19th June 2014 ESSAY PAPER
“The complexity of spectator response suggests that
documentary offers much more than just a window on some aspects of our world”. Discuss
this statement with references to the films you have studied for this topic.
-Discuss: look at both sides of the argument referring back to statement and films watched.
-Stay away from plot. Discuss the statement in detail rather than plot.
-Spectator response. Reception theory, hypodermic needle theory. Talk about audience and the different ways in which they respond.
-Documentary doesn't just tell a story it displays an issue. 'Complexity of spectator response', means how an audience responds and receives the text. If an audience cant or don't relate to the story (relating to the complexity of spectator response) then it offers much more than that but educates and informs them.
-Active and passive audience is related to spectator response. Some people may decide to be an active or passive meaning that documentary offers more than just a story of a life that the audience doesn't live in.
Audiences respond differently to different media texts which is the main idea behind the reception theory. Documentaries don't only tell stories but depict real life events or people. This is significant when it comes to the how an audience/spectator may respond to a documentary because there are many ways in which they can respond. Because most audiences are used to fictional characters and story, when they do watch a documentary and are put into a real life situation or life they may not be able to relate to the relate to the documentary because they don't understand the message behind it. This links back with the statement as people who may be able to relate will be able to see past the story of the documentary and want to do something about the issues raised or people who cant relate may just see it as someone else's story. Due to 'the complexity of spectator response' a documentary may offer more or less to some people.
For example, in the documentary Undefeated directed by Daniel Lindsay (2011) some spectators may just see it as a sports documentary. In this case the viewers may not have been able to relate fully to the young boys who played on the Manassas football team and their situation. However some audiences may have seen past the initial story and saw that it is a film based on poverty and under-privileged students. Linking Undefeated with the statement it could be argued that because of the reception theory some spectators may be given more than just a look into another life/world. Depending on the way the spectator receives the documentary, it can change the overall impact of the film for the them. Undefeated is a clear indication of the reception theory as behind the main genre of sport other issues are raised.
Being an active or passive audience member could also demonstrate how documentaries offer much more than just a window. In the film Bowling for Columbine directed by Michael Moore (2002) it touches on the serious issue of gun crime in America. An active audience may decide to involve themselves with the information they have been informed with meaning that they become an active participant because of the film. However some spectators may not be influenced by the film making them a passive spectator. It could be argued that the film Bowling for Columbine is more relatable to an audience because of the issues that the film depicts. The issues raised are part of current events that the audience is more likely already aware of meaning that the film is not informing them about the issue but further educating them.
In conclusion, I agree with the statement as I think that because there are so many ways in which a spectator can respond or react to a documentary, it can offer more than just an insight into another life. Whether the spectator relates to the documentary is also important because it changes how big of an impact the message has on an audience.
Audiences respond differently to different media texts which is the main idea behind the reception theory. Documentaries don't only tell stories but depict real life events or people. This is significant when it comes to the how an audience/spectator may respond to a documentary because there are many ways in which they can respond. Because most audiences are used to fictional characters and story, when they do watch a documentary and are put into a real life situation or life they may not be able to relate to the relate to the documentary because they don't understand the message behind it. This links back with the statement as people who may be able to relate will be able to see past the story of the documentary and want to do something about the issues raised or people who cant relate may just see it as someone else's story. Due to 'the complexity of spectator response' a documentary may offer more or less to some people.
For example, in the documentary Undefeated directed by Daniel Lindsay (2011) some spectators may just see it as a sports documentary. In this case the viewers may not have been able to relate fully to the young boys who played on the Manassas football team and their situation. However some audiences may have seen past the initial story and saw that it is a film based on poverty and under-privileged students. Linking Undefeated with the statement it could be argued that because of the reception theory some spectators may be given more than just a look into another life/world. Depending on the way the spectator receives the documentary, it can change the overall impact of the film for the them. Undefeated is a clear indication of the reception theory as behind the main genre of sport other issues are raised.
Being an active or passive audience member could also demonstrate how documentaries offer much more than just a window. In the film Bowling for Columbine directed by Michael Moore (2002) it touches on the serious issue of gun crime in America. An active audience may decide to involve themselves with the information they have been informed with meaning that they become an active participant because of the film. However some spectators may not be influenced by the film making them a passive spectator. It could be argued that the film Bowling for Columbine is more relatable to an audience because of the issues that the film depicts. The issues raised are part of current events that the audience is more likely already aware of meaning that the film is not informing them about the issue but further educating them.
In conclusion, I agree with the statement as I think that because there are so many ways in which a spectator can respond or react to a documentary, it can offer more than just an insight into another life. Whether the spectator relates to the documentary is also important because it changes how big of an impact the message has on an audience.
This is a good, but fairly structured approach to this exam question.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, you clearly explain your case studies, how each support the points that you have. You also don't talk too much about the narrative, allowing your explanation and analysis of the exam question to be the main priority. Stick with this approach.
However, use your case study as a back up, they are there to be used as evidence for a point. The structure of, 'case study-point-explanation' restricts your writing style. I like your approach and explanation behind each case study, it gives a more personalised take on each point. Yet you need to make sure that it doesn't consume each paragraph.
Try and flow your answer. This is a look a the whole subject at hand. 'Discuss' the topic, don't riggedly answer the question with systematic paragraphs. Next time, try to relate each paragraph together, find some link that enables your analysis skills to reach the next level. Since both points that you made coincided with the point of the quesion, you could most likely find some link as to how the films used similar tactics to achieve what they did.
Finally, considering that the question is asking you to 'Discuss', try look at both sides of the argument. What possible approach could show that documentary 'doesn't provide more than a window to some aspect of our world'. Many other cases can be made for how the opposite of what you argue is relevant. Although, your conclusion is a good way to wrap up the way in which you feel about the exam question. You conclusively talk about your overall thoughts on the topic and how you feel documentary relates to the question. Perhaps the only other missing from this essay is some opinion to back up your evidence, perhaps how you as a spectator felt about these films.
Overall a great analysis that has great potential to be built on ;)
Grace you composed an answer repeatedly referencing the question and with a good use of theory and examples from your case studies. I do however feel that you have not pushed enough of an explanation from the case studies to explain your point. You do not explain what the audience do or do not do in order to be passive or active. Remember there is a fine line between clarify your point and do not explain everything. Well Done, Keep on pushing!
ReplyDeleteI mostly agree with Vinay here particularly the 'argument' elements. Also you need to talk about how YOU as a spectator may have responded.
ReplyDelete