The Full Monty' Summary
Audience Appeals
The tourist video intro allow the audience to see what once was and the transition to 20 years later. The tourist video prides itself on the new and likeable within Sheffield; the city centre is showcased as a bustling and economically strong place that shows no sign of unemployment. But, when the audience are taken 20 years forwards, this idyllic, modern lifestyle is juxtaposed within the deprived after effect of political change.
The audience are then presented with an abandoned and disused factory which implies that unemployment is high. This appeals to certain individuals as provoking subjects such as unemployment are being recognised rather than being frowned upon. Moreover, the transition from the positive to the negative gets the audience wanting to know more as to why this happened.
TitlesThe titles within the film are straight to the point. The use of a white industrial font against a black background is simplistic yet effective. No cast and crew are mentioned at the beginning therefore, the audience feel as though what their about to see is an insight into real people’s lives and has not been made for entertainment purposes.
Genre ConventionsGenre conventions within ‘The Full Monty’ include comical banter between the stereotypical males who are regarded as irresponsible and unreliable. This allows the audience to relate either because they are similar to the characters or know individuals who are like the protagonists themselves.
After the film titles fade, the audience are presented to the protagonists; two middle-aged men and a young boy. The stealing of the steel girders from the abandoned factory is significant within this film, as it shows what extent the two men are willing to go to make money and make ends meet. Even
though the two men have the right intentions, they have the wrong way of approaching them.
The comedy element within this scene is the scenario itself. The two men on top of a sunken car situated in the river are comical to see. Moreover, after all the efforts of not being caught in the act of stealing and trespassing, they end up losing both steel girders in the river anyway. Although what the two individuals are doing is illegal, the audience feel sympathetic towards them.
Themes
Subjects and issues such as unemployment and politics that are provoking are being highlighted within ‘The Full Monty’. As well as this, Margret Thatcher’s ruling as Prime Minister and the aftermath of her ruling gives heavy influence to the films narrative. Even though this particular film is funny and its main objective is to make the audience laugh, there are many satirical and political undertones involved which are serious.
Issues of representationIssues of representation within ‘The Full Monty’ is stereotyping. Some individuals may not like the fact that lower class individuals are being regarded as trouble making and law breaking.
'Napoleon Dynamite' Summary
Audience Appeals
One audience appeal is the transition of stereotypical and unorthodox outcast nerd to popular and liked individual. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ takes on a satirical approach to the sincerity of individuals within the school environment and how what is popular isn’t necessarily best.
‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is comical to audiences as the film journeys through a chapter of the protagonist’s life as he stumbles across friendship, love, acceptance and problems faced in adolescence.
The use of low angle medium shot allows the audience to see Napoleon standing outside his home. The use of low angle implies that Napoleon has authority not only because he is the dominant aspect but because the spectator feels as though Napoleon is looking down on them. Although, it could be argued that, Napoleon is made to look vulnerable through the use of low angle.The use of non-diegetic sound adds emphasise onto Napoleon's loneliness; the only sounds to be heard are crickets and birds. The lighting within 'Napoleon Dynamite' is not artificial as it uses natural, sunlight therefore, this makes the film seem as though the characters, setting and narrative is realistic.Due to the low angle medium shot, the spectator is also able to see the clear, blue sky above Napoleon. Through pathetic fallacy coming from the clearness of the sky, the narrative is foreshadowed with a joyful and positive approach.
Yet this is juxtaposed when we see the emotion on Napoleons face; the fact that he does not show that he himself is in an upbeat mood through his facial expressions suggest that he knows something different to what the audience know leaving them intrigued and curious as to why he is like this.
The beginning film titles are made entirely from various food items seen within the film belonging to certain characters. For example, food with cast and crew names written in sauce, library books, notebooks, pencils, lip balm, sweet packets.
The titles are simplistic yet creative. The appeal is that everyday items are being used in an extraordinary way; this is eye catching for the audience making them want to see more of the film.
The idea that objects that would not be necessarily used for film titles are being used, helps to foreshadow what is to come later on in the narrative; something that is unusual yet liked is made centre of the shot, much like the character 'Napoleon' who is leading protagonist.
Genre Conventions
Genre conventions within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ include phrases and iconic clothing. For example, ‘Vote for Pedro’ is a popular phrase taken from the indie film which is printed on Napoleon’s t-shirt. Using phrases within film makes the film more memorable and allows the audience to buy into the production through synergy.
Themes
Subjects and issues such as popularity and independence are highlighted within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’. Due to film being distributed by MTV Films, its target audience is a niche audience which ranges between the ages of 16-25. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is an unconventional hero to all adolescents as he can be seen to be unorthodox yet accepted. This tells the audience to be themselves.
Issues of representation
Issues of representation within ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ are stereotyping and how teenagers are perceived to be. Due to Napoleon Dynamite being a comical character, this implies that he cannot take subjects seriously therefore, teenagers cannot take anything seriously.
Directed and written by Jared Hess, Napoleon Dynamite was produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Mtv Films and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures within 2004.'Napoleon Dynamite' estimated budget to produce the film was $400,000 but by 2005, its estimated gross amount was $44,540,956. 'Napoleon Dynamite' is classed as an art house film as it is an independent film that is made to target a specific target audience; in this case, 16 - 25 year olds. Moreover, this film was showcased at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Utah.
