Proposal . . .

Media Language: chorography: main – conforms to conventions.
Elaborate, exaggerated acting, dancing and facial expressions – theatrical effect. Over the top. Escapism?

Costume: Clothing is casual and follows fashion both in ‘Grease’ and ‘HSM’, appealing to teenage audience. Glamorous, ‘dressed-up’ clothing (stage show (HSM), dance (‘Grease’)

Lighting: High key lighting – happy, optimistic

Actors: Attractive stars in order to appeal to TA. Link to social context?

Makeup: Made to look attractive.

Props: ?

Setting: School, summertime – exciting. Leaving school? - change

American idealism – hardworking, honest,

Institution: Disney - October 16, 1923. It is known for its policy for targeting mainly younger children and their families.

Genre: why is their a strong romance element in ‘HSM’ in comparison to previous musical films such as ‘Mary Poppins’

Representation: American high school with different social cliques: jocks, geeks etc
Popular vs unpopular children – social pressure to conform.

Attempts to readdress issue of segregation etc that still occurs in schools through different groups.

Audience: Grease- appeals to a wider demographic than HSM? Why?
Grease seems to be a timeless film. Appeals to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period. Is HSM just a modern remake of Grease?

Ideology and values: Film is typical in that good does defeat evil (‘Grease’). Determination, perseverance, talent, hard work, kindness, giving, sharing, friendly, warm, community, working together, friendship. – American idealism?

Narrative: emphasis on power struggle between good and evil. Strong emphasis on personal identity and growth including romance.


Wider context -

Social Context: Segregation in schools – problem across all schools, bullying, isolation.

Historical Context: American idealism?– young characters depicted as hard working and honest, contrasts shown through good and evil. Zac Efron – JOK is hardworking and honest.

Economic Context: HSM – not released in cinema yet BIG money maker.

Political Context:
Depiction of segregation in schools may act as a microcosm for the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disney