US Contemporary Flashcards
US contemporary specialist study areas?
. Ideology
. Spectatorship
Cinematography in Get Out?
Wide shot zooming out of the Armitage’s home shows its plantation roots- the framing of the family shaking hands and meeting in the middle subverts this idea- but then the black groundskeeper staring is zoomed out and framed to the side.
Mise en scene in Get Out?
The deer motif.
. Dead deer- shot reverse shot
. The deer’s head on the wall as a trophy.
. Stag being used as a weapon to kill Dean- Chris’s reappropriation.
Editing in Get Out?
In the opening, cross cutting is used between Chris getting ready in his apartment to Rose choosing out cakes, and then they meet. Typical rom-com style opening in comparison to the long take in the pre-opening sequence. Both times, editing is used to mask the film as genre conforming, but confuses the film with the mixing of horror and rom-com, setting up the elevated horror trope.
Sound in Get Out?
Consider the opening- the Swahili song with whispering, ominous , gets louder, cut to Childish Gambino Redbone- an upbeat song with “stay woke” lyrics. Shows cultural variety in black music and also mixes the genres, contributing to the idea of dual meaning in the film.
Representation in Get Out?
White people as villains, no white saviour, not typical racist caricatures- microaggressions > Nazism.
What is the idea of a post racial America?
When Obama became president, people believed racism was no longer prevalent in the USA, and that some even believed being black was an advantage. Thus, ‘Get Out’ highlights systemic racism.
Alignment and allegiance in Get Out?
Aligned with- Black characters, especially Chris, but also Rose.
Allegiance- Same as above, but Rose switches after plot twist.
Passive spectator theory in Get Out?
Horror > Elevated horror. Jumpscares created through sound stings and gore mise en scene could create cheap thrills. Fixed response.
Active spectator theory in Get Out?
Garden party sequence- micro aggressions in dialogue
. Opening setting of suburb - homely or scary depending on individual.
Uses and gratifications theory in Get Out?
Education - For white people on how racism functions systemically .
Personal identification - Relatability of Chris for black spectators, white spectators consider their actions when identifying with or against white characters.
Social interaction - Mindfulness of language and behaviour, talk of racism again after post racial society.
Entertainment - Horror cliche like jumpscares.
Audience reception theory in Get Out?
Preferred reading- Alignment + alleigance with Chris, increases awareness and understanding and severity of racism.
Negotiated reading- May challenge lack of positive white representation.
Oppositional reading - racist towards white people.
What are the 4 uses and gratifications?
. Education
. Personal identification
. Social interaction
. Entertainment
What are the three readings in Stuart Hall’s audience reception theory?
. Dominant/Preferred
. Negotiated
. Oppositional
Ideological critical approach for Get Out?
Post Colonial/Post Racial.
Ideological critical approach for Carol?
Feminist, queer theory
Mise en scene in Carol?
Fabrics and paint colours do not fetishise the period the film is set in. Evokes the post war austerity of the 1950s.
Cinematography in Carol?
In the opening, Carol’s hand touches Therese’s shoulder and we have a wide midshot of Therese from the front+ see her facial expression. However, camera placed behind her when Jack touches shoulder.
Sound in Carol?
In the Car scene, non diegetic dreamy soundtrack overlays while Carol turns on the radio- romantic song plays. Merge of non diegetic + diegetic symbolic of their relationship.
Editing in Carol?
Shot reverse shot when Carol and Therese’s eyes meet in the shop.
