- The movie is called 'Matrix', this initially grabs my attention as it sounds very similar to marx or marxist which is most likely not on purpose but quite interesting.
- The scene opens with the sound of lightning and a man with dark glasses, these props as well as the dim lighting connote mystery and tension and immediately put the audience on edge and keeps them hooked.
- The whole concept of there being two worlds and being under control is strongly suggested through the script m0re than anything else, however an interesting technique is used when he is offered both pills, his reflection is shown on a close-up both lenses of Morpheus' glasses along with the pills which strongly links to the whole ideology of two worlds and two options.
- I also noticed in a close up of Neo's face when he is being told about being a slave and not knowing the truth half of his face is in shadow which emphasizes this concept of living a lie and not knowing the whole truth.
- Finally at the end when he takes the red pill and drinks the water,the scene closes with the sound of lighting which could suggest danger and unease in his choice of pill and suggests to the audience of possible problems occuring.
Some ideas of Marxits Theory on Reality Tv.
- They would believe that it is bad for society as its representations are bias and are just used to fit the ideology of the producers which would normally be white, middle-aged men.
- That Reality Tv creates moral panics and a non realistic view of society.
- Media benefits capitalist class and exploits working class.
False Consciousness
"False consciousness" is the Marxist concept that the Proletariat are misguided as to their own desires and wants, and will not properly understand their true beliefs and desires until they are enlightened. More specifically, it is the belief that within the structures of Capitalism there is a disconnect between the real state of affairs and the way they phenomenally appear.
www excellent analysis of the media forms within the scene, there is more to spot but this is a very good start.
ReplyDeleteebi what you haven't done is go on to use marxist theory in discussing or commenting on your textual analysis. WHat is Morpheus saying about the world which Neo lives in? Can you compare his speech about the two pills with Marxist doctrine?
ebi Reality TV - use the same skills you have shown to break down the format of a reality programme - say BGT - and show how it could be read in a marxist way. Question: who owns the means of production? for whose benefit do the acts perform? who benefits from the audience vote? etc.
'The power of persuasion using the modern media of TV and the Internet has allowed products as unhelpful and destructive as tobacco, guns and financial credit (debt) to be sold in great quantity.' Marxist believe that Tv has also increased possible crime and amplified subcultures.
ReplyDelete'This false consciousness or reification (Lukàcs and Hegel) distracts the working classes from the true nature of their both economic and superstructural subjugation and their collective potential for overturning the domination by employing their combined class-consciousness to unite.' - Basically benefitting the ruling class by distracting them of the true nature of exploitation.
'Marx may well have viewed television and the Internet as tools of the economic base as well as cultural artefacts.'
BGT - Production Company is Syco- Which is owned by Simon Cowell- Who is also a Biritish Music Exectutive and the Judge on the show. This can fit the Marxist ideology as Simon Cowell is benefitted most from this talent show as it is not only used as entertainment for the public but also to help Simon himself find Artists that he could employ and work with which extends his personal success. A bit like killing two birds with one stone. Marxists could argue how this is benefitting the ruling class (Simon) and how as the producer can manipulate the show or artists to benefit his ideology.
ReplyDelete