1. Target Level: Green
Assignment 5:
Film Study & Conventions In A Film
By: Chelsea and Abigail

2. Target Level: Green
• By choosing the green target we can achieve a grade C-B to accomplish this we will
have to complete all categories in the yellow section and possibly the extension.
The green target includes discussing:
 Genre
 Sub genre
 Hybrid
 Stam’s theory
 Mittel’s theory
 Fuerer’s theory
 Semantics
 Syntax
 Iconography & Tone
 At least 8 conventions and the analysis and each convention
 Dominant Ideology
 Audience
 Audience Theory

3. Genre exploration

4. Film of choice and reasoning
We chose ‘The Dark Knight’ because:
• It is a good representation of the thriller genre.
• We are both familiar with the film
• We both felt we could talk a lot about this movie as it contains many
conventions of the main genre and sub genres.

5. Genre
The Dark Knight falls under the genre of Thriller.
As a thriller movie, it is aimed to thrill and excite the audience by putting them on the edge of
their seats with fast paced action and hard core blasts of energy.
Bat symbol in
flames on the
crumbling
building signals
the destruction of Dark colours, connotes
society. secrets, metaphorical
darkness and trouble.

6. Subgenre
Sub genres including in the ‘Dark Knight’: Mask and capes is
seen as the costume
for superheroes
Superhero; the main character is the
superhero of the film
Joker breaks out of
jail and steals
police car
Crime; film revolves
around the actions of the
criminal mastermind
Joker is the reason behind
most havoc in film for e.g.
blowing up the hospital
Action; film includes typical action genre conventions such as explosions, fight scenes
and car chases
Fight scene
Car explosion between batman
with the film and joker and his
henchmen

7. Hybrids
The Dark Knight contains a range of hybrid genres, including:
• Superhero Drama
• Action-Superhero
• Superhero Thriller
“you either die a hero, or
• Crime superhero drama you live long enough to
see yourself become a
Batman swooping
villain”
• Fantasy down over the city of
Honk Kong
• Action Thriller

8. Stam Theory
 Stam’s theory is that genre cannot be easily defined under the ‘main
genre’s but under other ways. The Dark Knight can be classified other ways
than under its main genre. For example its a high budget film, its a
Christian Bale film and the plot of the film is borrowed from the comic
series of Batman.
Source:
Wikipedia
Christian Bale

9. Stam Theory: Added notes
“Stam’s theory says that genre is not so easily defined under the ‘main genres’ but can be
classified in other ways such as budget, Ethnicity focus or Performer based. ”
Some audiences may be
more attracted to a certain
directors perception of a
character and how they
should be portrayed
through film.
Christopher Nolan has
directed the Dark Knight
trilogy from 2005-2012. His
style has an “emphasis on Tim burton
urban settings, men in suits directed the 1989
and generally muted colours” Batman movie.
(wikipedia) His style is
typically quite
dark, quirky and
gothic.

10. Stam Theory: Added Notes
The Batman character first
appeared in a 1939 issue
of the ‘Detective Comics’.
The Batman
franchise started in Batman was later made
the 1940’s with the into several movies
release of the including the latest ‘The
‘Batman’ comics. Dark Knight Rises’.
Batman was later
made into a serial
starring Lewis Wilson
and Douglas Croft
and a TV show in the
60’s starring Adam
West as Batman and
Burt Ward as Robin.

11. Stam Theory: continued
The film contains
an all-star cast of
big Hollywood
actors.
Christian Bale, who has
starred as Batman
throughout the trilogy
(Batman Begins, The
Heath Ledger Dark Knight and The
(who died six Dark Knight Rises
months before
the movie was Michael
released) as Caine as
The Joker Alfred the
butler
Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox

12. Mittel Theory
‘Mittel’s theory is that genre is used to sell products.’
It is easy to relate this theory to the film because we live in a society where superheroes are seen nearly
everyday – maybe not in everyday life, but the products are all around us.
‘The Dark Knight’ The Dark Knight
sells products as especially led to the
the main creation of many
character products including
‘batman’ is aimed children’s
at the superhero toys, action
fanatic. figures, clothing and
of course DVDs/Blu-
Recent superhero rays etc. of the film
craze with movies
such as ‘The Dark
Knight Rises’, ‘The
Amazing Spiderman’
and ‘The Avengers’
gaining millions in the
box office, thus
accenting the return
of superheroes.

13. Fuerer Theory
Fuerer’s theory that “genre is abstract and isn’t easily defined as everyone has different
ideas, life experience etc therefore they interpret codes and conventions
differently”
• Fuerer’s theory can relate to The Dark Knight as some people may recognize the
thriller elements within the film and agree that The Dark Knight is a thriller whereas
other people within the audience such as children may see these elements as part of
the horror genre as they have little knowledge of the different types of genres and
they may find some of the characters within the film intimidating and gruesome so
this is why they might class The Dark Knight under the horror category.
Younger viewers may find
characters like ‘Two face’
horrific and gruesome

14. Added notes
“Fuerer’s theory is that genre is abstract, meaning that it is not easily defined because everyone
has different ideas, ideals, life experience, culture etc and therefore interpret codes and
conventions differently. (what is recognisable and familiar to one, may not be recognisable or
familiar to someone else in the same way). ”
This theory can be related to
The Dark Knight because
where some people might see
it as another superhero
film, others might interpret it
as being a crime drama, action-
thriller, a comic book
adaptation or even a thriller
fantasy film. Some people
might even define it as a light
psychological-action-drama-
romantic-thriller.

15. Semantics
Semantics Evidence in film?
Characters Hero (Batman), Villain (Joker), chief police officer (Lt. Gordon), Girlfriend/ love interest of
hero (Rachel)
Locations Set in Gotham City – a city riddled with crime and a constant battle between good and
evil.
• Streets of Gotham
• A hospital (which is later blown up)
• Warehouses, police stations, holding rooms
Story Traits Death of a loved one, Revenge, Good vs Evil,
Escalation of violence
Costumes Capes, Suits, Police outfits, Masks
Props Guns, Knives, Masks
Ritual Death or imprisonment of the villain, Main character loses someone close to them,

16. Syntax
Overall
message/purpose of
film
When society has no
leaders they become
unethical and
uncivilized
Batman gives Lucius access to everyone is Passengers on both boats consider whether or
Gotham’s mobile which not they should save themselves and blow up
There’s corruption the other ship or allow the other passengers to
within government do the same to them
Joker disgusted himself as a
police officer as no one realized
Good always wins over
evil
In the last scene batman
captures the Joker

17. Iconography
Iconography
Costume Masks
Capes
police uniforms
Suits
facial disguises
Setting Big cities, i.e.. New York, San Francisco, London etc.
The Dark Knight is set in the fictional city of ‘Gotham’
Staging Prison cells
Tall buildings
Chaotic streets
Rooftops
Star/Celebrity Christian Bale,
Heath Ledger,
Morgan Freeman,
Gary Oldman,
Michael Caine (all: the Dark Knight)
Others known for their roles in thrillers are: George Clooney, Liam Neeson and Robert DeNiro

18. Tone
Only source of lighting
The lack of lighting in this scene creates
suspense and anticipation as the audience is
unable see the full setting of the scene. Only
the face of the characters is visible in this
scene so that the audience can focus on the
facial expressions of the characters.
This escalating sound effect adds tension to the scene
because as the tone gets more intense the audience learns
more information about where the victims are.

19. Tone: extras
Shallow focus:
emphasis on the
masked criminal
in the fore ground
Close up shot of
mask indicates it will
play an important
part in this scene
Establishing shot:
shows us where
the first scene in
the movie is to
take place.

20. Convention list
Conventions of Thriller Examples from range of Used, developed or challenged?
real films
1. Villain driven plot X-Men First Class, Kill Used- the Joker initiates the chaos that occurs
Bill throughout the film as a result of his actions.
2. Revenge Salt, Memento, Taken 2 Developed- the character out for revenge starts as an
innocent character who is dragged into the fight
between justice and evil. He is out avenge the death of
his fiancé but dies at the end.
3. Kidnapping Taken Used- The joker kidnaps and keeps innocent people
hostage.
4. Deaths of innocent people Used
5. Explosions Used
5. Involves a quest or mission Memento, Abduction, Used - Batman is the only one that can stop the Joker
that only the main character The Girl With A Dragon from terrorising Gotham as the Joker will not stop until
can solve/reveal the truth Tattoo, Kill Bill, Salt the Batman reveals his true identity
6. The main character works Abduction, Salt, The Girl Used - Batman works with the police and government to
with a particular institution With The Dragon stop the mob gangsters and the Joker
e.g. Police, army, government Tattoo, I Robot, Casino
Royale
7.Includes the lost/death of a Memento, Abduction, Used-Batman loses his childhood friend dies in an
loved one Taken explosion
8. The hero is often an Dark Knight, Black Used- Bruce is misunderstood by the public and lives a
outsider or secretive Swan, I Robot secretive life as Batman and when he does show his true

21. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from film Comparison to Is it used, developed
Thriller other films or challenged?
1. Villain driven plot • The joker is the Silence of the Used – the Joker is
cause of the whole Lambs almost seen as the main
plot character in the film as
• Killing innocent he is a very prominent
people and causing character throughout
havoc within the city the film.
• He is the main cause
of the events that
take place during
the movie

22. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from film Comparison to Is it used,
Thriller other films developed or
challenged?
2. Revenge • Harvey Dent is out The Punisher Used – he kills those
to get revenge on he feels are to blame.
all those who
helped cause the
death of his fiancé

23. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from Comparison to Is it used,
Thriller films other films developed or
challenged?
3. Kidnapping • Many people are Taken Used – the joker has
kidnapped criminals and
throughout the innocent citizens
film kidnapped and put
into separate boats –
another of his evil
plans

24. Conventions of Examples from Comparison to Is it used,
genre/sub/hybrid your film (bullet other films in the developed or
points and screen same challenged?
grab) genre/sub/hybrid
4. Deaths of innocent • He is also the The Kingdom Used
people cause of Bruce
Wayne’s childhood
friends’ death.
• The Joker kills an
innocent victim
everyday until
Batman agrees to
show is true
identity.

25. Conventions of Examples from Comparison to Is it used,
genre/sub/hybrid your film (bullet other films in the developed or
points and screen same challenged?
grab) genre/sub/hybrid
Explosions • The villain, the Suckerpunch Used
Joker, blows up a
hospital
• Warehouses are
also blown up
Bruce
Wayne’s
childhood
friend is
killed in
an
explosion

26. Conventions analysis
Convention of Examples from Comparison to Is it used,
Thriller film other films developed or
challenged?
Involves a quest or •Only the Batman is Abduction – Only Used
mission and only the able to defeat the Nathan (main
main character is able Joker as the Joker character) is able
to solve/reveal the won’t give up until solve the truth about
truth the Batman gives in his life after he finds
his baby picture in
the missing people
section

27. Conventions analysis
Convention of Examples from Comparison to Is it used,
Thriller film other films developed or
challenged?
The main character •Batman works with I Robot- Detective Used
works with a particular the police to try and Spooner (the main
institution e.g. Police, get rid of the mob character) is a
army, government gangsters and the detective and works
Joker along with a scientist
to shut down what
has caused the
robots to turn evil

28. Conventions analysis
Convention of Examples from film Comparison to Is it used,
Thriller other films developed or
challenged?
The hero is often an •Bruce lives a secretive • Superman – Used
outsider or secretive life as Batman and keeps his identity
when he does show his a secret from the
true identity as Bruce,
he is an outsider
public.
•He is easily
misunderstood by the
general public due to
his dark and mysterious
personality.

29. Conventions analysis
Convention of Examples from film Comparison to Is it used, developed
Thriller other films or challenged?
7.The main •Batman’s childhood Spiderman Used
character suffers friend dies in an explosion
the lost/death of a
loved one

30. Dominant Ideology
Dominant Ideology Evidence from film Why this dominant ideology is
present?
Masculinity/Dominance of male The main character is a heroic male This dominant ideology is present to reinforce the
characters idea that men are suppose to strong and heroic
and to create a role model for the younger male
viewers
Justice prevails all the bad guy always dies/is defeated at the end It is present to reinforce the idea that in the battle
between good and evil, good always triumphs
Harvey Dent
dies
The main character (typically Bruce Wayne fights crime as Batman in the To allow the audience to feel hope in the fact that
male) lacks the fear of death name of justice, not caring about the the hero will do whatever it takes to make
consequences on his life. everything right for the innocent people.

31. Audience
• This film is for a mass audience as Dark Knight is a blockbuster and is based on the comic book characters
Batman and The Joker and many people may be familiar with these characters.
Details of Target audience Secondary Why would they be attracted to the film?
audience Audience
Age 15-20 21+ Because the older generation may be familiar with
the Batman and joker Characters from their
childhood days
Gender Predominantly Females The stereotype is that action movies are for males
male and most people tend to follow this idea.
Ethnicity Western cultures Eastern Asians It is stereotypical of the western culture action
movie, many people would be familiar with the
conventions so would go to watch it almost
knowing what to expect.
Social Middle Class Upper Class Upper class may be attracted to the film as they
Class may be familiar with the director
Social ‘comic/superhero Collectors and Comic/superhero geeks would be attracted to the
Group geeks’ fans of the actors film because it relates to their hobbies and
interests
Sexual All - The film is targeted at a world wide audience
Orientation therefore there is no specific sexual orientation
Profession/ Students Carers, Teachers, They may hear this film being the main topic of
role Parents conversation between their students and children

32. The Trailer
• The trailer attracts the target audience as it shows all the elements of an action and
thriller film without giving away the full plot of the film.
• The trailer will attract the target audience of teenager males as the trailers includes
many elements of the action genre. This will get the attention of the young male
audience as they are fascinated by explosions, car chases and violence
• http://youtu.be/yQ5U8suTUw0 (link to trailer)
Gun to connote
violence
Explosion scenes are used to
attract the young
male audience

33. Audience Theory
Reasons why people Explanation
watch the film?
Entertainment •People will watch ‘The Dark Knight’ to be thrilled, as well as entertained
•Some people take pleasure in watching movies full of suspense, bringing out their ‘inner
detective’ and transporting them into new worlds
•To escape everyday life
Information •People may watch ‘The Dark Knight’ through general curiosity as it may be the main topic
everywhere and is being advertised everywhere
Personal Identity •People will watch ‘The Dark Knight’ to give themselves a heroic character to idolize and
to find a model of behaviour.
•Identifying ones self as part of popular western culture
Integration and •People will watch ‘The Dark Knight’ to find a basis for conversation and to able to
social interaction socialise with friends and family when discussing this film.
•Buying into the mainstream culture of super heroism

34. By Abigail and Chelsea