Nadine's AS Media Studies: July 2023

Here is the research for my documentary!

- Small research -

MAKING A MURDERER (2018)

The sub-genre of the documentary is a crime documentary (true crime). This can be shown through the court as the setting, intense music, and dim lighting that are very attached with criminal documentary. Demographically, the target audience for this documentary is from young adult to older age people who most of the time follow the recent news or for those who have interest to crime or mysterious unsolved cases (psychographically). What I like about this documentary is the storyline of the documentary (about a man named Steven Avery who have been prisoned for 18 years - when he is actually innocent and the polices also knew that he is innocent). However, personally I don't really enjoy watching this documentary because it is boring and too serious.

LIFE IN A DAY (2020)

The sub-genre of the documentary is a lifestyle documentary (poetic documentary). The documentary is telling us about what happened around 192 countries in one same day at July 25th, 2020. The target audience for this documentary video is young adult to older age people and it targeted global audience since it shows about 324,000 videos from many different countries. This video represent many different cultures and shows the world what people from different are does and how they do it (normal activities of people in general). What I like about this movie is it was thoughtful in some part. However, personally this was a bit boring for me since this is something that's very common happened.

GORDON RAMSAY UNCHARTED (2021)

The sub-genre of the documentary is a travel and food documentary combined together. The target audience of this documentary is for all age from young people to older age people. The genre conventions of the documentary is the bright lighting, colorful, and traditional music as the background. It represent people stereotype about Indonesia which is known about their beautiful environment, many different culture, and traditional foods. What I like about this documentary is how it shows the Indonesian traditional cuisine especially when Gordon Ramsay explained about beef rendang which was the best food in the world and how does it shows the beautiful scenery of Indonesian nature through several establishing shot and I think it was just perfect.

CRIME SCENE: THE VANISHING AT THE CECIL HOTEL (2021)

The Netflix original real crime documentary series "Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel" was released in 2021. It explores the puzzling circumstances surrounding Canadian student Elisa Lam, who inexplicably vanished from the Los Angeles Cecil Hotel in 2013. The series methodically dissects the circumstances leading up to her disappearance and provides a thorough investigation of the case using a combination of archival material, interviews, and professional analysis. The documentary attempts to solve the mystery of Elisa Lam's tragic demise while utilizing the infamous past of the Cecil Hotel as a backdrop.

THE RIPPER (2020)

The true crime documentary series "The Ripper" from 2020 is accessible on Netflix. This book looks into the notorious Yorkshire Ripper case, which took place in England in the late 1970s. The show closely investigates the atrocities committed by Peter Sutcliffe, the man charged with a string of violent killings, as well as the inquiry that ultimately resulted in his detention. The series stands out for its careful attention to historical detail and endeavors to present a thorough summary of the case by integrating interviews, police reports, and media coverage. It may occasionally veer into sensationalism, which some viewers might find to be distracting from the investigation's more factual facets. Furthermore, while it does a good job of examining the crimes and the perpetrator, it can skim over certain important sociological and psychological factors that may have contributed to this infamous case.

HIGH SCORE (2020)

A thorough summary of the development and influence of video games is given in "High Score," a documentary series from 2020 that is currently streaming on Netflix. The series examines the development of gaming from arcade machines to home consoles through interviews with industry pioneers and archive material, highlighting significant milestones and influential games. The series is excellent at appealing to gamers' nostalgia and providing insightful analyses of the design decisions that went into creating enduring games, but because it predominantly concentrates on the North American and Japanese gaming scenes, its potential global reach may be constrained. Additionally, the series focuses on a particular historical period, primarily the late 20th century, rather than exploring more contemporary advancements in the game business, and some viewers may feel that certain themes are treated superficially.

- Big research -

THE INNOCENCE FILES (2020)

A documentary series from 2020 called "The Innocence Files" is currently streaming on Netflix. It looks at instances of wrongful convictions in the US. The series, which was created in association with the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to freeing those who have been unfairly imprisoned, examines eight gripping instances, each of which highlights a different flaw in the criminal justice system. The series uncovers poor forensic science, false confessions, government wrongdoing, and other systemic faults that resulted in these miscarriages of justice through interviews, historical film, and expert analysis. The horrific stories of those who have been unfairly imprisoned and the struggle to end these serious injustices are explored in "The Innocence Files" in a moving and dramatic way.

Media Language

"The Innocence Files" employs a range of sophisticated media elements to convey its narrative effectively. Through meticulous camera work, the documentary employs close-ups to capture the emotions of interviewees, providing a human connection, while wide shots establish context in locations like courtrooms and crime scenes. The use of reenactments visually reconstructs crucial events. Sound is used judiciously, with voiceovers and narration guiding viewers through complex legal processes, supported by carefully selected music and occasional sound effects for emphasis. The mise-en-scène is thoughtfully considered, ensuring interview settings are intimate and authentic, and courtroom scenes are portrayed accurately. In editing, montage sequences condense time and convey information efficiently, while flashbacks reinforce key points. Smooth transitions between interviews, archival footage, reenactments, and expert analysis maintain viewer engagement, while pacing allows for both emotional impact and information absorption. These combined elements create a compelling and informative narrative, effectively conveying the complexities of wrongful convictions, legal proceedings, and the human experiences at the heart of each case.

Audience

"The Innocence Files" is tailored for a diverse audience with specific interests and concerns. It caters to criminal justice advocates and activists who are actively engaged in reform efforts by addressing systemic flaws within the legal system. True crime enthusiasts are drawn to the series for its detailed examination of real-life criminal cases and intricate legal proceedings. Legal professionals, including students and lawyers, find the documentary engaging due to its in-depth exploration of legal processes, potential wrongful convictions, and the efforts to rectify them. Social justice advocates are attracted to the documentary's focus on pursuing truth and justice for wrongfully convicted individuals, aligning with broader concerns about fairness and equity in the legal system. Through expert analysis, emphasis on legal processes, narratives of advocacy and reform, and a balanced narrative structure, "The Innocence Files" effectively engages its target audience, offering relevant, informative, and thought-provoking content for viewers with a wide range of interests and concerns related to the criminal justice system.

Genre Conventions

"The Innocence Files" adheres to several key genre conventions of true crime documentaries. It centers on case investigation, meticulously examining specific instances of wrongful convictions, including details of the crimes, trials, and subsequent legal proceedings. The documentary places a strong emphasis on truth and justice, with each episode aiming to uncover the real events behind the convictions. Advocacy and reform are central themes, as the series sheds light on systemic issues within the legal system, highlighting the mission of the Innocence Project to rectify these injustices. The genre convention of expert testimony and analysis is employed, bringing in legal professionals, forensic scientists, and other experts to provide authoritative insights and commentary. Additionally, the documentary incorporates a balanced mix of personal narratives and broader systemic issues, ensuring that individual stories of injustice are contextualized within a larger framework of flaws within the criminal justice system. Through these genre conventions, "The Innocence Files" effectively captures the essence of true crime documentaries, providing a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of wrongful convictions and the pursuit of justice.

Media Representation

"The Innocence Files" employs media representation techniques to convey its narrative effectively. Drawing from media studies theory, it engages in both explicit and implicit modes of representation. Explicitly, the documentary foregrounds the experiences of wrongfully convicted individuals, allowing them to speak directly to the audience. This serves to humanize them, making their struggles and resilience palpable. Through interviews and personal accounts, viewers are invited to empathize with their plights. Moreover, the series employs visual and auditory cues to evoke emotions and emphasize key points, aligning with Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding model. For instance, somber music and close-up shots of emotional moments enhance the pathos, while archival footage and reenactments reconstruct critical events. The use of mise-en-scène, such as carefully chosen interview settings, further reinforces authenticity. Simultaneously, implicit representation occurs through the documentary's structural choices and narrative framing. By spotlighting the work of the Innocence Project, the series implicitly endorses the organization's mission and values, in line with cultural studies theories of hegemony and ideological framing. Through careful selection and editing of content, "The Innocence Files" shapes perceptions and elicits viewer engagement, aligning with the media's role in agenda-setting and framing theories. In sum, the documentary's media representation strategies, drawing from media studies theory, expertly navigate explicit and implicit modes of storytelling to convey the complexities of wrongful convictions and the pursuit of justice.

THE BLEEDING EDGE (2018)

A 2018 documentary called "The Bleeding Edge" that's accessible on Netflix takes a critical look at the American medical gadget market. The movie, which was directed by Kirby Dick and was made by Amy Ziering, explores the dangers and risks that might be connected to specific medical devices and technologies. The documentary reveals cases where individuals have been harmed as a result of defective or improperly tested medical devices through interviews with patients, medical professionals, and business insiders. It clarifies corporate agendas, regulatory flaws, and the difficulties patients who seek justice must overcome. "The Bleeding Edge" is an engrossing and provocative expose on the need for greater openness, responsibility, and scrutiny within the medical device business.

Media Language

"The Bleeding Edge" employs a range of media elements to effectively convey its investigative message. In terms of camera work, the documentary utilizes a combination of close-ups and medium shots during interviews, capturing the emotions and expressions of interviewees, which helps establish a strong emotional connection with the audience. Wide shots are used to establish locations and provide context, particularly in scenes depicting medical facilities and industry expos. Additionally, the documentary incorporates archival footage and news clips, enhancing the depth of the narrative and providing historical context. The use of sound is judiciously employed, with voiceovers and narration providing essential information and guiding viewers through complex legal and medical processes. Music is used strategically to set the tone and mood of different scenes, evoking emotions or adding a layer of tension. Sound effects are used sparingly but effectively, such as medical equipment sounds to create a sense of realism. In terms of mise-en-scène, the settings of interviews and scenes are carefully chosen to create a sense of authenticity and context, ensuring that the audience can visually connect with the subject matter. Editing techniques are used to maintain a smooth flow of information, with transitions between interviews, archival footage, and reenactments ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Montage sequences are employed to condense time and provide visual context, while flashbacks are used to reinforce key points. Overall, "The Bleeding Edge" demonstrates a thoughtful and strategic use of media language, combining various elements to create a compelling and informative exposé on the medical device industry.

Audience

"The Bleeding Edge" targets a diverse audience with specific interests and concerns related to the healthcare industry and patient advocacy. Primarily, it caters to individuals who are directly impacted by medical devices or have a vested interest in their safety, such as patients who may have undergone surgeries involving implants or individuals considering medical interventions. This is shown through the documentary's extensive interviews with patients who have experienced adverse effects from medical devices, allowing their personal experiences to serve as powerful testimonials. The film also appeals to healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners, as well as those working in regulatory bodies or the medical device industry. This is demonstrated through interviews with medical experts and professionals who provide insights into the challenges and potential risks associated with certain devices. Additionally, the documentary addresses a wider audience of consumers and the general public, aiming to raise awareness about the potential dangers of inadequately tested medical technologies. It achieves this through clear and accessible explanations of complex medical and regulatory concepts, ensuring that viewers without a background in healthcare can still engage with the material. Overall, "The Bleeding Edge" employs its interviews, expert commentary, and accessible language to effectively reach a broad audience, ranging from patients and medical professionals to concerned consumers, all with a shared interest in the safety and transparency of medical devices.

Genre Conventions

"The Bleeding Edge" adheres to the genre conventions of investigative documentaries, particularly those focused on exposing systemic issues within a specific industry. It centers on case investigation, meticulously examining instances where patients have suffered harm due to flawed or inadequately tested medical devices. This is achieved through in-depth research, interviews with affected individuals, medical professionals, and industry insiders, as well as the presentation of factual evidence and expert analysis. The documentary places a strong emphasis on advocacy and reform, highlighting the need for increased transparency, accountability, and regulatory scrutiny within the medical device industry. It employs a narrative structure that combines personal narratives with broader systemic issues, illustrating the human impact of these flawed practices. By adhering to these genre conventions, "The Bleeding Edge" effectively fulfills its role as an investigative documentary, providing a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the potential risks associated with certain medical technologies and advocating for necessary reforms within the industry.

Media Representation

"The Bleeding Edge" employs media representation techniques to effectively convey its investigative message, drawing on media studies theories. Explicitly, the documentary foregrounds the experiences of patients who have suffered harm due to medical devices, utilizing personal testimonies to humanize their struggles and make them relatable to the audience. This aligns with Stuart Hall's encoding/decoding model, where the intended message (in this case, the need for increased scrutiny in the medical device industry) is encoded and decoded by the viewers, fostering empathy and awareness. The film also employs visual and auditory cues, utilizing somber music and close-up shots of emotional moments to evoke empathy and emphasize key points, demonstrating the affective dimension of media representation. Furthermore, the documentary utilizes archival footage and expert interviews to provide a comprehensive view of the issue, aligning with the media's role in agenda-setting and framing theories. Implicitly, the documentary represents the medical device industry as an entity with significant influence, shedding light on regulatory gaps and corporate interests. This aligns with cultural studies theories of hegemony, emphasizing how powerful interests can shape public discourse and influence regulatory processes. By strategically using both explicit and implicit modes of representation, "The Bleeding Edge" effectively navigates media studies theory to convey the complexities of medical device risks and advocate for greater accountability and transparency within the industry.

Nadine's AS Media Studies

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Team

Weekly Progress

Research

Brief

Self-reflection

Report Abuse

Labels