1. In this presentation, I want to show the reasons, as to why
I believe alternate reality films are an example of popular
culture. I also want to discuss why I believe that the alternate
reality film genre has become an example of Mass Media. I also want
to discuss the topic of popular culture briefly, and give my
definition of this. I will be looking at several different
examples. These examples are all films from this specific film
genre. These examples include... The Hunger games (2012) Divergent
(2014) Avatar (2009) The Host (2013)
2. I believe Popular culture to be a collection of views,
trends, and ideas in today's society; I also believe that the media
world we live in is versatile in a way, which means that popular
culture is constantly changing and reshaping in order to suit the
Mass audience. In 2014 we live in a world where technology rules
the world. The improvement in internet speed means that we as
consumers, can now connect to other media consumers from around the
globe. So what does this mean to us? This means that British
popular culture is now a lot more influenced by global surroundings
(Americanization), and that genre's such as 'alternate reality' are
part of a trend that will only continue to grow.
3. Technology? I believe the advancement in technology, to be
the main reason why alternate reality films have became so popular.
If you look back to 1977, George Lucas decided to reshape the order
of the Star Wars trilogies, so that he could continue to develop
his films, whilst also waiting for the required technology. In
1999, he got his wish and the technology was available to create
Star Wars The Phantom menace. I believe this to be the case now
with producers, as I do not believe the technology for alternate
reality films was fully available until the start of the 21st
Century.
4. In 2009, advancements in technology enabled film producer
James Cameron, to create Avatar. Avatar is an modern example of the
alternate reality genre. Avatar was the top grossing film in 2009,
raking in over $749,000,000, almost double its biggest competitor,
Transformers : Revenge of the fallen. I believe that the success of
this film, inspired film producers and directors to become more
aware of the alternate reality genre. Since the release of Avatar,
we have seen films such as The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The
Host become big hitters at the box office.
5. To framework my argument here I will look at the theorist
John Storey. John Storey broke down the idea of Popular culture
into six different categories. He did this so that people would be
able to gain a better understanding of what makes something part of
popular culture, instead of just looking at popular culture as one
separate meanings. Storeys six definitions of Popular culture
were... Quantitative Inferiority Mass culture From the people
Hegemony Post modernism.
6. Mass culture refers to a culture that is widely spread
through the mainstream media. In today's society this means
platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, national radio and national
television. Storey defines popular culture as well liked and
favored by many (Storey , pg 6). An example of an alternative
reality film being well liked and favored by many, is The Hunger
games. The hunger games has gained a rating of 7.3 on IMDB, and was
also the third biggest grossing film of 2012. The Hunger Games, has
actors such as Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence. These actors
are known for roles in other mainstream films, such as films in the
comedy genre. The films in this genre are clearly unisex. Producers
do this in order to connect with a bigger target audience.
7. an alternative reality film that can be seen as
quantitative, is The Host. The Host was a book before the film, and
is part of a book and film trilogy. The Host has a film rating of
5.2 on IMDB, and the book version has a rating of 8/10 + on various
reviewing websites. Many critics have said that the book version of
the host is a lot better than its film counterpart. The Host film
has made more money than the book version, even though the ratings
are significantly lower. This is an example of Quantitative as,
although the film gained a bigger audience and income, ratings of
the book were far better than the film. This film is therefore an
example of quantity over quality.
8. Post Modernism is the sixth of six definitions of popular
culture I believe alternative reality films to be an adaptation of
a previously popular genre disaster movies Disaster movies and
alternate reality movies, have several similarities. These
similarities include, a disastrous storyline, a boy and girl
romance and a high use of technology. I believe that disaster
movies have become tired and outdated, enabling alternative reality
films to become more popular.
9. In conclusion, I believe firmly that alternative reality
films are a firm example of popular culture. I have also learnt
that some films are difficult to categorise, and can have more than
one genre. For example the Ricky Gervais Film The invention of
lying, contains elements of alternative reality, but also elements
in comedy. I believe that by completing this assignment, I have
gained a stronger idea on what popular culture actually is. I
believe I now have a much better understanding of theories and
ideas presented by many theorists such as , Albert Gramsci, Raymond
Williams and John Storey. It is also my firm belief that if it
wasnt for the delay in technological advancements, we would have
seen films such as Avatar, and The Hunger Games much earlier than
we have done.