1 Compare and contrast the two texts with reference to the representation of conflict? (8 marks)
Both texts include themes of conflict which is strongly suggested to the audience.
The trailer for the movie 'Battle: LA' uses many establishing shots throughout to give a wide view of conflict that is arising in the country, we can see the fiery red attacks made from the sky and on earth, the shots demonstrate the damage they cause and the panic and disintegration it creates to the communities. At one point the audience is also shown a clip used that imitates real-life footage, this is noticeable from the lower resolution, green-like colour, un-still camera movement and location of a real person amongst the chaos. The clip shows the residents and passer-bys running and looking for safety and the shots of fire from the sky destroying anything in its way, this makes the audience feel as if they are part of the commotion and conflict, using this P.O.V shots. Many long shots are also shown to show the characters of the military and the enemies (alien/robots) in offense, they are shown with helicopters and equipment used for mass destruction. The military stand out as their camouflage print uniform is iconographic and commonly associated with trouble and war. There is one particular shot that is memorable for the audience, the quick wide-shot shows a man in the military being dragged into the bushes by something unknown, the man is reaching out giving direct address to the camera which engages the audience deeply. The close-up shots are mainly of peoples facial expressions and reactions to show the terror and fear on their faces, the music throughout is very slow and emotional but towards the end another eerie sound Is heard getting louder and faster as the shots get quicker to create suspense and grab the audiences direct attention. All these shots are used very effectively to represent conflict that is arising in the country/countries and its huge effect on the public.
Another method the trailer and website uses to represent conflict is the use of NEWS. In the trailer we see through the narrative the use of televisions and radios props to show footage and breaking news headlines of the potential war. Similarly in the website 'Military News Network' we also see current news updates along with pictures. For example the current update would be the brief description of the American's missiles involvement in Libya, this is also accompanied by a wide shot picture showing a missile that has created destruct during the night of the country. This use of news/breaking news present conflict as the news is usually associated with the current disasters occurring around the world and is mostly focused on the negative scripts in society.
Also in the website we see a long shot image of a man with his gun, evidently part of the army as we see this iconographic uniform through his costume. His body language is towards something and in preparation of shooting. He is also located in a sandy foreign environment, this immediately represents conflict as this image is frequently shown and has a general representation of war and battles especially for people in our society as it has become increasingly shown in the media through current affairs.
2 Explore the view that the entertainment media feeds upon moral panic in the west as a result of terrorism post 9/11.
9/11 was a traumatic and memorable moment in American history, most, if not all of the public in the west were devastated by the news. Moral panics were then created through the public for anything that suggests or had a possibility of instigating dangerous acts of terrorism. Rumours told that a group of Muslim extremists were responsible to this attack and many people took this very personally and dwelled on the idea. The entertainment industry has used this idea as an advantage to reel in audiences as most audiences have gained more of an interest in terrorism and also Islam. A clear example of this ideology would be the British movie ‘Four Lions’, a comedy that followed four incompetent suicide bombers who planned to target the London Marathon in fancy dress. The narrative was very explicit and offended many people however its success was undeniable. Mark Herbert of Warp Films for one was surprised by the film's success following its opening on 7th May 2010: "It's gone down so well that they're having to double the amount of screens showing it.” This shows its success.
Other types of media entertainment that may have fed upon this moral panic is music. The rapper ‘Lowkey’ has become very well-known from his ‘inspirational’ and ‘daring’ lyrics that surprise a lot of people. He speaks about his opinions on controversial topics such as terrorism and stereotypes. He uses the moral panic that has been generated to inspire his lyrics that try and approach these moral panics and shed a different light on the topic. He has gone from being a small local rapper to a big YouTube figure.
You may refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks)
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages for the military as an institution using the internet as a marketing tool?
The New Media/ Web 2.0 have become a common universal access, hence any information can reach a vast audience, very fast. It is evident from the Facebook phenomenon that most people are religious internet users, this is a great advantage as it almost guarantees that a well-advertised institution will get more coverage and information across to its audience. The movie ‘Cloverfield’ is an example of very successful viral marketing as this was the primary marketing technique they used to receive their millions. Therefore the military will be able to attract a better variety and quantity of audiences therefore potential people to contribute and be part of the military. Another advantage that the military may see as using the internet is its cheap expense, most things are free to set-up and also very simple, this is ideal for constant updating and allows almost anyone to have the ability to create their own webpage, blog etc.
The military also need to be able to engage with their audience and communicate with them, through the internet; social networking sites have become very common places to express opinions on any topic. For example if the military set up an official Facebook page, anyone who joins the group is able to communicate very easily with the institution giving relevant opinions or queries.
However there are also a few disadvantages, a disadvantage would include exploitation. The exposure of any institution is at risk of being exploited as anything can be misunderstood or perceive in a different way than intended, strong opinions are expressed using the internet which can give a bad perception of the institution and also alter others opinions. Therefore as well as increasing audiences, some audiences are also at risk of being lost. An example I have come across is the EDL, information that has become public on their website has generated hatred from many audiences which has later been expressed through Web.2.0, they have been accused of ‘racism’ and also a ‘part of a long tradition of mass hysteria’. Also the exposure can also influence others, especially younger audiences to practice violent which can be very dangerous and concerning for parents.
You should refer to other media products to support your answer. (12 marks)
