Super Curricular

Media Magazine - Saltburn

For my super curricular assignment, I read Kirsty Worrow's analysis of "Saltburn" - an article she titled, "Murder on the Dance Floor". Saltburn has undoubtedly become one of the most talked about films of the year, but, as Kirsty Worrow suggests, for the wrong reasons. She describes the film as a "maximalist gothic melodrama" that, whilst "compelling in style and substance" has garnered attention less so for the social and moral messages about class, obsession, and indulgence, and more so for the "visceral moments". The scenes in question are of an unashamedly sexual, and in some viewers eyes, disturbing, nature, and are a result of Emerald Fennel employing "abject imagery" to "challenge the viewer" - a concept most viewers understood, yet fixated on, rather than attempting to see past it, through to another layer of meaning. Worrow suggests these scenes are part of creating a "relationship between the spectator and Oliver" - forging an "allegiance" that leads the spectator to "stick with Oliver as he engages in increasingly taboo behaviour" - because the true villain of the film is the unjust nature of the English class system, and the "pomposity and entitlement of the upper class". Worrow also delves into the concept of the "female gaze" a term coined recently, that explores "the ways in which women look at and represent themselves in the media" - many viewers have suggested that the emphasis on the exploitation of male bodies in "Saltburn" is an example of the female gaze, but this would be incorrect. As Worrow puts it, it is "an inversion of the male gaze" and the idea of women being a "site of power and agency" is a more fitting example of the term. 

Media Magazine - Promising Young Woman

“The narrative themes could make audiences uncomfortable, the entrapment of these men by Cassie will provoke debate. There will, justifiably, be arguments to suggest that not all men would take advantage of drunk women in a vulnerable situation but Fennell’s movie positions us to see, through the eyes of the singularly focused Cassie, the potential danger in all men.” The title of the movie references the title given to so many men accused of sexual assault; it doesn't matter what they did, it only matters that it will ruin their reputation, as they are a “promising young man”. This film acts to challenge that notion, as assault should never be excused – and so it “delivers to the audience a satisfactory conclusion in that the ‘promising young men’ so protected and coveted by the patriarchy and privilege, have finally been punished for their actions.” The film ties into 2017’s MeToo movement, making the film a rebellious piece as it challenges its own industry. “It was instrumental in fuelling a much wider debate on the prevalence of toxic masculinity and the difficulty that women have in seeking out justice for sexual assault on a global scale. In Hollywood, many studio heads would threaten to ruin an actress’ career if they went public.” This film confronts the “nice guy” stereotype and outwardly questions its credibility. The men that the main character, Cassie, tricks into believing she is drunk, all take her home under the pretence of taking care of her, before they decide to have their way with her. They are challenged, and one of them says that being accused is every guys “worst fear” - upon which Cassie speaks to “nice guys” in the audience, and all those who dismiss discussions of rape with claims that false accusations are the greater crime, with the simple question - “Can you guess what a woman’s is?” Fennel is creating a commentary here on middle-class privilege and suggesting that these men have ‘got away with it’ because of their position and wealth. It explores gender roles as well as alleged class entitlement. The bitter ending shows the idea that, as horrible as it is, and as much as it shouldn’t be this way – the rich and powerful will always win. 

Production Competition 2024 - "Being Seen"

I created a short film titled "To Be Perceived" with Safa Noor Mirza which we entered into the Media Magazine production competition 2024 that had the prompt of "Being Seen". It is set within a psychological experiment attempting to test how long participants can last being continually stared at, their visible emotions closely monitored and timed. We explore the notion of the fear of being perceived and how it can lead to imaginary scenarios created out of paranoia. This is what the participant goes through before having an angry outburst. We have been shortlisted under "Best Drama Short" and will attend a screening and find out if we have won in our category. It was an incredible experience that has really inspired me to create more short films with Safa.

BFI Filmmaking Course

I attended a short filmmaking course under the BFI. I was able to experience masterclasses from professionals, gaining valuable advice and learning about how much work goes into all the different components of making a film. I was also able to create my own short film with a group - which has really enhanced my skillset. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity in which I learnt so much and gained great experience.

Massolit Lectures

I watched 6 lectures about Semiotics on Massolit and made notes on anything interesting/ that I wasn't already aware of.

The Rest is Entertainment Podcast

I have just begun listening to this media-related podcast by Richard Osman that delves deep into the inner workings of film, tv, news, etc. and provides insight into scandals and industry secrets. I have started with the "Phone Hacking" episode which is proving interesting. I will update the more I listen.

Stranger Things and Deutschland 83 Trivia:

Stranger Things was inspired by the somewhat dubious Montauk Project, and at one time Montauk was used as its working title. The Montauk Project is a conspiracy theory that alleges there were a series of United States government projects conducted at Camp Hero or Montauk Air Force Station in Montauk, New York, for the purpose of developing psychological warfare techniques and exotic research including time travel. 

Creator Anna Winger said that all of the episode titles are drawn from a NATO exercise mounted from 1983. Able Archer 83 was a military exercise conducted by NATO that took place in November 1983. It simulated a period of heightened nuclear tensions between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, leading to concerns that it could have been mistaken for a real attack by the Soviet Union. The exercise is considered by some to be one of the closest moments the world came to nuclear war during the Cold War.