Audience Research - The Dark Knight Rises & SALT

The Dark Knight Rises

• As the film has a certificate of a 12A (UK) I think the primary audience would be individuals between the age demographic of 13-year old as children below the age of 15 may not understand the narrative; however, the secondary audience could be individuals who have been fans of the Batman trilogy. One the other hand, the film does attract a large audience as the film has been around for a long time. Notably, the film include a range of different actors and actresses, therefore this is another reason why the film may also attract a large audience.
• Using Katz and Blulmer Uses and Gratification theory the audience are likely to watch the film for diversion which allows them to escape from their everyday life and keep them entertained, and possible personal relationships as some of the audience may form a social interaction about the film.
• Using Young and Rubicam marketing model the psychographic group which may be associated with The Dark Knight Rises could be mainstreamers as the film is a popular block buster.
• Using Mulvey male gaze theory the male audience may view the female characters, especially Anne Hathaway, sexually when she wears a tight fitted leath cat women suit. This is because even though she is represented in being powerful she is also portrayed as being seductive. The theory suggest that the audience are forced to view the text from a white hetrosexual male perspectie, therefore in this case Hathaway is is presented to be gazed by men.

SALT

• The film was given a certificate of a 12A (similar to The Dark Knight Rises) therefore the primary audience for SALT could be individuals between the age demographic of 15-30 year olds who enjoy watching action/thriller films. However, the secondary audience could be individuals who are fans of Angelina Jolie and are appealed in watching her new materials. 
• I think the film would appeal to both genders as it is not specifically aiming at males even though it is an action film however, as Jolie is the protagonist perhaps females may be intrigued to watch the film as well.
• Using Katz and Blulmer Uses and Gratification theory the audience may watch the film for diversion (escapism) and personal relationship. However, the audience may watch the film for surveillance as the film is based on true events.