflects mainstream values of its time, including traditional gender roles and heteronormative relationships. However, it is worth noting that the film also subverts some gender norms, such as Kat's rejection of traditional femininity and her preference for intellectual pursuits.

In-depth analysis of "10 Things I Hate About You" reveals that the film's success with mainstream audiences is due in part to its ability to balance familiar themes and values with subtle subversions and surprises. For example, the film's use of Shakespearean references adds depth and complexity to the story, while the character of Kat challenges traditional gender roles and expectations. The film also balances its romantic and comedic elements with darker themes such as grief and loss, which add emotional depth and resonance.

In conclusion, mainstream audience values play a significant role in shaping screen media, influencing everything from themes and characters to moral messages and cultural trends. "10 Things I Hate About You" is a prime example of a film that successfully balances mainstream values with subversive elements, creating a relatable and engaging story that resonates with audiences. While some viewers may object to certain themes or messages in the film, its overall success and lasting popularity demonstrate the power of mainstream audience values to shape and inform screen media.

Sample Essay 4

Mainstream audience values have a significant impact on the development of screen media. In this essay, we will explore how these values influence the production of the film "10 Things I Hate About You." This film, directed by Gil Junger and released in 1999, is an adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." By examining the themes, characters, and plot of this film, we will analyze how mainstream audience values are reflected in screen media.

The film "10 Things I Hate About You" revolves around a group of high school students and their romantic relationships. The themes of love, social status, and gender roles are prominently featured throughout the film. The characters are also typical representations of high school archetypes such as the popular jock, the rebel, and the good girl. These elements reflect the mainstream audience values that prioritize heteronormative relationships and reinforce gender stereotypes.

However, some may argue that the film challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations. For instance, the character Kat, played by Julia Stiles, is portrayed as a strong, independent young woman who rejects societal norms and expectations. She is shown to be intelligent, uninterested in conforming to the expectations of her peers, and unwilling to compromise her values. In this sense, the film seems to suggest that it is possible for women to be powerful and independent in a world that often marginalizes them.

Nonetheless, the film still perpetuates some problematic stereotypes. The character of Bianca, played by Larisa Oleynik, is portrayed as a typical high school girl who cares more about her appearance and popularity than her education. This depiction reinforces the idea that women's value is based on their physical appearance and social status, rather than their intellect and achievements.

Furthermore, the film's portrayal of relationships reinforces the notion that women need a man to be happy. The film suggests that Kat's happiness is dependent on finding the right man, and the other female characters are defined by their relationships with men. This reinforces the patriarchal notion that a woman's worth is based on her relationship status and reinforces the idea that men are the ones in control.

In conclusion, the film "10 Things I Hate About You" reflects mainstream audience values by reinforcing gender stereotypes and prioritizing heteronormative relationships. While the film does challenge some societal expectations, such as the idea that women can be strong and independent, it still perpetuates problematic stereotypes that marginalize women. As such, it is important for filmmakers to recognize the impact that mainstream audience values can have on the development of screen media and work to create more inclusive and diverse representations of gender roles and relationships.