A Level Media Studies OCR

This subject is broken down into 60 topics in 7 modules:

  1. BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show with Greg James 11 topics
  2. Media Studies Core 12 topics
  3. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 12 topics
  4. Component 01, Section A: News 7 topics
  5. Component 01, Section B: Media Language and Representations 9 topics
  6. Component 02, Section A: Media Industries and Audiences 7 topics
  7. Component 02, Section B: Long Form Television Drama 2 topics
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  • 60
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  • 23,437
    words of revision content
  • 3+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Media Studies

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Analysis of Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques

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Analysis of Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques

Narrative Structure

  • Chronological order - "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" uses a blend of chronological storytelling and flashbacks. The flashbacks play a crucial role in character development, particularly in revealing pivotal moments from Shang-Chi's childhood.

  • Three-Act Structure - The film adheres to the traditional three-act structure - set up, confrontation, and resolution.

  • Set up - Here, the film introduces characters and their background, Shang-Chi's ordinary world, and the summons (the pendant) he receives.

  • Confrontation - It includes the journey of Shang-Chi to confront his father and his past, the hardships and battles he faces.

  • Resolution - In the climax, the film resolves the main conflict with a final showdown, end of the antagonist, and resolution of character arcs.

  • Foreshadowing - The narrative employs foreshadowing to hint at events to come. For example, the legend of the ten rings is introduced early, hinting at their significant role later on.

Storytelling Techniques

  • Symbolism - "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" makes extensive use of symbolism. The ten rings are symbolic, representing power, control, and immortality.

  • Visual storytelling and cinematography - The film makes use of colours, landscapes, and fight choreography to communicate ideas and emotions. Notably, the film employs a bright, vibrant colour palette in Ta Lo compared to the darker colour tone of Wenwu's kingdom to contrast the worlds.

  • Use of Enigma Codes - The film employs enigma codes to engage the audience. The true nature of the ten rings, the Ta Lo village, and the dark creature behind the gate are all mysteries that gradually unfold, maintaining audience interest.

  • Character Arcs - Characters undergo significant transformations throughout the story. Shang-Chi’s evolution from an underconfident parking valet to a hero is a classic example.

  • Flashbacks - The film makes excellent use of flashbacks, which weave in and out of the current timeline to provide context and depth to the characters, especially Shang-Chi and Wenwu.

  • Drama and Humour - A mix of dramatic tension and humour keeps the narrative engaging. Comic relief characters lighten the mood.

  • Conflict - At the heart of the narrative is the conflict, both internal (Shang-Chi's struggle with his father's legacy) and external (the threat posed by Wenwu and the dark creature), which drive the story forward.

  • Dialogue - Dialogue in the film is used effectively to reveal character personalities, motivations, and to move the plot forward.

Remember, these points are merely a guide. It's crucial to delve deeper and form your own interpretations, linking these understandings with the appropriate media theory and principles.

Course material for Media Studies, module Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, topic Analysis of Narrative Structure and Storytelling Techniques

Media Studies

Media Studies Core

Newspaper: Daily Mail, The Guardian

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Newspaper: Daily Mail, The Guardian

Daily Mail and The Guardian Newspaper History and Ownership

  • The Daily Mail, a tabloid newspaper founded in 1896, is known for its sensationalist approach to news, offering mainly conservative views.
  • The Guardian, a broadsheet newspaper launched in 1821, is generally left-wing, presenting readers with liberal and progressive perspectives on political, social, and cultural matters.
  • Both newspapers represent the daily press tradition in Britain with different target audiences and diverse news presentation styles.

Editorial Policies and Political Stance

  • The Daily Mail is generally known for a right-wing, conservative editorial policy, often campaigning on issues such as immigration and law and order.
  • The Guardian tends to have a liberal, left-leaning focus, often tackling subjects like human rights, social justice, and climate change.
  • The political stance of both papers greatly influences the type of news that is published, and how it is framed or reported.

Audience and Consumer Behaviour

  • The target audience of the Daily Mail tends to be older, more conservative readers, typically from the middle class.
  • The Guardian's readership is generally younger and more liberal, with a large proportion being students and professionals.
  • Both newspapers have successfully transitioned to digital platforms, capturing a global audience and diversifying their reader base.

Presentation of News and Use of Language

  • The Daily Mail tends to adopt a consistent, straightforward language style that appeals to its target readership. Headlines are often sensational and emotionally charged, drawing readers into the story.
  • The Guardian uses a more sophisticated and measured language style, often providing in-depth and detailed coverage of topics in its articles.
  • Each paper's aesthetic mirrors its ideological position - the Daily Mail tends to use emotive images and large fonts while The Guardian often uses a more sober, mature design approach.

Digital and Social Media Presence

  • Both the Daily Mail and The Guardian have robust online platforms with heavy usage of multimedia, such as videos, podcasts, and interactive content.
  • The Guardian website is known for its emphasis on longform content and investigative journalism, reinforcing its commitment to thorough news coverage.
  • The Daily Mail's website, retitled as the MailOnline, showcases a wide range of news and feature articles, including a strong emphasis on celebrity culture and human interest stories.
  • Both newspapers also leverage social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to engage their readers, expand their reach, and drive traffic to their websites.

Critiques and Controversies

  • The Daily Mail has been criticized for its sensationalist reporting, accused of fear mongering and being biased, particularly in its coverage of topics like immigration.
  • The Guardian has faced criticism for its perceived liberal bias, with critics arguing that it promotes a singular, left-wing worldview.
  • Both newspapers have faced challenges in their transition to digital, including issues of monetization and competition from other online news sources.

Impact on Society and Culture

  • With their differing ideological stances, both newspapers have played significant roles in shaping political, societal, and cultural debates in the UK and beyond.
  • Their powerful influence is evident in election coverage, policy debates, and societal attitudes on important issues such as climate change, education, and social equality.
  • By moving online and expanding their reach, both newspapers have been able to increase their influence, contributing to the global spread of British perspectives and attitudes.

Course material for Media Studies, module Media Studies Core, topic Newspaper: Daily Mail, The Guardian

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