Mainstream Film: Straight Outta Compton 2015

Question 1

What is the product context for Straight Outta Compton?

Answer 1

• It is a biopic film, produced by Legendary Pictures, distributed by Universal Pictures, and directed by F. Gary Gray
• The film follows the story of hip hop band N.W.A IN 1980s America
• Members of the band (Ice Cube and Dr. Dre)

Question 2

What is the historical context?

Answer 2

• Film portrays events set predominantly in mid-1980s California, USA
• The depiction of this contemporary film may have been impacted by the social upheaval caused by the racial tension and the LA Riots in 1992

Question 3

What is the cultural context?

Answer 3

• N.W.A. were advocates for free speech, and were producers of protest songs for social change
• They were also heavily criticised for their misogynistic lyrics and their promotion of a lifestyle that objectified and marginalised women

Question 4

What is the economic context?

Answer 4

Ice Cube and Dr Dre, members from the original band, produced the film - this can be considered as a sanitised attempt to “cash in” by the band members