KA6 Revision

Judith Butler argues that our performance of gender has an explicit effect on the world around us. Evaluate this theory of gender performativity with reference to the Black Mirror episode San Junipero (15 marks)

Point - In the Black Mirror episode San Junipero, gender is constructed through the characters of Kelly and Yorkie and the way they do or don't conform to their gender stereotypes.

• Judith Butler argues that sex and gender and different, where you sex is biological and gender is not.
• the way we "perform" our gender changed how our character is perceived

Yorkie trying on the different clothes

• wears feminine and masculine clothes
• dominant? full back clothes
• wears shorts and not dresses - more masculine than feminine outfit
• associate her as a lesbian

Kelly - long hair, feminine clothes - not perceived as a lesbian

• conforming to hegemonic norms

Gender is presented as complex - all androgynous

• Judith Butler - gender is fluid

Individuals can choose how they appear, supporting Butler's argument that gender is performative and fluid, and they can swap between different identities (e.g Kelly changing her appearance and style from 80s to 90s) - gender is performative through choices and actions

Gender is a social construct

• characters can transcend traditional gender norms and expectations
• gender is not "tied to your body", you can choose how to perform

This theory works in the hyper-realistic world of San Junipero, but does not account for gender fluidity in the real world

• does not capture the full complexity of lived experiences and struggles related to gender in reality

The San Junipero episode aligns with Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity by having a world where individuals can actively perform and choose their gender identities. However this is not a fictional portrayal and the real world complexities of gender (e.g discrimination and societal expectations) may not be fully encapsulated in the narrative of the episode.

• virtual reality and gender presentation
• individuals have an opportunity to choose their appearance in a virtual reality setting
• allows for a fluid and non-binary approach to gender presentation
• the characters engage in the performance of gender by selecting avatars which may not align with traditional gender norms
• Butler's idea that gender is a continuous and reiterated act, and the choices made within the virtual world exemplify the performative nature of gender
• freedom of gender expression
• characters are not confined to their physical bodies or societal expectations
• this freedom allows them to experiment with and express their gender identities without the limitations imposed by the external world
• absence of external constraints enables a more liberated and varied performance of gender
• challenging traditional gender roles
• central love story of two women challenge the heterosexual narrative often portrayed in mainstream media
• same sex relationship without the societal extraints challenges and deconstructs normative gender roles, supporting Butler/s contention that gender is subversive and transformative
• exploring identity and authenticity
• characters grapple with questions of identity, authenticity and the nature of relationships in a virtual space
• Butler argues identity is not stable
• impacts on real-world perceptions
• broader cultural conversations about multiplicity of gender expressions and challenges the rigidity of traditional gender norms

Provides a compelling illustration of Judith Butler's theory of gender performativity

Through the lens of virtual reality, the episode explores the performative nature of gender, challenges traditional norms and highlights the influence of societal structures on the way gender is expressed and experienced 

Extra theories to mention:

• Stuart Hall - Reception Theory
• how audiences interpret media texts in different ways according to their established values and beliefs
• dominant/intended meaning
• the audience accepts the intended meanings and ideology of the text's producers
• negotiated meaning
• audience accepts some of the intended meanings but rejects others
• some may enjoy the romantic element but be suspicious of the hopeful view of an afterlife inside virtual reality (e.g what happens if the servers are turned off?)
• Liesbet Van Zoonen
• gender is constructed and that its meaning varies dependent on cultural and historical context

Explore how TV shows can target and attract a niche or specialised audience. Make reference to both the Black Mirror episode San Junipero and The Returned to support your answer (30 marks)

Most media products target a mainstream audience in order to attract more people to watch the show leading to higher levels of profit, some producers such as Charlie Brooker choose to target several niche or specialised audiences, which allow different groups of audiences to engage in one product, allowing an alternative form of attracting a wide audience

• zombie/horror genre - specific and niche
• french - not mainstream
• not dubbed over so you have to read the subtitles
• only features one demographic - white middle class French people

• LGBTQ+ storyline - not common
• hyper-reality fans and tech fans
• escapism - uses and gratification theory
• dystopian fans
• gaming fans
• cinematography fans
• has a slow paced narrative, appealing to audiences seeking a more visually-driven storytelling approach

• fan base
• fan theories
• fan-created content
• social media content
• behind the scenes content
• interactive campaigns
• this creates loyalty and a sense of community among viewers

• storytelling and themes
• San Junipero
• explores themes of love, nostalgia and implications of technology on human consciousness
• narrative unfolds in a virtual reality setting, appealing to viewers interested in speculative and futuristic concepts
• Les Revenants
• explores themes of loss, identity and impact of the supernatural on everyday life
• diverse characters and representations
• San Junipero
• intersection of technology and human emotions
• engages with themes relevant to a technologically literate audiences
• Les Revenants
• cultural fascination with supernatural and mysterious phenomena
• aligns with a global audience interested in exploring the unknown
• emotional resonance
• San Junipero
• emotional depth and love story contributes to its broad appeal, attracting viewers who appreciate an emotionally charged narrative
• darker themes for audiences seeking a more optimistic viewing experience
• Les Revenants
• emotional impact of characters dealing with return of loved ones creates a poignant and introspective atmosphere
• emotional resonance attracts viewers who enjoy a character-driven drama

Niche audiences

• carefully crafted storytelling, diverse characters, cultural relevance and emotional resonance

Theories

• Reception Theory - Stuart Hall
• to consume a media product is a process involving encoding by producers and decoding by audiences
• 3 types of reading
• preferred - audience accepts the ideology of the producer
• negotiated - producers message is agreed with in general, but disagreed with in certain subjects
• oppositional - producers message is understood
• Fandom - Henry Jenkin
• refers to a particularly organised and motivated audience
• fans are active participants
• fans read the media text in a way not fully intended by the producers

Explore how a combination of media language is used to create meaning in both the Black Mirror episode San Junipero and The Returned [30]

Black Mirror

• cinematography
• vibrant colours, especially in the 80s
• muted tones the present
• allows us to distinguish between the two
• use of lighting and visual effects contributes to the dreamlike and surreal atmosphere, reinforcing the idea of a digital afterlife
• soundtrack
• 80s pop hits serve as a nostalgic backdrop
• choice of music establishes a time period but also evokes emotions associated with characters experiences
• narrative structure
• non-linear structure keeps the audience engaged and emotionally invested
• dialogue and script
• explores the nature of consciousness, choice and meaning of life
• philosophical theme

Les Revenants

• cinematography and visuals
• show employs a sombre colour palette, contributing to the mysterious and eerie atmosphere
• small town emphasises the isolation and haunting nature of the narrative
• sound design
• ambient sounds and minimalistic music creates a sense of tension and unease
• sound design enhances the supernatural elements and contributes to the overall mysterious tone
• character development
• show explores grief, acceptance and the impact of loss on a community
• symbolism and metaphor
• returned characters serve as a metaphor for unresolved issues and emotional baggage
• uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings about the consequence of supressing emotions
• mystery and suspense
• emphasises mystery and suspense
• each episode revealing new layers of the supernatural phenomenon keeps the audience engaged and invested in understanding the mystery

Conclusion

• media language plays a crucial role in creating meaning
• unique application of media language in each case enhances the storytelling and thematic exploration, making them more memorable and thought-provoking pieces of television

“Television shows must increasingly compete on a global level”. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Make reference to The Returned to support your answer [15]

• international distribution and streaming platforms
• streaming platforms like Netflix allows global distribution of shows
• Les Revenants gained attention globally when it was made accessible to people through these platforms
• cultural universality and global appeal
• people can resonate with audiences beyond its country of origin
• the global appeal of genres and themes allows people to engage with products worldwide
• Les Revenants has supernatural and mystery elements which transcends cultural boundaries, contributing to international popularity
• critical acclaim and awards recognition
• the success of Les Revenants extends to critical acclaim and awards recognition at a global scale
• received attention at international festivals and earned praise
• recognition from international critics and awards
• social media and global fan engagement
• social media allows fans to connect with other fans worldwide
• fans can share their thoughts, theories and appreciation for the show
• diverse audiences and cultural exchange
• diverse storytelling attracts audiences from various cultural backgrounds
• exchange of cultural ideas contribute to a more interconnected global media landscape