Textual Analysis Exam Practice

 

• Point, Eample, Explain, Theory 
• You will need 3x paragraphs (12 marker) 18 mins 4 paragraphs (15 marker) 23 mins
• The first paragraph should include a brief introduction, introducing the question and the set text you have chosen

Each paragraph should then follow this structure:

• Point - what is the point you are making?
• Example - where does this specifically link to in the set text?
• Explain - how does it link back to the question and why? Expand on media language 
• Theory - what theory does this link support?

Analyse how genre convention have been used to create meaning in a media product you have studied (12 marker) 

Jordan Peel’s 2017 film Get out uses several character stereotypes to highlight the horror genre. This response will analyse how genre conventions have been used to create meaning within the film, with a main focus on the first scene. (12 marker)

Get Out begins with portraying the likes of a horror genre through its use of mise-en-scene of lighting. The film begins with a single character on screen (black middle aged man), walking along a suburban neighbourhood. The scene is set at night this is conventional to the horror genre as danger stereotypically occurs at night which makes the character seem more vulnerable and scared. The use of the darkness conforms to the horror genre as it gives the scene a feel of mystery and unease. The use of the red car light connotes danger which directly links to what’s going to happen to him (gets kidnapped). The audience may be in fear and have a fear gut feeling, known as visceral pleasures as proposed by Altman - conforming to the effects of the horror genre. 

The opening scene uses camera techniques that demonstrate the genre convention that creates meaning. The scene contains long tracking shots around the black character and there are no cuts for the first two minutes of that scene. These tracking shots not only allow the audience to understand that he feels claustrophobic as if someone is following him but also allows the audience to feel immersed in the scene and as if someone is sneaking up on and him and the audience doesn’t know what will happen. This can be explained through Barthes enigma codes as it will leave the audience wondering what will happen next leaving them questioning the story line. 

In the opening scene the use of sound techniques is used to demonstrate the genre convention that creates meaning. The song “run rabbit” begins by playing int the car as diegetic music and then turns into non- diegetic as it increases in volume. This song has a happy and upbeat mood which completely juxtaposes the meaning behind the song, the words run rabbit is a subtle message that  refers to the male character as prey and is warning him to escape. This can be explained through stratus binary opposition as the music is happy yet has the opposite meaning which creates an uneasy feeling which links to a typical horror genre.