Essay 2: Exploring Myths, Metaphors, and Stereotypes in Film
Mythology (n.): The overall framework of values and beliefs incorporated in a given cultural system or worldview. Any given belief within such a structure – like the belief that “a woman’s place is in the home” – is called a myth.
Stereotype (n.): A preconceived and oversimplified idea of the characteristics which typify a person, situation, etc.; an attitude based on such a preconception.
Metaphor (n.): Something regarded as representative or suggestive of something else, esp. as a material emblem of an abstract quality, condition, notion, etc.; a symbol, a token.
Introduction
Over the past few weeks, we have discussed how television and movies can create cultural mythologies about certain people, groups of people, and even time periods (Lucy and Ricky sure looked happy in the 1950’s). We also explored the consequences of stereotypes in American film by unpacking the clever mechanisms filmmakers create “code” a message to the audience (aka subtext). Your task for the second essay is to choose a movie and explore any mythologies, metaphors, and/or stereotypes – coded or otherwise – presented in the film.
Choosing a Film
Possibilities are endless. From our discussion about Batman and The Joker, to the offensive Magical Negro, the Muslim terrorist, or the coded representation of homosexuality, movies represent a cultural mirror that may have very different interpretations to different audiences. As Arthur Laurents stated in The Celluloid Closet, “no one really sees the same movie.” So it is up to you to read and interpret the film as you would a text, and to tell us – the reader – how you see your chosen film. For example, one might see the last two Captain America films as simply a muscle man kicking the bad guys’ ass, but a critical viewer may read the title character as a symbol of American might and exceptionalism in a post 9/11 world, where an audience needs a hero and a symbol of justice.
So, when choosing your film, try to pick releases within the last 5 years. Also choose films that were popular at the box office and generated lots of revenue. Whether a film is good or bad is not important; leave all aesthetic tastes aside. (After all, highly-rated films can be duds at the box office; poorly-reviewed films can make piles of cash. See: Every Paranormal Activity movie ever made.) Simply put, stick with what is popular and not what you like.
Structure
This paper will be argumentative. You will need to formulate a thesis statement and quote from outside sources and essays from our text book. In addition, you will need to provide context for your reader by putting your chosen film in to a system where you can explore associations and differences. (Be sure to reread these definitions and review Chapter 4’s section about Joker.) We will model your structure based on a student essay in Signs found on page 49. Please be sure to read this essay for a class discussion on 11/4.
Technical Requirements and Grading
Your essay must be 5-6 pages (not including a Works Cited page). You must use a minimum of 5 sources (3 need to be outside sources). MLA format; Times New Roman; 12 pt. font. Final Essay is due 11/16.
Tentative Schedule (revised)
Week 11
11/2 – Discussion of Essay 2 Research methods and MLA review
Homework: Read student essay on page 49 and Michael Omi (pg.538)
11/4 – Discussion of essay and Omi
Week 12 – Conferences
11/9 – Conference Day 1
11/11 – Conference Day 2
Homework: Essay 2
Week 13 – New Media
11/16 – Episode of Black Mirror
Homework: Read “Fast Entertainment…” and “Students Addicted to Social Media”
11/18 – Discussion of reading
Watch online: Generation Like http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/generation-like/
Homework: Read “If We’re All So Sick of You…” and “In the Digital Age, Breaking Up Is Hard to Do”
Short Essay Response to film (sub for In-class Essay #7)
Week 14
11/23 – The Signs of Social Media; Final Essay and Portfolio Guidelines Discussion
11/25 – No Class
Week 15
11/30 – Conference Day 1
12/2 – Conference Day 2
12/7 – DUE: Portfolios must be submitted in class!
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