Messages in Culture

FRANCHISE FILMS

1. What makes the character a HERO (stock characters)?

CAPTAIN AMERICA (CA):

• The hero is a US protector of humanity/the world. 

• To export the film. 

• The hero is (super) powerful. Makes ordinary people feel inadequate. Sends a message that you should let people fight for you.

• Personification of America - powers was forced on him.

• All male characters. 

• Physically powerful.

• Sacrifice his previous life.

• Good morals (your interpretations of what's right and wrong). Comes from the text, the actors communicate what the directors feel is right and wrong.

• US are seen as the protectors of humanity, but they have a huge empire (controlling/white traditional values).

TRANSFORMERS (T): 

• The hero seeks out to protect the 'damsel in distress' (Spike)

2. Why are costume and style important?

CA: 

• They establish the brand of Captain America and make him recognisable.

• America colours represents American flag - patriotic.

T: 

• They make the movie realistic enough to sympathise with characters.

IM:

• Suit protects him

• He can protects himself so he can protect you.

• Anyone can wear the suit so message is that anyone can be the hero.

3. Who are we aligned with?

CA: 

• Captain America

• We are aligned with the army that tries to fight the out of control robots.

• Because it's either him or the Nazi's

• Because he Used to be ordinary/ relatable.

T: 

• Bumblebee

• Anyone who fights for America/ world.

4. What is being RE-presented?

CA: 

• That Captain America has been forced to do a job that was originally bigger than he was.

• Violence is necessary.

• We do not negotiate with terrorists.

T: 

• That there is a war between the army and the robots that are trying to cause chaos but Bumblebee is our protagonist.

CONCLUSION

America has become insecure by 9/11 so these franchise films have been a product of society. Films send messages out to the public that can persuade their morals. 

In the second Captain America film they send the message that the government can't be trusted and that ordinary people should be 'freedom fighters'.