Critical Investigation Proposal

(Include separate historical paragraph 20/year olds vs contemporary: 5years- comparing films)
E.g 'Bridesmaids' 'The Wrestler' '500days of summer'
(separate paragraph on pop culture / impact it has on audience / does not have to link to film. 'Everyday sexist' (website)

Working title
'To what extent do the female characters in The Dark Knight Rises and SALT challenge the traditional female stereotypes?

-Primary Text : Salt
-Secondary Text; The Dark Knight Rises

Angle
The angle will be focusing on different Feminist perspectives and what impact does the representation have on the female audience. Notable, I am considering to compare films over the years to now and explore if the films have subverted or reinforcing this the female stereotypes.
(Contrast to males stereotypes in the film - one paragraph)

Hypothesis
The female characters from both of the films are very different to one another in terms of their representation however there are similarities between them. In a greater extent the female characters do challenge the traditional female stereotypes; however, some critics may argue that the films still reinforces this dominant stereotypes.


Linked production piece
Anita, Gagan and I will be creating a music video which would have similarities to a film. For instance we would include codes and conventions of a film and as all of our questions focuses on representation we will clearly highlight the representation of genders.
E.G - Haims - Wire

MIGRAIN (Key Concepts)

Audience

• Primary audience could be individuals between the age demographic of 15- 30 year old due to the fast pace actions.
• Secondary audience could be those who have been following the 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 psycho graphic group which may be associated with The Dark Knight Rises could be mainstreamer 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 leather 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 heterosexual male perspective, therefore in this case Hathaway is is presented to be gazed by men.

Representation

• Positive representation of female characters as they subvert the stereotype which highlights that they may represent female empowerment. 
• Reinforcing the dominate stereotypes of women based on their tight and revealing clothing which would appeal to the male audience
• In SALT there is a switch in gender roles - Jolie has more control over her job where as her male colleges follow her. Out of all of the SALT cast she is the only female actress which could suggest that she is suitable in taking on a masculine role and therefore this may impact the female audience positively in showing that they should not be afraid of going against their female domain.

Genre

• The genre of Salt is a Thriller/Action film which may appeal to both genders.
• The genre of the Dark Knight Rises is also a thriller/action and therefore both of the films us enigma and action codes to keep the audience intrigued with the narrative.
• This shows that both of the films are hybrid as it includes elements of action, thriller and drama.
• Using generic codes of enigma codes are effective in keeping the audience hooked on the narrative there are generic action codes used as well such as cars been blown up, guns, fighting and violence.

Narrative

• The Dark Knight Rises follows theorist Todorov structure of narrative of a equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium.
• Exposition of enigma codes (Barthes) are used to keep the audience intrigued to the narrative.
• The Dark Knight Rises/SALT include flashbacks in certain scenes and therefore it includes a non-linear narrative as well.
• Narrative themes are included in both of the films such as binary oppositions (Levis-Strauss)
• In The Dark Knight Rises narrative roles which is associated with Propps character type theories.

Institutions 
The Dark Knight Rises:

• Director: Christian Nolan
• Distributed: Warner Bros.
• "The official website launched in May 2011 introduced an viral marketing campaign similar to the one used to promote The Dark Knight Rises. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_(2010_film)

SALT

• Director: Phillip Noyce
• Distributed: Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures
• The production of the film is Hollywood
• SALT made £294 at the world box office, but also received mixed reviews about the film
• At first there were discussion about who would play the character of Salt which was suppose to be Tom Cruise; however, Noyce changed his mind as he believe Jolie would be perfect for the role.
• The budget for the film was $110 million

Media Language 

The Dark Knight Rises

• Mis-en-scene is used effectively in the film to highlight to the audience the genre of the film. For instance, the technical code such as the fast editing clearly conveys to the audience that the film is action and therefore it makes the audience intrigued with the chaotic elements. 
• In some scenes of the film  include Batman, low key lighting is used to reinforce that he is a mysterious figure as know one in Gothic city knows who the real Batman is. 
• The different cinematography (camera shots) are significant in the film to keep the audience engaged with the fast pace action and to keep intrigued throughout the narrative. For example, the low angle shot is used for the villan Bane which is effective in reinforcing his power. Notably, close up shots of the actors facial expression are also used in some scenes to make the audience sympathise or feel contempt for their behaviour.
• Diegectic and Non Diegtic are used throughout the film; however, the parallel sound is effective in creating the mood and atmosphere for the audience.

SALT

• Technical Code: Fast pace editing is effective in engaging the audience with the action.
• Iconography of guns, car blowing up, bombs etc all highlight the genre of the film to the audience.
• Cinematography is effective in the film such as the variety of camera shots to keep the audience intrigued in the narrative.
• The tracking shot is effective in keeping the audience engaged and intrigued with Jolie actions.

Ideology

• Both of the films challenge the dominant ideologies of females as being inferior and passive, instead the female characters represent female empowerment.
• Both of the films also promote a matriarchy ideology as the female characters go against the stereotype by behaving acting and not passive.
• Positive values promoted by encouraging females to not be afraid by going against their female domain.

Theories

• Audience theories - link to Katz & Blulmer uses and gratification theory./ effects theory
• Post-modernism and Critiques (knowing how females are represented) Postmodern texts do not follow traditional narrative or genre expectations, challenge the relationship between text and audience. Post-feminism which a postmodern perspective of feminism achievement and explain the current condition of women.
• Gender & Ethnicity
• Liberal (individual choice and freedom to equal rights) Pluralism (freedom, a range of politic views i democratic societies) . They see the mass media as having a beneficial role in contempory society.
• Genre Theories - consider the relationship between the audience and the media text, including how films appeal to a specific audience. E,g Richard Dyer argues that genres are pleasurable because they allow audience to escape into fictional words 

Issues and Debates

• Representation & Stereotype: In both of the films stereotype are presented as the female characters are portrayed as being seductive by their tight revealing clothes which is a negative representation. However, positive representation are presented as well as the female characters represent female empowerment.

• Media Effects (how does news impact/influence) : link to the hegemonic perspective on gender as there is evidence that females are going against their stereotype. 

• Media technology and the digital revolution (New and Digital Media) changing technologies in the 21st century: In my research I can include new articles about Feminism such as the 'no more page 3' which has been driven by blogs, Twitter and online campagine. (User-generate content)

• Regulation and censorship : There have been issues in the news which focuses on page3 girls in The Sun newspaper  being removed. 

Shep

(Social, historical, economical, political)

Social - This refers to society and therefore Feminists such as Liberal Feminists have started varies of campaigns in order to stop the change of patriarchy. For example, the Sex Discrimination Act and The Equal Pay Act has made a difference in reducing gender inequality in the work place; however, some women are still facing gender inequalities in still in contemporary society. Relating to my critical question this would have a social impact on women in becoming ambitious and not being dependent on women.
Historical - Focuses on First Wave Feminism, Second Wave Feminism and Third Wave Feminism.
Political - First female prime minister was Margaret Thatcher but after there was no other female after her position. Liberal Feminism fight for equality through political and legal reform in order to create equality in social institutions such as the work place.
Economical - Feminist economists try to overcome patriarchy but focuses on the relevance of women in terms of thier occupation and segrating them from certain work fields. 
Post Feminism - we dont need feminism anymore due to equality?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminist_economics

Media Texts (Main Focus)
SALT - Primary Text

The Dark Knight Rises - Secondary Text

Other Media Texts

500 Days of Summer: This film clearly highlights a switch in gender roles as the male character is represented in being madly in love with a girl and being emotional; whereas, the female character is represented in being not interested in the guy.

The Wrestler - The Film clearly portrays a reverse in gender roles as the female protagonist is taking on a sport which was part of the male domain, thus conveying that she is going against the female stereotype.

Mr and Mrs Smith

Miss Congeniality

Colombiana

TV Documentaries/ Youtube Clibs/ Programmes

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=14157709 (Documentary about the film 'Miss Representation')

The Apprentice - In the BBC hit programme 'The Apprentice' clearly portrays the females as ambitious and strong minded individuals which shows that they are going against their female stereotype by not being dependent on men. Notably, this conveys that the concept of gender cannot prevent a women from achieving high and therefore allowing them to break the glass ceiling and become successful.

Books

• 'The Equality Illusion - The Truth about Men and Women Today. (Kat Banyard)
• Media Magazine December 2008 Issue 26: Film : Brangelina
• Media Magazine April 2013 Issue 44:Ideas - The Dark Knight Rises
• Media Magazine December 2010 Issue 34: The change scene
• Media Magazine December Issue 26: Post-Feminism in contempory Film

Internet Links

University websites/academic papers online:

http://www.ejumpcut.org/archive/onlinessays/JC29folder/WomenRepnGaines.html    1983

http://www.asu.edu/courses/fms504/total-readings/mulvey-visualpleasure.pdf

http://78.133.124.150/digitalversion/Table_of_Contents_133052.pdf  1984

Milkshakes,Lady Lumps and Growing Up to Want Boobies: How the Sexualisation of Popular Culture Limits Girls’ Horizons - PDF documents

Media Guardian:

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/04/twitter-boycott-gesture-online-misogyny

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/our-generation-needs-to-reclaim-feminism-2373962.html

https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/mar/06/charlotte-raven-feminism-madonna-
price&sa=U&ei=YXJBUqPeLIiN7QbNroG4Aw&ved=0CAoQFjABOBQ&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHwPv1Lopb1QoqVG-aHqhJFM5mw2Q

http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2010/mar/15/girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo

http://www.theguardian.com/film/2010/oct/21/alfred-hitchcock-women-psycho-the-birds-bidisha

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/9611934/Hanna-Rosin-interview-Can-it-really-be-the-end-of-men.html (important)

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/oct/03/end-of-men-hanna-rosin-review (important)

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/oct/02/not-the-end-of-men

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/technology/jackrivlin/100010138/warning-if-you-upset-todays-ferocious-online-feminists-prepare-for-a-flood-of-abuse/

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2013/aug/23/online-activism-page-3-campaign

Ignite Presentation

WWW

• Focus on feminism - excellent choice and so relevant

• Very good choice of images to illustrates issue

• Primary text very clear and introduced

• Excellent use of media language + theory, as well as institutional issues + audience.

• Good focus on Hathaway and link back to the wider question, idea of awareness of stereotype is very good - does this make it post-feminist? 

• Reverse of gender roles is interesting, excellent way to conclude.

• Good link to wider film industry

• Great quote from Jolie - but surely she ways cast partly due to her sex appeal and fame?

EBI

• Point on costume left to the end.

Self assessment
Overall, I believe my presentation went well because I had a clear focus on my question and argued both sides of my question as well. Notably, for every point I made I backed it up with evidence and explained the impact it would have on the female and male audience. Moreover,  my research helped me a lot with my presentation as I included  quotes from the actresses, institutional information, media terminology  relevant theories and background information on the films. When researching information for my question I could not include everything I wanted and therefore I had to pick the important quotations for the actresses which would link to my question and demonstrate that I have a clear focus. As part of my preparations I practised a lot and therefore whilst delivering my presentation I did not go over the time which was useful  as I had time to quickly read for my notes my next slide. Furthermore, the reason why I chose to investigate this topic is because I have an interest in Feminism and therefore I wanted to focus on the way females are represented in films because I believe it is relevant in contemporary society as some female actresses are now challenging the stereotypes. Moreover, for my academic essay I am considering to use the same question  for this presentation as I am already exploring both sides of the argument and had a clear focus. However, if I change my critical investigation to music videos I may change the question 'From the past to a now post feminist society, are female singers challenging the traditional female stereotypes or reinforcing these dominant ideologies? Furthermore, I want to focus on Feminist perspective of female stereotypes, especially in the media, and I am considering to compare films from the past to now. 

Examples - Print, E media, Broadcast

The Dark Knight Rises
Example 1 - Anne Hathaway.
http://www.empireonline.com/interviews/interview.asp?IID=1524

The link above is a interview with Anne Hathaway to who plays the female character of Selina Kyle (cat women) in The Dark Knight Rises."Selina Kyle came from a poor background and never lived an easy life. To help escape from the sinking weight of poverty she took to a life of crime, developing herself into an accomplished thief".  This is an example of a print media as this interview is from the Empire magazine and now it is available online. This is effective as people can access the internet to read the interview or articles from the magazine if they do not have a copy of it and it highlights that technology is becoming more advanced. Furthermore, Empire is a British film magazine which is published monthly by the Bauer Consumer Media. Also, apart from the film news, previews and reviews Empire magazine has some unique regular features and in terms of the social demographics the magazine targets a wider audience which are usually men from the age of 18-35 year olds. This is because the features which are included inside the magazine are in great detail therefore the younger audience may not understand the language being used. As the magazine is male dominated this may portray that the editors carefully style the magazine so it would fit their target audience. For instance by featuring sex icons in their issues such as Megan Fox would be effective as it would appeal to males.  Furthermore, the social economic classification for Empire magazine could be A,B, C1 which are more likely to be middle class men. However, the secondary audience for this article could be individuals who are fans or the Batman trilogy or are fans of Anne Hathaway and aspire to be like her.

 In this interview Anne Hathaway talks about her role in the film, costumes, how it felt working with the other cast members on set and her experience. For example she quotes "I think that Catwoman depends on the Gotham City she lives in. The characterisation of her is informed by the world around her. So what I sought to do with my Selina was make her part of Christopher Nolan's Gotham". This could suggest that Anne Hathaway really wanted to develop into her character and make make it in this visions of what the directed Christopher Nolan expected. 

Additionally, in the interview Anne Hathaway talks about her role in playing Selina Kyle and how she is the first "true action women" in Christopher Nolan films. In The Dark Knight Rises Selina Kyle is a head strong, independent, intelligent and flirtatious female character who does not let anybody get in her way which highlights a alternative representation of her. This is because in many films the female characters are usually represented in being inferior, objectified or not taken serious which are stereotypes of how people view women in society. However, in The Dark Knight Rises Selina Kyle has some control  over the protagonist(Batman/Christopher Bale) which conveys she is not inferior and her action skills she uses to defeat men who get are a threat to society highlights that she is fearless. 

Example 2 - Emedia
Anne Hathaway
http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all
The link above focuses on the character of Catwomen which has been played by different actresses and has been in all three of the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy. The article then focuses on Anne Hathaway and her role as the new Catwomen in The Dark Knight Rises. This article is beneficial to include in my critical investigation  because it highlights how some of the audience can relate to  Anne Hathaway character as she does not need a man to depend on.

Example 3 - Emedia
Anne Hathaway
http://screenrant.com/anne-hathaway-catwoman-dark-knight-rises-sandy-145361/
This online article focuses on Hathaway character Catwomen and how she feels about playing a fearless female. She reveals how she was influenced by Catwomen comic book methodology and how the new version of the character which she plays is different.

Example 4 - Print Media
Anne Hathaway
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/catwoman-actress-anne-hathaway-dark-knight-rises-claws-beating-bad-guys-best-feeling-article-1.1114767 

Example 5 - E Media
Marion Cotillard
http://screenrant.com/marion-cotillard-dark-knight-rises-miranda-tate-talia-sandy-170446/ 

SALT

Example 1 - E Media
Angelina Jolie
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1298459/Angelina-Jolie-Im-fearless-point-stupidity-Maybe-I-little-fear.html 

Criticial Investigation - Background Information on the film and female characters.

To what extent do the female characters in The Dark Knight Rises and Salt challenge the traditional female stereotypes? 

• The Dark Knight Rises - Primary Text
• Salt - Secondary Text

For this question I will be investigating to what extent do the female characters subvert their traditional stereotype or are their some elements in the film where their stereotype is reinforced. Living in a post feminist society where women  have become more independent and fearless this has greatly influenced female characters in the film. 

M - media language
I - insitutions
G - genre
R - representation
A - audience 
I - ideology
N - narrative

The Dark Knight Rises

• Focusing on the female characters - Anne Hathaway (Selina Kyle/Catwomen) and Marion Cotillard (Miranda/Antagonist) 
• The Dark Knight Rises is a Hollywood blockbuster of a comic adaptation and the film follows a trilogy.
• The narrative of The Dark Knight Rises is full of thrilling aspects and excitement which would keep the audience gripped to their seats.
• The film is directed by the famous and successful Christopher Nolan.
• The distributor of the film is Warner Bros. Picture.

Genre

• The genre of The Dark Knight Rises is a hybrid as it includes elements of action, thriller and drama.
• The major generic conventions which this film includes are enigma codes which are effective in keeping the audience hooked and appealed into the narrative. Notably, the film includes other generic such as cars blowing up, guns, fighting, violence which all makes it clear to the audience what the genre is. 

Possible theories/theorist to include:

• Barthes
•  Propp 
• Levis-Strauss
•  Todorov
• Mulvey
• Feminism 
• Katz and Blulmer

Anne Hathaway 

In The Dark Knight Rises Anne Hathaway takes on two oppositional roles of being a ordinary business women named Selina Kyle and a inferior female protagonist Catwomen. Immediately, the audience would be able to acknowledge that Hathaway represents female empowerment as she is represented in being fearless, strong minded and willing to never give up. However, critics have argued that the clothing of  Hathaway character 'Catwomen' wears which is a tight fitted black costume presents, her part of the male gaze for men as she is represented in looking sexual.

Marion Cotillard

The second female character in The Dark Knight Rises is Miranda Tate/ Talia al Ghul who is played by Marion Cotillard. Her two roles are very different as on one hand she is a  business women but towards the end the audience are revealed to a big shock when they find out that Miranda is a villain alongside with antagonist Bane. One of  the reason why the characters Miranda//Talia al Ghul go against the female stereotype is because she is not represented as being naive, dependent and innocent and the fact that she is a Villian could suggest that even the roles between men and female characters are changing.

SALT - Angelina Jolie

Institution Information

• Directed: Phillip Noyce
• Distributed by Columbia Picture and Sony Productions
• Release Date: August 18 2012
• Budget: $110
• Box Office: $293, 503, 354
• The Genre of the film is hybrid of action, crime and mystery.

The distributor Columbia Pictures are very successful as they have helped to with big blockbusters such as The Da Vinic Code, The Pursuit of Happiness and Casiono Royale.  Whereas, Sony Pictures has helped also to produce successful block busters such as The Karate Kid, Spider- Man and Men In Black.

The talented and successful Angelina Jolie was chosen for the leading role in the film SALT which was ment to be played by Tom Cruise. Her character is called Evelyn Salt is a Russian Spy and is represented as being a powerful women however "Jolie fought to keep her character from turning into a stereotypical femme fatale" http://io9.com/5589284/how-angelina-jolie-fought-to-keep-salt-from-becoming-pretty  

Quotes to back up point (For and Against) - References.

• "In ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ Hathaway’s Selina Kyle is, again, crucial to the plot, but the male gaze was prevalent in many scenes in which the catsuit-clad Hathaway straddled the Batpod and the camera gave us a rather eye-popping view of her from behind" http://screencrush.com/female-superhero-movie/
• "The dominating issue with these films is the way the filmmakers choose to continue to capitalize on the attractiveness and physical appeal of their leading ladies and their costuming to draw the male fanbase" http://screencrush.com/female-superhero-movie/
• "‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ she uses female stereotypes like emotional weakness and vulnerability to cleverly manipulate her way out of dangerous situations" http://screencrush.com/female-superhero-movie/
• "A woman that most contemporary audiences can truly relate to and understand" http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all
• " On one hand, she spends her time using men as playthings in her scheme to better her life. But on the other, she sees her role as almost modern day, feminist Robin Hood http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all

• 'Salt is nothing like Bond,' says Jolie. 'In so many spy films women are femme fatales and we wanted to avoid that. My character doesn't use her sexuality to get anything. It's the roughest I've looked. When we fight, it gets ugly. Somebody breaks my nose in the film. It's not pretty" http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1298459/Angelina-Jolie-Im-fearless-point-stupidity-Maybe-I-little-fear.html

• "We made a point not to use her sexuality or her femininity in the film in ways that is usually done in films, especially in this kind of genre," explains Jolie. woman." http://sofiaecho.com/2010/07/30/939975_angelina-jolie-adds-spice-to-salt
  

http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all

http://screenrant.com/anne-hathaway-catwoman-dark-knight-rises-sandy-145361/  PRINT

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/catwoman-actress-anne-hathaway-dark-knight-rises-claws-beating-bad-guys-best-feeling-article-1.1114767   PRINT

http://screenrant.com/marion-cotillard-dark-knight-rises-miranda-tate-talia-sandy-170446/  PRINT

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1298459/Angelina-Jolie-Im-fearless-point-stupidity-Maybe-I-little-fear.html PRINT/EMEDIA

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.

Introduction to the Critical Investigation

Investigate: How do video games such as 'Call of Duty' and 'Grand Theft Auto' push the boundaries of on-screen violence and what is the impact of this on audiences?

Maram, Hamsa and I worked together as a group to investigate the question above in detail and explore different perspectives, which them we had to present to the rest of the class. Firstly we broke the question into two parts and found that in the question there are two key points which are ‘push the boundaries’ and ‘impact’. When referring to ‘push the boundaries’ we thought it could mean if the two games stated in the question exaggerate on-scree violence. Notably, it could also refer to graphic violence (showing everything) which could link to realism as by showing everything such as blood it makes the game look more realistic. On the other hand, we discussed what it meant by ‘impact of this on audience’ and we thought it could me if the video games have a negative or positive affect on individuals. Furthermore, to investigate this question we had to explore both sides of this argument which would help our critical investigation. Therefore we came up with points for what impact might violence games have on an audience and what would be the arguments against this. 

The points we presented to the class about what impact might violence games have on an audience was:

• The game may have a negative  impact on young children behaviour especially as they may likely be easily influenced to behaviour violently. This is because; as they keep playing the game which creates excitement for them it may encourage violent behaviour as a result.
• Video games may also lead to certain individuals to become  addict to the game. As a result,  it may ruin their social skills, health, behaviour and affect their education.

However, we discussed points against this statement:

•  Video games allow some individuals to release their anger or frustration which is better than going out and committing a crime.
•  Before video games never existed, individuals still committed crimes which could suggest that on screen violence may not have a negative impact on the audience as it depends on how the persona is like.
• Video games such as Call of Duty allow individuals to connect with their friends or others across the world. This could imply, that video games are a form of social network which may have a postive impact on the audience as it could generates excitement for them.

A theorist who could be covered in this critical investigation would be sociologist Bandura. His theory is called Bobo Doll experiment which explores how exposing media violence to children causes them to copy what they see, and possibly behave more aggressively in the real world.

Link Production Pieces which could work with this critical investigation:

• Print advertising campaign for a new game.
• Website dedicated to a video game.
• Documentary
• Interview with the creator or gamers - reveal their opinion about the game.