Media Diary - Week 5

Kill Bill Vol. 1

Kill Bill Vol. 1 firstly, like many of Quentin Tarantino's films, fulfils the need for Entertainment or Escapism. It does this through its hugely fantastical story, which is quite far removed from reality with its gravity-defying martial arts action and the unrealistic and often 'fourth wall'-breaking sound effects and dialogue. There are specific sound effects that the audience can hear, but it also seems as if the main character 'The Bride' can hear these as well; making certain facial expressions in response. It also modifies the film's aspect ratio in order to make the film look like a comic book panel or to emphasise the expression on The Bride's face. Outlandish circumstances such as huge battles and the explosive amount of blood gushing from these battles help ease me into the fact that this world isn't intended to resemble any world I know of.

It's entertaining because you believe that the main character is right to exact her revenge and seeing her do this in a cartoon-like fashion with samurai swords, guns and fantastic use of the very theatrical environment to slice and dice the army of goons ahead. It's satisfying and fun because of the unrealistic and campy atmosphere set here.

The X-Factor

 I don't watch The X-Factor anymore. However, being the social butterfly that I am, I caught a glimpse of the first live-show due to another of my family tuning in and watching the talent show. That, and Cher's performance. Unintentionally, I used this show to fulfill the need for Social Interaction. Much of The X-Factor's pull comes from its broadcast on the weekend, ready for the audience to discuss the events with friends in social situations on the following Monday of work/school/college/university and many other ways. Its audience can use Twitter 'hashtag's and discuss online through Facebook and other major social networks.

I may also use The X-Factor now as a fulfilment of the need for Information; controversial elements of the show are now fast becoming news items, appearing on daytime programming the day after. Finally, there may also be an element of Personal Identity found within this programme, designed after all to create entertainment by plucking 'everyday' people from all walks of life and thrusting them into the world of showbiz through constant trials and tribulations over many weeks. They're just like 'us', we're told. This helps us to sympathise with these hopefuls because they ARE us. They're the usual teenagers, middle age low paid workers and the over 40s bogged down by debt and/or marital troubles. We can be happy for them and cheer them on, projecting our own image onto them.