Y12 Written 2 Q2

Here are some suggestions to help you structure your argument well.

Q2. Media can use media aesthetics to communicate important themes to an intended audience. 

Analyse this statement with reference to media work you have studied.

• Construct an overview of media work that appropriately relates to the statement. (4 marks) 

• Summarise the themes communicated within the media work. (4 marks) 

• Discuss in detail how an intended audience is targeted. (6 marks) 

• Analyse the suitability of particular media for purposes such as construction of theme. (6 marks)

See a detailed breakdown of possible headings and subheadings below.

While the guide below should be helpful, always ask yourself, "is this going to get me more marks?" Make sure your writing always helps succinctly answer the question.

Based on SCSA's recommendations, here is an outline for how you can approach each section of the essay analysing how cultural contexts and values influence audience interpretation of media works.

Overview: 2 paragraphs

1) Define what is meant by "media aesthetics" - the artistic/technical elements like cinematography, lighting, sound, editing etc. that create the overall style/aesthetic of a film.

2) Briefly introduce the chosen film(s) and identify 1-2 key themes/messages the aesthetics are used to convey to the audience.

Summary of Interpretation: 2 paragraphs

1) Summarize how critics/audiences responded to the aesthetics and recognized their role in highlighting themes. Use specific examples.

2) Discuss what these interpretations reveal about the power of aesthetics to effectively or ineffectively communicate meaning.

Cultural Contexts: 4 paragraphs

1) Define cultural context and give examples of influences like time period, location, traditions, racial/gender dynamics etc.

2) Analyze how the cultural context of the filmmakers shaped their aesthetic choices to speak to those themes.

3) Explore how audiences from different cultural contexts may interpret aesthetic elements differently based on their perspectives.

4) Provide specific examples from the film(s) and criticism showing cultural impacts on aesthetic interpretations.

Values: 4 paragraphs

1) Define "values" in this context as moral beliefs, ethics, principles held by groups.

2) Examine how the values/ideologies of filmmakers motivated their aesthetic decisions to communicate certain messages.

3) Discuss how differing value systems among viewers caused them to derive different thematic interpretations from the aesthetics.

4) Use examples to illustrate how contrasting personal/societal values created polarized readings of the films' aesthetics.

The key is analyzing specific aesthetic choices in cinematography, production design, music, editing etc. and how they reinforce themes, while considering the cultural contexts and value systems of both creators and audiences that impact the creation and interpretation of those aesthetic elements.

The Neighbor's Window, New Boy, and The Silent Child can all be used as major references. These media works also demonstrate the use of various media aesthetics to communicate important themes effectively.

The Handmaid's Tale (TV Series): This series uses a muted colour palette, close-up shots, and intense sound design to create an oppressive atmosphere, effectively conveying themes of subjugation, resistance, and the importance of individual agency.

Parasite (Film): This film employs symbolic imagery, contrasting settings, and a blend of dark comedy and thriller elements to convey themes of class disparity, greed, and the consequences of capitalism.

Chernobyl (Miniseries): This series uses a desaturated colour palette, authentic Soviet-era settings, and sound design to immerse viewers in the story, enhancing themes such as the consequences of negligence, the cost of lies, and human resilience.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): This film uses vibrant colours, symmetrical compositions, and a unique aspect ratio to create a visually enchanting world that complements themes of friendship, loyalty, and nostalgia.

Also:

Blade Runner movies are excellent choices for examining media aesthetics and their role in communicating themes to the audience. Here's how you can approach using these films in your essay:

Blade Runner (1982)

Aesthetics: The film uses a dark, neo-noir visual style, blending futuristic technology with film noir elements to create a dystopian atmosphere.

Themes: Themes include the nature of humanity, empathy, and the consequences of technological advancement.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Aesthetics: The sequel maintains the original film's dark, dystopian atmosphere while incorporating more advanced visual effects and a haunting score to enhance the storytelling.

Themes: Themes include the consequences of technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and the search for identity.

Comparing and contrasting the aesthetics and themes in both Blade Runner films will allow you to demonstrate how media aesthetics contribute to conveying important themes in different ways.  Additionally, discussing how these films target specific audiences through their aesthetic choices will help support your analysis.