Lesson 4

1. What were Steven Spielberg's early influences in film, and how did they shape his style and approach to storytelling?

   • Steven Spielberg was heavily influenced by the films of his youth, particularly adventure and science fiction movies from the 1950s and 1960s. As a child, he was inspired by the works of directors like John Ford, Frank Capra, and David Lean. He was also fascinated by the films of Alfred Hitchcock, which had a profound impact on his approach to suspense and tension in his own films. 

2. How did Steven Spielberg's rise to fame in the 1970s and 1980s change the film industry, and what were some of his most significant contributions during this period?

   • Some of his most significant contributions during this period include directing films such as Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, and Raiders of the Lost Ark, which set new standards for visual effects, storytelling, and box office success.

3. What themes and motifs are common in Steven Spielberg's films, and how do they reflect his personal beliefs and values?

   • Steven Spielberg's films often deal with themes of family, friendship, heroism, and the power of imagination. Many of his movies also explore the relationship between humanity and technology, and the potential dangers of scientific progress. The trope of the 'ordinary boy hero' is often portrayed in narratives where nuclear families are disrupted and parents are absent, leading to feelings of abandonment. The supernatural is presented in a domestic setting, emphasising that it can happen anywhere. His stories often revolve around self-discovery, adolescence, and the journey of growing up.

4. How has Steven Spielberg continued to evolve as a filmmaker in recent years, and what are some of his most notable projects and achievements in the 21st century?

   • In recent years, Steven Spielberg has continued to explore a wide range of genres and styles, from historical dramas like the biography of the President 'Lincoln' to science fiction adventures like 'Ready Player One'. He has also expanded his work to include producing and directing for television, with shows such as Band of Brothers, The Pacific, and Amazing Stories.

Walking away from destruction

• perhaps used to conceal his identity or protect himself from the outside world, especially after the teacher became scared of him 

• perhaps the hat signifies that he is responsible for the destruction in the school corridor, but it's not yet revealed to be a supernatural force

• audiences who notice the reference to The Sixth Sense may experience discomfort or unease about this character.

Teacher running away from school towards a police officer

• the use of red could serve as a red-herring, suggesting that she is the supernatural force responsible for the destruction in the school corridor

• the color red could be used to emphasise the character's trauma, such as Cole's ability to see ghosts in The Sixth Sense, or her unfulfilled role as a teacher 

• could also be used to highlight moments of intense emotion or danger experienced by the female teacher.

Bike riding, clear intertextuality with E.T bike scene

• the use of red bike could connote rebellion of the young boy against the world and reflect some of Speilebergan influences e.g. the 'ordinary boy hero'

• the fast shots coupled with the red bike frame could suggest a sense of urgency - perhaps the young boy is embarking on a journey of self-discovery

• or this could be used to re-affirm to the audience that he is the supernatural creature.

Boy arrives at the house, wide shot of the entrance of a white house with a red door and the TV report

• the motif of the red door in The Sixth Sense is used to signal moments of transition or change, as seen when Cole first encounters a ghost in his home and follows it to a red door - this is a clearly intertextual reference to the door in Titanium 

• this leads to something unexpected, as we later find out that the boy is a supernatural creature. 

• in the TV report, there are subtle hints of red, such as the red ribbon on the headline, which is the first time the audience learns of the supernatural occurrence at the school.

Subtle hints of red in the furniture, the clothes the boy is packing into his bag as well as the red key ring

• the subtle red hints are used to highlight to the audience that this boy is indeed the supernatural creature - these are almost difficult not to spot, e.g. red furniture, red key ring, red clothes in the boy's bedroom; the producer wants us to know this is the boy that has caused the devestation at the school

• the music video also has an almost red tint to it at this point furthering this idea. 

Intertextual references help to engage an audience and be fun to spot

• The music video uses intertextual references to engage the audience and add layers of meaning to the video. For example, the video references a range of Spielberg work

• Spielberg references were very popular in 2011 as it created a sense of nostaligia for audience

• These intertextual references can be fun for audiences to spot and adds an extra level of enjoyment for those who are familiar with Spielberg films

Intertextual references help to make the text look more exciting and less like similar products of the same genre

• The use of intertextual references helps to make the text look more exciting as it helps to add visual interest to the video and distinguishes it from other music videos that may be similar in style or content

Intertextual references can help to change the meanings in the media product

• The use of intertextual references helps audiences understand that the boy is a supernatural force and in this video, he will go on a journey of adolesence, growing up and understanding his new powers; these are common themes of all Spielberg films

Intertextual references can make a media product more likely to appeal to an audience who might not otherwise be interested in the product

• This is interesting given that Guetta is a renowned EDM artist, however much of the music videos in this genre are perfomance based from the artist's concert

• The sense of nostalgia might draw in older audiences who will seek excitement from being able to spot the intertextual references

• The sense of narrative might draw in audience who want to find out what happens to the young boy at the end of the video.