Presentation Script-small scale research project

                                                         
                                                                Presentation Script

PRESENTER       Good morning everyone, I'd like to welcome you all here today for my presentation. A reflection on 'whitewashing'. A term that perhaps not everyone has heard but a concept you will all be familiar with. Have you ever read a book, which has then been made into a film? A popular choice for a lot of film makers. Have you ever sat down to watch that film only to notice the character in the book you fell in love with or hated, doesn't quite look how the book portrayed them? Today I am specifically going to look at the change of race, particularly hiring white actors for other racial roles.

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PRESENTER         Some of you may recognise this famous character 'Mr Yunioshi' from 'Breakfast At Tiffany's'.  (Item 1) Played by Mickey Rooney, who actually looks like this.

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PRESENTER          So definitely quite a difference. In trying to create the Japanese character, film makers used facial prosthetics such as taped eyelids, buck teeth and mocking accent.

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PRESENTER       The 2014 remake of Annie (Item 2) sparked much controversy in the media. All because Annie no longer looks likes

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PRESENTER         This. Some couldn't believe that Annie was no longer a little white girl with ginger hair. Instead, this remake features Quvenzhane Wallis, a little black girl playing Annie. (Item 8)

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PRESENTER          Here the man upfront plays Marine Sergeant Jason Thomas who rescued people from the World Trade buildings after the 9/11 attack.

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PRESENTER          Here is the real Marine Sergeant Jason Thomas. Now although Oliver Stone was not aware of Jason Thomas's race whilst casting for the film, it reinforces the stereotype that a 'hero' must be a white man. This was in fact not the case. (Item 3)

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PRESENTER         "The practice of casting white actors in non-white roles is still prevalent in Hollywood- despite widespread condemnation and protest." A quote from the BBC in 2015.  (Item 10) The past years has seen a huge revolution for racial equality, however unfortunately we have not fully achieved this. 

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PRESENTER            Asian-American actors such as Constance Wu and many more are 'fighting for visibility' (Item 7)

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PRESENTER            Nowadays although less frequent, it is alarming that actors have to do this to get a role and make a living.

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PRESENTER             But why is it that 'whitewashing' is still prevalent in the film industry? Well we can't know an definite answer but there are many possible suggestions as to why.

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PRESENTER           Perhaps the main reason for this many years ago was due to the lack of non-white actors in America. Film directors may have found it easier to cast white actors rather than searching for a longer time for other ethnic characters.

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PRESENTER          Or a taboo that many film makers don't like to talk about, racism. Is it that some directors are bias in their decision to hire white actors, do they believe white people are better actors? This idea will always inevitably be denied, despite maybe not being the truth.

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PRESENTER         Another possibility is that are filmmakers just feeding the desires of the audience. Is it them who subconsciously would rather see Bruce Willis on the screen than Denzel Washington? If so, can filmmakers actually be criticised for giving the audience what they want?

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PRESENTER          A reflection on 'whitewashing'. This presentation only gave a short overview of a huge and important topic, but we have learnt cases in which it has happened, how it is still happening today and some possible reasons as to why. A final comment that should not be dismissed- 'whitewashing' is not as prevalent in todays industry. The fact it is less common shows development and improvement. (Item 11) Let's hope that if I were to present this topic again in years to come, I will be able to say 'whitewashing' is no longer a problem. Thank you all for listening, have a good day.

Million Dollar Baby Questions

1. Outline four ways in which the film is designed to evoke an emotional response in the audience.






The film Million Dollar Baby is designed to create emotional response. One technique used to do this through the characters stories and background. At the beginning of the film the audience see that Maggie comes from a deprived background and lives poorly. This makes spectators feel sympathy for her and wish her a better life. Also Maggie's determination in the gym after being turned down from training by Frankie, the only trainer she wants. Spectators see her hard work and gain respect for her character.


Another technique used to evoke a response is the narrative structure of the film. The first part of the film is spent building the relationship between Maggie and Frankie after he agrees to train her. The audience learn more about Frankie and how we desperately tries to be in his daughters life despite her constant rejection. It can seem that Maggie begins to fill this role in his life as he cares deeply for her. This is purposely shown throughout the majority of the film purposely to try to make spectators feel like Frankie is going to make Maggie the champion boxer. After her poor upbringing the spectators expect a happy ending for her. However, this hope is thrown away in a boxing match with Billie 'The Blue Bear' where she fights dirty by hitting Maggie when her back is turned, causing her to break her neck when landing on a stool. At the initial happening of the event, spectators are shocked and devastated by what has just happened. Seconds before it seemed like Maggie was going to win the match. The entire mood of the film changes as it becomes about Maggie's difficult journey of recovery. It is clear that she will never be able to box again which leaves spectators feeling an emptiness for her. As months go by Maggie's quality of life declines and she makes the decision that she wants help to end her life. This tragic end of Frankie, a religious man who loves Maggie, releasing her from the pain makes spectators feel upset and sympathy for him whilst feeling the sadness of losing a loved character.


The micro element of music is used throughout the film to tell the spectators how to respond. In the Billie 'The Blue Bear' boxing match, as Billie is approaching the ring the non-diegetic music changes to dark and daunting in order to evoke fear and panic. It was established earlier in the film that Billie is a 'dirty fighter' and Frankie did not want Maggie to go against her. The worry for the outcome of the match is evident.




2. For two of these emotional responses, explain how the film uses micro or macro techniques to achieve these emotional responses.




One emotional response in the film is sympathy. This is shown through character types and mise-en-scene. Although it is clear Maggie comes from a deprived background, when she earns money from boxing she wants to be to provide for her absent family. when visiting her mother, the mise-en-scene shows she lives in a small, rundown caravan where her sister and baby also live. Because of this, Maggie buys a house for her mother, which is large and clean, however she is annoyed by the offer and declines the opportunity of a better live. This makes the spectators feel sorry for Maggie as she tried her best despite the coldness her family act towards her.


Another response in the film is shock during the boxing match between Maggie and Billie. Sound and editing are used to create a tense atmosphere. When Maggie's back is turned and Billie hits her, the scene changes to slow motion to show Maggie's fall. Frankie desperately attempts to remove the stool from the ring, and the slow pace enables the spectators to see his frantic facial expression of what has just happened and the danger ahead. The diegetic sound gets quieter and the sound of the punch and landing are enhanced to emphasise the pivotal actions in the scene. The diegetic background noise of the audience cannot be heard anymore to represent the shock of the event. This quietness is used to go to the reactions of various characters such as Frankie and Eddie, showing their trauma for Maggie.




3. The film could be described as a 'weepie', how far do you agree that the film is 'weepie'. You should use a range of other films in your answer by comparison.




Million Dollar Baby could be described as 'weepie' because of range of emotions the films takes you through. It has moments of happiness and upset, such as the rise of Maggie's boxing career but also the decline after breaking her neck. Due to the build up of relationships the film emphasises the emotional bonds between Maggie and Frankie and Maggie and Eddie. When the accidents happens it is shock to spectators as they expect a happy ending for Maggie. For this reason, the film becomes 'weepie' because of the sudden change of mood and emotion which throws spectators off guard.


Other 'weepie' films are advertised as emotional such as 'The Fault In Our Stars' where the films plot of two cancer patients falling in love ends in death. Spectators choose to go watch this knowing that it may make them 'weepie', however for some it is a preferred genre of film.


For some films, their main marketing of the film does not include upsetting parts however they can still include them in the film. For example 'Captain America:Civil War' is marketed as a superhero film filled with lots of action. Despite this, one scene in the film reveals to Tony Stark how his parents died. This was devastating news for Tony and made spectators feel the same sadness for him.


I feel as though Million Dollar Baby could be described as a surprise 'weepie' film as spectators do not watch the film to expect hurt and devastation, however they do feel this at the accident and death of Maggie.

Spectatorship of "Dead Man Walking"

1. Outline subconscious response to the execution scene and then explain three techniques that the filmmakers have used to manipulate a spectator into having that response.



The execution scene in Dead Man Walking made me feel approval and satisfaction as I believe that the man deserved to die for raping and murdering a young couple. A technique that filmmakers have used to make a spectator feel this response is through the narrative structure of the film. It spent over an hour showing the man in prison and him talking through his actions with the sister, him denying the crimes. However at the end of the film, he admits to the crimes and then whilst he is strapped to the bed, there is a flashback to what actually happened. Spectators can watch the rape and murder of the couple and it could completely change their opinion of him. From perhaps sympathising with him, not agreeing with execution, they could change and believe that he deserves to die.

Another technique that filmmakers used to create an emotional response is through the relationship between the man and the sister. They create a close bond with each other, making spectators wanting to be less harsh on him. A different side is shown to a typical criminal as he develops emotional relationships.

The Deer Hunter- Russian Roulette scene

In what ways does the clip shock?

The extreme brutality of the Vietnams whilst playing the game-slapping, shouting and pointing guns.
The fright and mentality of Stevie as he is petrified.
That they managed to escape from the hut after killing all the Vietnams. It was not expected of them to be able to escape as the Vietnams were presented as extremely powerful and in control.


Does the scene provide any uplift?

The man helping Stevie get through his panic and encouraging his friends as he has a plan to help. It shows his true true friendship and loyalty towards Stevie.
When they took control and killed the captors, escaping from them down the river

How does the clip make you feel?

I felt and tense and worried as to what was going to happen. Anything can happen at any moment and we are unaware as to when.
It shows the extreme evil capacity of humans and what they are willing to do just for enjoyment.

Year 12 Self Review

WWW:  I enjoyed the American film section learning about Independence Day and Signs with the alien invasions.
I felt happy with the questions in the exam

EBI: I kept up to date with coursework
Do more practice questions


Targets: Be more prepared with coursework so their is more time for improvement