'Historical Texts'.

Grease (1978): Set in the 1950s
Directed by Randal Kleiser
Written as a stage musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Starring John Travolta (Danny Zucko) and Olivia Newton-John (Sandy Olsen)

"Grease takes its name from the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as the greasers". (Source: http://www.frontrowking.com/Grease/minneapolis_mn_grease_tickets_pantages_theatre.html) Youth culture: Any range of youth subcultures from the 1950s through to the present day including acpects of dress, behaviour, music preferance etc.e.g Teddyboys(1950s) (Source: Media Studies Essential World Dictionary)
Link to study?: youth culture has a key role in teen musicals. This is evident in Grease espicialy with J.Travolta and his gang as the 'T Birds' and the girls' gang called the 'Pink Ladies'). Iconic of the time? Importance of youth culture in musicals? possibly as a way of identification.

Plot/Themes/Ideologies: "The musical focuses on the romance between high schoolers Danny and Sandy and tackles such social issues as teenage pregnancy and gang violence; its themes include love, friendship, teenage rebellion, sexual exploration during adolescence and, to some extent, class consciousness/class conflict". "The Pink Ladies... take "good girl" Sandy under their wing" "Sandy's good girl ways don't fit in with the attitude of Danny and his too-cool-for-school friends".
(Source:http://www.frontrowking.com/Grease/minneapolis_mn_grease_tickets_pantages_theatre.html)

Character roles:
Changes in character - Danny from the 'Nice boy' at the beach, to the 'too-cool-for- school' 'T-Bird'. (Teen problems, peer pressure, identity, draws parallels with HSM)
Parallels with 'HSM':

Representation:

Songs: "Hopelessly Devoted to You"
"Sandy"
"Summer Nights"
"Greased Lightning"
"We Go Together"

Parallels:
(Plot): Sandy and Danny meet over the summer
Zac and Gabriella meet over the winter break

Sandy and Danny never expect to meet again
Zac and Gabriella never expect to meet again

Sandy moves unexpectedly to the same town as Danny
Gabriella moves unexpectedly to the same town as Zac

Sandy sings a hopeless love song (Hopelessly Devoted to You)
Gabriella sings a hopeless love song (that fairy tale one)

Everything becomes clear in a love song near the end of the song.

Everyone joins in a final song of friendship right near the end.

The guy is popular, the girl is a hopeless, goody-goody wreck.

The guy and girl go off and on, though always longing for eachother.

Bleu is the right-hand-man, and remarkably similar to Kenickie.

Differences:

-Grease tackles far more social issues that HSM :

"Rizzo & Kenickie have unprotected sex in the backseat of a car, later Rizzo misses her period & thinks she's pregnant. The T-Birds are essentially a gang, who harrass & terrorize other students. They all smoke. They drag race. They steal parts for the car. The overall moral of the story is that in order to get your man, you really should do a complete 180 and become and change" - Why? possibly due to different target audiences? HSM is aimed at a much younger audience.(source:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077631/board/nest/79694652)

Sexual induindo:

"Summer Nights": "Well she got friendly down in the sand!"
"Well she was good, you know what I mean..."
"We made out under the docks..." (his gesture.)

The commercial about 'deep penetrating' pimple cream during the pan across the cars full of horned-out teenagers ( ? - check)

hot dog jumping into the bun during the drive in scene as Danny is sitting on the swing?
(? - check)

"Meditate in my direction... FEEL your way!"

Awards:

Voted the best musical ever on Channel 4's 100 greatest musicals.
The movie received five Golden Globe Award nominations in 1979.The movie's soundtrack was a number one album in many different countries. The song "You're The One That I Want" was released as a single prior to the film's release and became an immediate chart-topper, despite not being in the stage show or having been seen in the film at that time. The single was number one in the UK for nine weeks in the summer of 1978 ('YTOTIW'). In the United Kingdom, the two Travolta/Newton-John duets, "You're The One That I Want" and "Summer Nights", were both number one hits and appear 6th and 21st respectively in the official all-time UK best-selling singles list issued in 2002. The song "Hopelessly Devoted to You" was nominated for an Academy Award (1979) for Best Music - Original Song. The movie's title song was also a number one smash hit single for Frankie Valli. (Links to distribution and economic profits)

Extra:

"Danny's blue Windbreaker at the beginning of the film was intended as a nod to Rebel Without a Cause (1955). "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(film) - intertextual refferencing to appeal to the TA.
JT- already had a reputation for the film 'Saturday Night Fever' and the television sitcom 'Welcome Back Kotter'
Grease spawned a sequel, Grease 2 (1982) (with the only cast members from the original movie being Blanche, Coach Calhoun, Eugene, Frenchy, Leo (the Scorpion's gang leader), and Principal Miss McGee) that was much less successful. Patricia Birch, the original movie's choreographer, directed the ill-fated sequel. It would be the only movie that she would direct. After the success of the original, Paramount intended to turn Grease into a multi-picture franchise with at least three sequels planned and a TV series in the pipeline. When Grease 2 flopped at the box office, all the plans were scrapped. (Contrasting to all the sequels for HSM)

Interim evaluation

Interim evaluation

Happy with my Interim grade (A) as it reflects the level that I’m working at.

Not so happy with being given a ‘good’ for ability to work independently. Everything I do in media is independent so a ‘good’ instead of ‘excellent’ just doesn’t translate.

Targets:

- Maintain effort

- Focus on independent study

- Start applying the new theorists/theories we’re learning in written work.

Findings from independant book research during lesson:

The Cinema Book 2nd Edition
Edited by Pam Cook and Mike Bernink

The musical has always been a mongrel genre. in varying measures and combinations, music, song and dance have been the only essential ingredients. In consequence its history, both on stage and screen has been marked by numerous traditions, forms and styles. These in turn have been been marked by numerous terms- 'Opereta', 'revue', 'musical comedy', 'musical drama', the back-stage musical' , the rock musical, 'the integrated musical and so on.
... Historians, critics and theorists of the musical sometimes disagree about the meaning of some of these terms. ... some invent their own. .. it is still possible to provide some basic definitions, to indicate areas of debate and disagreement, and in the process to highlight the extent to which the musical has always been, despite its accessible and effortless image, a multifaced, hybrid and complex (Collins)

Musical Drama:
- Many of these started off as Broadway musicals.
-Large emphasis on story line
-Mueller - talks about the relevance of the music in terms of whether they advance the plot or not.
-There has remained a constant commitment to comedy and the comic, to popular and vernacular styles of music, song and dance, and a willingness to sacrifice coherence or integration for the sake of either or both.
(more to add... )

More sources for reference that i copied down from the book:

Rick Altman, Genre:The Musical, London, RKP,1981

Rick Altman, The American Film Musical, Bloomington, Indiana University Press, 1987

Jim Collins, 'The Musical' in Wes D. Gehring, Handbook of American Film Genres, New York, Greenswood Press 1988.

Jane Fever, The Hollywood Musical, London, Macmillann 1982 and 1993

Martin Rubin, Showstoppers: Busby Berkeley and the Tradition of spectacle, New York, Columbia Univeristy Press, 1993.

John Mueller, Astaire Dancing: The Musical Films, New York, Knopf, 1985

10 more pieces of online research

1) The problem of definition

- Links to my study as my main focus is genre. Provides information on the problems of defnining genre (with theorists).

2) The advantages of generic analysis

-Provides information of the advantages of generic analysis. states that genre analysis situates texts within textual and social contexts, underlining the social nature of the production and reading of texts.

3) Working within genres

-Robert Hodge and Gunther Kress define genres as 'typical forms of texts which link kinds of producer, consumer, topic, medium, manner and occasion', adding that they 'control the behaviour of producers of such texts, and the expectations of potential consumers. Links to Musicals as certain actors were immediately associated with musicals.

4)Generic textual features of film and television

-Provides information on the key textual features of genres in the context of film. e.g... the narrative, basic themes etc.. provides a framework of elements to compare in my study.

5)THE RISE OF THE FILM MUSICAL

-The above link is part of an essay into the rise of the musical. Provides information on the history of musicals as well as useful books for further research.

6)Genre theory links

- A list of articles, recommended readings and other articles which will all be of use as the provide information on genre which is what my study is about.

7)References and suggested reading

- More references and selected reading that i will look up when i have more time for research.

8)Musical Film info page

- A link providing useful information on the musical film genre and history on and off screen quoting influential movies.

9)Musicals - DECLINE AND CHANGE

- An essay on the decline and change of musical film. Is important as it provides social, historical and economic information that i can include in my study. Also provides more books for research.

10) Musicals finale article

-An article titled 'Musicals finale', provides useful information on musicals as well as some books and links for research.

10 key words again.

1) Mainstream: The uncontroversial, generally accepted attitudes, beliefs and values of the majority of the population. .
- Mainstream entertainment and media production tend to be family orientated and unchallanging in terms of representation and content,
-Mainstreamers are individuals who feel comfortable with the status quo and threatened by change.

Link to study? : 'HSM' complies and contrasts to the mainstream...
how it complies: is uncontroversial... Character Sharpay is slightly mainstreamist as she is threatened by the change that is occurring. i.e. her reign of playing lead musical roles being lost.
How it doesn't : Film challenges the status quo.

2) Metonym: Part of a representational image used to stand for a whole in such a way that the viewer is able to construct the rest of the story from the part give,
e.g a smiling policeman helping a child cross a busy road is a metonym for a caring community police force.

3) Motif: a recurrent theme or element that runs through a film and is repeated in a significant way, often expressing a key message.

4) Narrative theory: a type of thinking that seeks to explain narrative structures and their relationship to wider cultural and genre-related factors.
-Narrative theorists seek to deconstruct narratives in order to identify their common characteristics and component elements e,g Todorov and Levi- strauss

Link to study? : Theorists that are applicable to 'HSM'

5) Segmentation: the concentration by individual satellite and cable television channels on one area of viewing such as sport, film. history etc.
e.g cbeebies, Nick TV and THE DISNEY CHANNEL.

Link to study?: As stated about the Disney Channel (the institution behind 'HSM') is an example of such segmentation. (link to audience)

6) Todorov: GENRE THEORIST. Todorov's sequence is made up of propositions outlining a basic state of narration, which is disturbed and then re-established.
-Equilibrium...
-Disruption...
-recognition that the disruption has taken place...
-an attempt to repair the damage...
-a return to some kind of equilibrium.

Link to study: Todorovian structure is applicable to 'HSM' - Why is it used? - easily identifiable making the film straightforward making it appeal to the tweenage TA as its easier to understand.
Equilibrium: Start of school.
Disruption: Gabriella and Troy audition for musical.. Sharpay is jealous and stops gets the drama teacher to change the callback date. A further disruption occurs when Troy and Gabriella's friends hitch a plan to stop them both from performing together.
-recognition that the disruption has taken place: First disruption is recognized through the 'stick to the status quo' number. Second recognition is when the friends realize how unhappy their friends are..
-a return to some kind of equilibrium: Friends confess the truth of their plan and work with Troy and Gab to get into the callbacks. G and T win the places for the musical.


7) Telefilm: A feature-length film made for television.

Link to study: 'HSM' was a film originally made for the Disney channel (economic -low cost link). Third 'HSM' musical however will be shown in the cinema (again an economic link)

8) Youth culture: Any range of youth subcultures from the 1950s through to the present day including acpects of dress, behaviour, music preferance etc.
e.g Teddyboys(1950s)

Link to study?: youth culture has a key role in teen musicals. This is evident in Grease espicialy with J.Travolta and his gang as Teddyboys (iconic of the time) . Importance of youth culture in musicals? possibly as a way of identification.

9) Audience participation: The practice involving the audience to directly participate in the activities that form the basis of the program.

link to study? : Obvious link.. audience in musical films are invited to participate through sing alongs. This is also one of they key conventions of film musicals.


10) Binary opposition: term used by Strauss as part of his argument that narratives are strucuted around oppositional elements in human culture, e.g. good/evil, life/death, night/day.

link to study? : Binary oppositions are apparent in the film between Gabriella and Vanessa..

Blog Buddy meeting

What we discussed:

We found it hard to make links at first as our studies are not that similar. However, we managed to find some common areas of research that would be relevant to use both:
- Identity,
- Gender roles
- Genre theory

1) Identity:
In both of our studies the theme of identity is a key element. We will be looking at how identity is shaped in the texts.
For instance, ‘HSM’ identity is a major theme that runs throughout the film as the main characters Troy and Gabriella struggle to find their identities due to peer pressure etc .
In ‘Heroes’ identity also plays a major part as the heroes have dual identities.


2) Gender roles:
What are they?
What are audience expectations of these?
Why are they used?
Do our texts conform/reject them? Why?

3) Genre theory:
Find theorists that can be applied to both of our studies.

Blog buddy research task 1

Outline of what we agreed to do:
Research the concept of the American Dream.

What i found out:
Book research- Essential word dictionary

American Dream: a cultural myth based on the belief that the USA is a land of promise and opportunity where anyone who works hard can achieve all the good things in life, notably love, esteem and wealth.

-The origins of the myth lie with the American Declaration of Independence which emphasizes the equality of all humanity and the right to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’. At the time this document many wealthy American colonial citizens were slave owners.

-Belief in the American Dream can leas to a conflict between the desire for wealth and material happiness and the means by which this ideal is achieved.

-The realities of US society are far from those of the idealised version and are sometimes called the American nightmare.

-The myth of the American Dream is important because it forms the background ideology of media products from across all genres but in particular of film and television productions.

What Pooja found out:

"Our challenge is to create an America that lives up to the principles and ideals of our Founding Fathers."

The "Founding Fathers" being Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln & Theodore Roosevelt.

In the Declaration of Independence, America's Founding Fathers laid out very clearly for us the true meaning of the American Dream ...
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"

It is clear that the "american dream" had become materialistic and there seemsed to be a "sign of moral decay"

Statistics:
90% feel uncertain about their future peace and security.
66% believe society is becoming much more materialistic.
50% believe Americans have lost the opportunity for the American Dream.
71% believe major change is necessary to regain American prosperity.

http://www.todaysamericandream.com/

Today the "American Dream" is often associated with immigrants as it is seen as the "land of oppurtunity" where people are able to make something of their lives. the immigrants are commonly from South Asia, and Latin America.

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

'Bibliography: Books'

- Altman, Rick (1987) : The American Film Musical. Indiana University Press


- Dunne, Michael (2004): American Film Musical Themes and Forms. McFarland & Company


- Mordden, Ethan (1981) : Hollywood Musical. New York,N.Y: St. Martin's Press

-Bergan, Ronald (2006) : Film.Dolling Kindersley limited


- Maltby,Richard (2003) : Hollywood Cinema Second Edition. Blackwell publishing


- Cousins, Mark (2004) : The story of film. Pavilion Books


- Dyer,Richard (1977): "Entertainment and Utopia" Movie no. 24.


- ........ (1997) : Cassel Companion to Cinema. Market House Books LTD.


- Stilian, Don ( ) : At the movies behind the big screen: the history, scandals, studios and stars, Southwater.


- Villarejo, Amy (2007): Film studies: the basics. Routledge.

Blog buddies

Blog buddies

In our class... POOJA PANK

A short summary of each study
Pank’s study is about the representation of Superhero’s in the programme heroes. Focusing upon the masculinity and femininity of superheroes, how its changed etc

Areas of overlap between each study (texts, topics, issues, debates)
Not much overlap at all…
Both looking at American texts
Pooja has done some research on genre which will be of use to me
Also I will need to make some references to the different representation of characters.

What you've each learned from looking at each other's study that might be useful
Info on genre. Both looking at something unique so will be able to help each other with fine tuning our research skills.

IN THE OTHER CLASS - DEEP

- Deep's study is on whether or not the neo-noir genre continue to follow the representations of the classic film noir genre. The text he is foccusing upon is 'Sin City'

0Areas of overlap: both looking at the conventions of our specific genres and there developments.

Self Evaluation . . .

Attainment A
- Haven't done any proper essays for this to be based on but i'm working as hard as i did last year.

Effort - 1
- Do all my media homework to the best of my ability and generally try hard because i do enjoy the subject in general

Punctuality - 1
- On time

Ability to work independently -1
- usually find it easier to work on my own.

Quality of writing - 2
- find it hard to express my self clearly straight away... but get there eventually.. sort of..

Organization of Media folder- 1
Yup.. everything is in the relevant sections...

Oral contributions in class- 2
There hasn't been much opportunity for class discussion as of yet as we've been focusing mainly on presentations. I contribute every lesson but should contribute more. everyone needs to contribute more in Mrs Jones' lesson!

Standard of Module 5 blog -2
All tasks are completed well... just need to do more self directed research.

Standard of Module 6 blog- 3/4
Ok.. most.. well all that is up there is copied and pasted :|

WWW
1) - Quality of work overall
2) - Keeping up to date with med 5 blog work
3)- organization of folder

EBI
1) Complete set tasks QUICKERRRRR
2) more self directed research

Textual analysis - Song "We're breaking free"

High School Musical textual analysis

Song scene: “What I’ve been looking for”

The clip shown below is the penultimate song titled “We’re breaking free” from the Disney channel’s hit DCOM ‘High School Musical’.

Characters Troy and Gabriella stand on stage ready to sing. Troy stands wearing his ‘Wildcats’ Tracksuit and Gabriella wearing her lab coat. Their outfits, act as props as they represent their different identities (Troy as a sportsman and Gabriella as a genius) by playing upon stereotypes. The use of stereotypes in this way appeals to the target ‘tweenage’ audience as they are easily identifiable and so make viewing and interpreting the film easier. By wearing these clothes on stage together the characters display how they are able to have different interests and roles (i.e. to sing and have other interests) at the same time without clashing and still be accepted by their peers for who they are. By doing so the characters display how they have broken away from merely accepting the status quo. This is confirmed further through the parallel lyrics of the song “we’re breaking free”, as the characters have finally broken away from the constraints and confines of peer pressure and are happy and confident enough to display their individual identities.Their new found acceptance by their peers is signified through the standing applause that they receive connoting support and solidarity.

Moreover, dark lighting combined with stage spot lights is used on stage in order to help create a theatrical effect, conforming to what can be seen as a main convention of film musicals. The dark lighting used on stage also helps to create a slightly tense atmosphere as the two characters stand nervous on stage. The spot lights used also help to intensify this feeling of apprehension as all attention is focussed upon the two main characters on stage. Additionally, the dark lighting also helps to convey key ideologies such as love by creating a romantic effect.

The relationship between the two characters is shown further through their presence on stage. Character Troy begins to sing first and also offers his hand out to Gabriella who appears to be more frightened. Gabriella’s hand rests on top of Troy’s hand representing that she is weaker and inferior to him as she requires his support, thus introducing a slightly patriarchal ideology.

del.ici.ous Links for study...

Representation of women in the musical genre.

What is it? : The link above is to a past media student's blog containing an independent study titled ""Don't sweat it. I can do it alone." Explore how time has changed the representation of women in the musical genre, with reference to ‘Chicago’ (2002)".

How can i use it in my study? : For tips on essay structure, points of reference for further research. Information into the traditional stereotyping of women in musical films as passive/sexual. Can use the information as contrasts to the portrayal of women in 'HSM' (may just be down to the type of musical film). Can make use of theorists regarding gender and representation.

Generic Conventions and Genre Evolution - Rick Altman

What is it? : An essay into generic conventions and genre evolution titled "How useful is Altman's discussion of the intra- and inter-generic processes of genre? How, for example, does the merging of various generic conventions in films such as Total Recall or Robocop alter the western "formula"?"

How i can use it in my study? : Theorist Rick Altman directly links to my study as he talks about the musical film genre. Need to research further into Altman's ideas on musical film.

Musical/Dance films

What is it? : A site with information on the musical film genre as a whole as well as in depth information into the highs and lows of the genre's history as well as information on many past film musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides me with information of the musical film genre to include in my study as well as various successful musical films to refer to.

Musicals and dance moves:

What is it? : An article titled "Musicals and Dance" ( The third of the UK Film Council’s latest '25 Words or Less' genre initiative)

How can i use it in my study? : Very informative and interesting article. Really breaks down identifiable aspects of musical film and looks at how they've changed over time. I could use the break down as a basis of the main conventions used in film musicals.

A History of the Musical. What Is A Musical? by John Kenrick

What is it? : Information into the history of film musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides me with some background information into the origin of film musicals as a genre as well as opinion based information into the essential qualities of musical films.

History of Musical Film. 2000 to Today (2004), by John Kenrick

What is it? : A more detailed history of musical film history with lots of references to texts of the film musical genre.

How can i use it in my study? : Include information on the history of the musical film genre and refer to its key texts.

Dance in screen musicals

What is it? : Information on the spectacle of dance in screen musicals.

How can i use it in my study? : Is useful as it gives me information into one of the key conventions of the musical film genre, dance. Raises an interesting argument into whether modern fast editing is taking over the need for talent when trying to achieve the notion of spectacle through the choreography in modern film musicals.

Genre: Musical (RESOURCES)

What is it? : List of resources.

How can i use it in my study? : Provides useful links for further research. Half of the online links are no longer working though! grrr . The books however, look useful.

A Brief History of the Hollywood Musical

What is it? : website with information into the history of musical film

How can i use it in my study? : Combine information from this source as well as others to generate an insight into the history and development of film musicals that i could include in my own study.

Study guide 12 Genre and Hollywood Musicals

What is it? : A pdf document created as a study guide, specifically catered towards a media studies module on Genre and Hollywood Musicals

How can i use it in my study? : Some interesting and relevant material under the following titles: "Musicals Come of Age" and "The Demise of the Musical".

Key words for study...

American Dream:

Definition: The American dream is the idea held by many in the United States of America that through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity.

How it relates to my study: Although presented with a modern slant, the American dream is one of the main ideologies apparent in ‘HSM’. Characters Troy and Gabriella for example, demonstrate the benefits of working hard and adopting courage by being selected for lead roles in the musical.

Brand:

Definition: An advertising concept where a product is given an identity.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ itself has virtually become a brand as a result of Disney merchandise.

Examples of 'HSM' merchandise:
-HSM Barbies
- Girl's High School Musical Uno card game
-HSM Magic 8 ball
- Desert plates, cups, napkins, party invitations
- Stationary
-Bags
- Folders
- Bed covers
- Lunch boxes
- Stickers . . .

Branding of ‘HSM’ also links to economic context due to the large revenue that it creates.

Coming of age:

Definition: Film type that deals with puberty, adolescence and the growth of maturity and search for sexual identity.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ appropriates some aspects of a ‘coming of age’ film through its narrative. Teen characters grow in maturity in the film by valuing change and becoming more open minded. Troy and Gabriella also touch upon sexual identity as they share a kiss in the film and appear to be love interests. Growth in maturity and sexual identity are set against the difficulties of growing up in the film therefore conforming to the characteristics of a ‘coming of age’ film.

Disney Corporation (the Walt Disney Company):

Definition: International Media Corporation founded by Walt Disney

How it relates to my study: The institution behind ‘HSM’ (see posting on institution).

Left-Wing:

Definition: Having socialist or communist political ideas that advocate change and are critical of the status quo in society.

How it relates to my study: ‘HSM’ presents some left-wing ideologies on a micro level. Characters battle against the status quo (enforced by peers), in search of personal identity and change. The segregation and struggle against the status quo depicted in the film may act as a microcosm

Pleasure:

Definition: Satisfaction received from the consumption of media texts.

How it relates to my study: Tweenage audience recives pleasure from the simple narrative structure and easily identifiable character roles. Todorovian narrative structure allows audiences expectations to be fulfilled leaving hem with a sense of pleasure and fulfilment from viewing.

Peeking

i chose this clip from 'HSM' because it has dissolve edits. The primary function of the dissolve edits are of course to signify a passing of time in the film as Troy and Gabriella prepare for the call backs. In terms of audience however, the dissolve edits and cuts may help to attract and engage a teen 'mtv generation' audience through the quick change of scenes.
This clip also clearly shows key themes in the film such as competition, jealousy, hard work and perseverance

Comments . . .

Commented on the following people's blogs because they all focus on genre...

1) Aman
2) Deep
3) Basran
4 )Neema
5) Chintan

Wider Context:

Social Context: Segregation in schools. May highlight more serious issues of segregation and exclusion that occur across all schools leading to bullying, social problems and low confidence issues.

Historical Context: American idealism?
Young characters are depicted as hard working and honest (Contrasts shown through the characters Ryan and Sharpay)

Economic Context:
‘HSM’ was a produced as an ‘OCDM’
Was not released in the cinema yet was a BIG money maker.
Was such a huge success that Vanessa Anne Hudgens who plays Gabriella was able to launch a music career.
Slight sociological link to the economy in general .. Film encourages individuals to work hard at all that they do. By subconsciously applying this to education a skilled future workforce is promised.

Political Context:
Spreading American values.
Worldwide distribution.

Ideology and Values

Acceptance, Love, teamwork, being yourself, teamwork, equality, jealousy, American idealism, identity, discovery, change, love.

Stem from storyline

(incomplete)

Audience:

Grease appeals to a wider demographic (now) than HSM. Grease seems to be a timeless film, appealing to generations over time despite being set in a distinct time period.AS a ‘DCOM’, ‘HSM’ appeals largely to a young audience.
Young audience: ‘tweenagers’ can easily follow simple narrative structure and follow common character. Disney cashes in on young audience through various ‘HSM’ merchandise.Social problems also appeal to a older audience who can identify with the process of change and discovery in school. ‘Eye-candy’- also helping to attract slightly older audience.

Representation:

American high school with different social cliques: Academic achievers (‘Geeks’)
‘Jocks’ (Troy, Chad), preps, cheerleaders.
Representation of teenage problems: - Difficulties in managing time, being judged by peers, having labels applied, struggle between conforming to stereotypes or to explore own self, worried about acceptance.
Parents: Contrast between Gabriella’s mother and Troy’s father (Coach Bolton).
Teachers: Coach Bolton: Stereotype sport star father: Pushy parent, wants best for son. Living his own dreams through his son.
Some stereotypes help to create comedy.

Genre:

Hollywood Musical Film
Since the advent of sound, the Hollywood Musical is a genre that has gained great popularity in offering its audience entertainment and a sense of escapism reminiscent of Broadway, with its use of popular songs and the notion of spectacle.
The Hollywood Musical Film genre was at it's peak in the 1930's,1950's (‘Singin' in the Rain’ and ‘Calamity Jane’), there has also recently been a revival in the genre.
Genre hasn’t always been given critical acclaim. Musicals made during the classical period in Hollywood, were considered to be just entertainment. It was not until the 1970's that film critics challenged the view previously held concerning musicals. Began to consider ideas such as: gender representation,the stage and film making, the achievement of spectacle,
(These elements are now considered to be important conventions of the Hollywood musical as a genre) Theorist Rick Altman (The American Film Musical)