Media Essays

Text:Pride 
Question:Narrative 
Essay: In terms of narrative, Pride follows a very linear structure that explores various narrative strands that will help develop the characters within the film. Due to the amount of actors that are involved in the Pride narrative and the fact that numerous characters are chosen to be explored in depth, it can be hard to determine who is the protagonist. Mark and Joe are seen as the pivotal characters within the film. Joe, also known as Bromley is the character in the film that is unsure or in other words secretive about his sexuality. The story can be argued to be centred around him discovering pride within himself and with his sexuality which is one of the key themes in this film. We learn more about Joe and his life outside of LGSM than we do any of the others. The audience are positioned in a way that means we meet LGSM at the same time that Joe does. Joe and Steph instantly become friends which is also an indicator that he could be the main protagonist, this is because it is common element to a film that has an abundance of actors. We can apply Todorov's narrative theory to Joes character as he is a character that has a definable character arc. It starts off with his first march, he then learns about the age of consent, has he first kiss, he in welcomed into a new friendship group, which is significant as it can be assumed that he doesn’t have any other friends. And during this time is making a scrapbook of LGSM and his time in the group which signifies his embrace of his sexuality. He eventually confronts his parents and decides to leave home.His character was invented for the film, therefore is not based on reality. This means that Joe as a character will have a significant impact on Pride otherwise he wouldn't have been added into the story. As an audience we are encouraged to identify with all of Joes experiences. The audience experiences them at the same time as Joe, his naivety reflects an audiences naivety. Joe's character acts as reassurance for a mainstream audience, his naivety and ignorance of the gay community and lifestyle is fundamental to a straight audience being able to identify with his character. Themes throughout Joes narrative include acceptance and self discovery. However, it could be argued that Mark is in fact the lead role. He has dominance within the narrative, he moves the story along, and causes the action codes. For example, his use of speeches in order to inspire groups of people. Mark is the first person that we meet, when he is watching the news about the miners strike, and the last person we see in the Pride march. The tone of the film is controlled by him as his actions and behaviour have impacts on the characters, when Mark feels defeated as do the audience and the characters in the film. For example, when the vote for the miners to no longer be supported by LGSM is passed. His decision to support the miners is what ultimately kick-starts the narrative, he is often framed alone compared to others who are usually framed in two shot. Whereas Joe is a fictional character Mark is based in truth, and is based on a real person. He is a more rounded character, he is streetwise, but moody and passionate. To other members of LGSM he is the Mentor character, because of him Joe is able to complete his character arc. The director, who had only directed one other movie had certain style that he has used in Pride. For example, the choice to condense the footage of LGSM fundraising, it still shows how long it took for the characters to fundraise and in turn moves along the narrative.It is also used to contrast the two stets of characters, LGSM raising money and life becoming desperate for the miners and their families. There are other plot devices within the film that allow the audience to learn more about the characters. Fort example, the speeches performed by Mark. The cinematography doesn’t just focus on Mark but also features reaction shots from his audiences which serve as a device in to encourage spectators of the film to feel a certain way. When LGSM visit the Welsh they are given a tour of their village. The wide shots of the Welsh countryside show the characters love of their country. There is also the recurring wide shot of the LGSM van crossing the Sevenbridge which is a visual signifier of the travel to and from Wales. Also the use of archive footage of news reports and public information of HIV advert. 

Completed: YES Word Count: (Highlight essay, look bottom left corner) 798 Grade: