In groups, we had to choose a movie trailer and a PSA (Public Service Announcement), and write a SEXXXY paragraph for each video and describe 1 film aspect which was used in each of the videos. After finishing our paragraphs we were to complete 4 critical literacy questions about our writing.
SEXXXY Analysis written about "Walk The Line" :
The effects of fading are used deliberately throughout the trailer "Walk The Line" by James Mangold. For example, we see in the trailer scenes of Cash being happy which drastically changes to him looking unwell or angry furthermore under the influence of drugs, as one scene fades into the other. This shows the audience the highs and lows of Cash’s life. The audience feels intrigued by the scenes shown in the trailer and confronting as Cash’s addiction is displayed. The director has done this to depict the struggles and achievements in pieces of which Johnny has dealt with in his journey through the music industry and dealing with addiction. The fading between scenes works well with the music that is playing in the background. "Ring of fire" creates a mix of meaning and emotion which is why it works perfectly. In the trailer, Walk The Line, directed by James Mangold, Johnny Cash can be heard singing the lyrics, "The taste of love is sweet" while Johnny Cash and June Carter are together. This scene fades as Johnny Cash sings "I fell into a ring of fire" and is shown in an enraged state, having a run-in with the police.
SEXXXY Analysis written about PSA "Sisters"
Facial expressions were used effectively in Meth Project's ad titled "Sisters". This is seen at the beginning of the ad when the sisters approach three middle-aged men. The older sister of the two is in the front and has a neutral expression as if she is used to it, although behind the expressionless look she appears helpless. The young sister's emotions are visible through facial expressions. She appears scared and upset as she stands behind her sister. This shows everyone how being influenced by drugs has effected the sister's lives and the lengths in which the older sister is willing to go to in exchange for drug money. She is willing to exploit her younger sister so she can feed her addiction. And the reaction of which they have upon it. The director's purpose of it was to show the sad reality in the life of a drug addict, in this case with meth. They become slaves to their addiction and will do anything in order to get their fix. The troubles of which they have gone through are shown on their bodies. The aspect of facial expressions worked well with the body language that was put into the ad. Throughout the entire film their bodies remain slim and constricted the entire situation, their bodies then tighten as they all enter the bathroom.
Critical Literacy Questions asked to both videos:
What views of the world is this presenting?
In the film "Walk the Line" it shows the backstories of which celebrities go through before getting to the top. It also reveals he gets to the point where he falls from the top and goes down-hill in life along with his career. We see the truth behind Celebrities/singers in their careers and life and how addiction can affect their entire lives and careers. The video "Sisters" shows us the levels of which people go to when under the influence of drugs. It shows us the wreck of which the world is with what these substances are causing.
Who is really in the text?
In both videos shown are based on real events. "Walk The Line" Is written about a famous country singer whose life had horrible twists and how his life was constrained by the control of drugs such as amphetamine. The video "sister" Is about real-life events that are happening around the world affecting anyone at any age who have been introduced to the substance of Meth and has gotten so lost that it has controlled their lives.
What does the author of this text want us to know?
For "Sisters" video, It gives us a glimpse in the reality of what being influenced by drugs truly does to you and what it causes you to do just to soothe your desires of that feeling of what Meth produces. By the "Walk The Line" trailer, the director wants us to see how far celebrities go before they fall in their life or career and how addiction takes control of everything after introduced to it. Furthermore the "Sisters" PSA and the movie trailer and incredibly the same with what they are presenting to us.
