1) What is the name of the film, the director and notable stars?
The film I have chosen to research is Suffragette, which is directed by Sarah Gavon. Notable stars that feature in film include Carey Mulligan who plays the protagonist of the film, Meryl Streep who plays the role of the British Suffragette leader and Helena Bonham Carter.
2) When was it released?
The film was released on in the United Kingdom on 12 October 2015 by Pathé and had a limited release in the United States on 23 October 2015 by Focus Features.
3) What genre is the film? What are the generic conventions that tell you the film belongs to this genre?
The genre of this film is a historical period drama. The film is based on the feminist movement in 1912 and is based on true historical events, which tells us that this film fits in with the genre of historical period dramas. Also, the film contains a lot of conflict as the women are fighting for the right to vote, which suggests that this film fits within the drama genre.
4) What was the critical reception? What is the film rated on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes?
Suffragette is satisfyingly small in scope, a human-scale story of epic change. And that allows it to, among other things, portray with depth and respect the deliberative aspects of progress itself.
Megan Garber·The Atlantic
The film makes a series of arguments about the workings of patriarchal power, the complexities of political resistance and the economic implications of the right to vote.
A. O. Scott·New York Times
Gavron has clearly done her homework in bringing the dramatically stratified world of “Suffragette” to life.
Broadcast
1) Write a close-textual analysis of the trailer using the MIGRAIN key concepts of Media Studies.
media language- sound; the non-diegetic soundtrack fits in with the dramatic tone of the narrater. This is parallel sound as it is music we would normally expect to hear as the whole trailer is very dramatic in the sense that they are fighting for what they believe in.
editing; at the beginning of the trailer the pace of editing seems to be fairly steady, fitting in with the soundtrack, however, when it reaches the middle it starts to speed up, leading to its climax. The transitions used are mostly straight cuts, however, a fade is used when it shows text, which gives use further information about what the film is about. The use of a montage provides the audience with an overall impression of the film and an almost condensed version of the film, however, trying not to give too much away.
cinematography; at the start there is an establishing shot of where the protagonist, played by Carey Mulligan, works. There is then a couple of medium close up of her and her family, which straight away gives us some background information on the main character. The use of the long shots of the women all together either rioting or just standing in a formation acts as almost an enigma code as the audience will think of unity and togetherness. There are a couple of low angle shots, which indicates power and authority, which in a sense is what these women are fighting for.
mise-en-scene- The film is set in 1914 Britain. The lighting of most scenes is high-key, which creates realism. The characters all wear the traditional clothing of the 20th century, which reflects the time when all these historical events took place.
Institution- production companies; Film4, BFI, Ingenious Media, Canal+, Ciné+, Ruby Films.
Dyer's lines of appeal; art, culture and history and self- importance and pride.
Genre- Historical period drama.
Audience- Young and Rubicam's psychographic groups; this film would appeal to aspires and reformers as they seek success and control and also want to try and change the world for the greater good, which these women are doing in the film. It would also appeal to struggles as the women in the film are fit into this group themselves therefore there is a common interest.
Narrative- Supports Todorov's narrative theory, which suggests that all narratives follow a three part structure where they begin with equilibrium, where everything is balanced, progress as something comes along to disrupt that equilibrium, and finally reach a resolution, when equilibrium is restored.
2) Find examples of television promotion on YouTube (adverts, chat shows, ‘red carpet’ interviews etc.) and post them to your blog along with an explanation of how these promote the film.
Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman Discuss Women's Rights - The Graham Norton Show
The Graham Norton show is aired on the BBC, who are known for their selection of period dramas. This means that it will appeal to audiences that watch the BBC as the film is a historical period drama. Also, having both Meryl and Carey on the show, both talking about the importance of knowing how women got the vote ptomotes the film as they are both well- known actresses. Furthermore, Nicole Kidman, who is also a notable actress, comments on how it is crucial that young women today know the history of these women.
Carey Mulligan Official Movie Interview
This interview with the main character Carey Mulligan helps the audience understand the reasons behind the meaning of this film. Mulligan talks about the plot of the movie and also talks about the character she plays. This helps promote the film as the audience can learn not only about what the film is going to be about but the importance of knowing how women got the vote.
Filmmaker + cast interviews for feminist hit Suffragette
This interview starts off with the director explaining her inspiration and thoughts about the film, which helps to promote the film as the audience gets some insight behind the making off this film. Therefore making the viewer even more interested and intrigued to go watch the film. It also features the writer, who talks about the importance of research as it was crucial to have everything as it was back then.
3) Does the broadcast promotion use stars to create interest in the film?
The main focus of the film is the untold story of how women campaigned to get the vote. However, Meryl Streep, who is an iconic and notable actress, features in the movie, therefore attracts audiences who are fans of Streeps' work.
1) Read at least THREE reviews of the film and provide a quote from each one.
'Gavron and her cinematographer Eduard Grau shoot the scenes of protest like they’re contemporary news footage, using tight framing and a long depth-of-field to de-prettify the action, and lend it a bustling immediacy that sweeps you up into the mood of the moment.' -The Telegraph
'I’m convinced that the legacy of the film is not just that people will remember and honour the past, but that they will demand more of the future. Even the making and subsequent media around the film politicised those involved, giving cast and crew greater courage to draw attention to the gender inequalities in the film industry.' -The Guardian
'Also examined is the dynamic between husband and wife and the “shame” that a suffragette brings upon the man (or men) to whom she is supposed to obey. As Maud’s husband Sonny, Ben Winshaw — whom you might recognize as Q from the new slate of James Bond films — is excellent at toeing the line, of somehow not being a monster while also denying any part of himself that would allow his wife autonomy.' -Consequence of sound
2) Find examples of print promotion (e.g. film poster, billboard adverts etc.) on Google images and post them to your blog along with an explanation of how these promote the film.
Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter all stand firm in centre image, which helps promote the film as straight away you are grabbed by the strong image and can see who is starring in the film. The slogan ' MOTHERS. DAUGHTERS. REBELS.' sends a clear message to the audience that no matter who you are we should all stand up for womens rights and gain equality.
This poster promotes the film as on either side of the strong central image there are pull out quotes from well known newspapers and magazines such The Guardian and Glamour, followed by star ratings of the film. This encourages people to go watch the film as it is a recommended film to go see by trust worthy companies.
3) Choose ONE print advert and write a textual analysis of what it communicates to the audience.
There are two images on this poster which both send a strong message to the audience. The image at the bottom of the poster shows women protesting, joined with police trying to stop them. This is communicated through the use of the banners reading 'votes for women'. This is quite a moving image as you can see how much passion these women have to fight for what they believe in. The top image shows the three main characters in the movie, which allows the audience to see the characters and make assumptions about the film before they even see it. The two images are split by the title of the film, followed by the names of the starring actors/actresses in the film.
3) Choose ONE print advert and write a textual analysis of what it communicates to the audience.
There are two images on this poster which both send a strong message to the audience. The image at the bottom of the poster shows women protesting, joined with police trying to stop them. This is communicated through the use of the banners reading 'votes for women'. This is quite a moving image as you can see how much passion these women have to fight for what they believe in. The top image shows the three main characters in the movie, which allows the audience to see the characters and make assumptions about the film before they even see it. The two images are split by the title of the film, followed by the names of the starring actors/actresses in the film.
4) How is the film’s brand constructed? What does the brand connote? Does it remind you of any other brands or similar films?
The brand connotes a very strong and inspiring image, which is reflected in the film. The film itself has a strong underlining meaning to it, that being the importance of the vote and the importance of equal rights, which therefore has to reflect in the brands image. Similar films to this would be The Kings Speech, as again it has a strong message that having a voice and concurring obstacles is important in life.
E-media
1) Research the film’s presence on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc. How does the film’s social media presence help promote the film?
The films presence on social media helps promotes the film as it creates synergy as it links all media platforms together. As a audience member you can follow their twitter, facebook, instagram and other media platforms to get regular updates on the film.
2) Analyse the official website for the film. How does it use the film’s brand? What examples of synergy can you find with the other platforms?
This is the films official website which promotes the brands image as it has emotional and touching clips from the film as a backdrop, which coincides with the films inspirational approach. There is a tab named 'social' which are links to other media platforms such as their twitter and facebook etc. This creates synergy as users can follow these platforms and receive regular updates on the film, which makes the films brand even stronger. There are also tabs that read 'synopsis' and 'videos' , which gives users the chance to learn a bit about the film. The videos also give audiences some visual insight and hopefully encourage them to watch the film.
3) Did the film run any kind of e-media based campaign to generate interest in the film?
The film ran a competition whereby audiences could post an image of their mum with the hashtag #InspiringMothers on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and they will be entered into a price draw to win a £250 Outfit gift voucher plus some exclusive Suffragette goodies. This creates interest in the film as audiences are able to interact and share personal opinions on something that is inspirational to them.
4) Can you find any examples of the two-step flow theory online – did celebrities or journalists tweet or post about the film in order to promote it to their followers?
The director Sarah Gavon twitted about the film such as awards that the film was nominated for and reviews that journalists have made about the film. This promotes the film as it allows her followers to see and learn more about the film and hopefully because they are interested in her work, would want to then go watch the film and maybe tweet about the film themselves.
Audience
1) Who is the target audience for this film? Demographics and psychographics.
The target audience for this film would be mainly women aged 15-50+ , however, it can appeal to men as well. I would say that the audience would be mainly working-class as it is about working class women. In terms of psychographics it would appeal to strugglers as the women in the film are fit into this group themselves therefore there is a common interest. Also, this film would appeal to aspires and reformers as they seek success and control and also want to try and change the world for the greater good, which these women are doing in the film.
2) How does the cross-media promotional campaign target this audience?
Because this film is targeted at a older audience as well as a young audience having different media platforms that suit different generations help promote the films, for example the younger generation will use social media platforms rather than read an article about it in a newspaper or see a poster about, which will appeal to an older audience.
3) What audience pleasures does the film provide? Think about the BFI lecture on audience pleasures in British film.
The film is first of all set in 1914 Britain, which most audiences will like that are living in London as they can relate to it. The film provides the theme of patriotism - pride for Britain which encourages the audience to embrace British culture and tradition.
4) What similar films would the target audience enjoy? Justify your suggestions.
Other films that audiences might be interested in is The Kings Speech and The Danish Girl as both appeal to audiences like reformers as both films want to challenge preconceptions and ideologies.
Institution
1) Which film studio produced the film? What other films have they produced? Do they have a track record with this kind of film and this target audience?
Film4, BFI, Ingenious Media, Canal+, Ciné+, and Ruby Films are the studios that produced the film. Who have produced films like Elizabeth and 12 Years of Slave, which are both films that are about important times in history, just like Suffragette.
2) Which company distributed the film in the UK? What other films have they distributed?
Pathé distributed the film, which also distributed films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Adulthood, LOL, Bride and Prejudice.
3) Do they have a track record with this kind of film and this target audience?
Mostly yes as the films listed above are mostly British dramas.
4) What was the budget for the film?
The budget for the film was $14 million
5) How successful was the film financially? Why do you think this was?
Box office; $30 million. The film was fairly successful as it made a profit. I think this is because the film had a a strong message to audiences which is the importance of the vote and also how they communicated that in the trailer and other media platforms like their social media.
6) Was this film more successful in the UK or worldwide/USA? Why do you think this is?
Suffragette has grossed $4.7 million in North America and $25.3 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $30 million, against a budget of $14 million. I think this is because the film is set in Britain and therefore will appeal to more of a British audience.
7) What certificate was the film given (12A, 18 etc.)? What was the reason for this certificate? Is the certification important for this film in terms of targeting its audience? Why?
The film was given a age rating of 12 as it contains frequent strong language, moderate violence, a scene of force-feeding. This fits in with its target audience as young teens would be interested in the subject matter.
Representation
1) What representations of people, places or groups can be found in this film?
Representations of men and women are shown in this film, women having a positive representation and men having a negative one. Also, Britains government and law enforcement are represented negatively in this film. 2) What representation of ‘Britishness’ does the film contain?
The film is set in 1914 Britain, which was a time where women were protesting for womens rights. This paints a picture of what it would actually be like back then. Britain was represented as a place of anarchy and and a place controlled by men. 3) How does the representation of Britain differ to Ill Manors?
Both films where set in different time periods. Ill Manors portrays Britains current state and targets a much younger audience. However, they are quite negative representations of Britain as Ill Manors portrays youths in a negative light and Suffragette portrays the government in a negative light.4) What values and ideologies can you find in your chosen film? (E.g. The King’s Speech is extremely patriotic, pro-monarchy etc.)
Suffragette takes a feminist approach and believes in equality and standing up for what you believe in. It believes that women should have a right to vote and have a say in the law.
Case study comparison
1) What similarities and differences can you find between Ill Manors, A Field In England and your chosen case study film? List all that apply
Similirites
- Both Ill Manors and Suffragette have a strong message to audiences
- Both A Filed in England and Suffragette are set in the past
- Both Ill Manors and Suffragette used synergy to promote their film, having links to different media platforms.
- Suffragette appeared on TV shows such as The Graham Norton Show and Plan B himself appeared on BBC Radio and The Jonathan Ross show to raise awareness for the film.
- Both Ill Manors and Suffragette used stars like Meryl Streep and the director Plan B to promote the film.
- Both Ill Manors and Suffragette used an e-media campaign to interact with audiences
- all three films are set in different time periods
- Suffragette is a high budget film, unlike the other two which are low-budget
- Ill Manors and A Field in England have a much lower-budget and no main stars, although Ill Manors has a cameo appearance of Plan B at the end.
- A Field in England was released on multiple platforms on the same day, ultimately this created excitement as people could physically go to the theatre and watch it or simply stay at home and stream is online. Whereas Ill Manors and Suffragette had a staggered release.
- A.F.I.E doesn't have many broadcast aspects, such as radio/TV interviews.
