Redressing the Ills of Society Through the Actor’s Narrative; A Case Study of Joker
Chapter One
Research Objectives
The study’s main objective is to examine the ills of society through the actor’s narrative. A case study of Joker. The specific objectives are to:
- Analyze the portrayal of societal issues in “Joker”
- Examine the narrative techniques and symbolism utilized in “Joker” to enhance the impact of the actor’s narrative
- Investigate the reception of “Joker” among audiences
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Theoretical Background
Media ecology theory
The field of media ecology is characterised by its interdisciplinary nature, with connections to various domains such as history, linguistics, education research, economy, political science, and social organisation. This has been noted by scholars such as Newton (2008) and Scolari (2012) for the former, and Grosswiler (2001) for the latter. The theory underscores the impact of communication media on various aspects of human cognition, emotion, and culture, as posited by scholars such as Scolari (2012) and Islas and Bernal (2016). According to Postman, the term “media” is prefixed to “ecology” to indicate that the scholars are not superficially concerned with media, but rather with “the manners in which the interplay between media and human beings shapes a culture’s identity and, to some extent, facilitates a culture’s maintenance of symbolic equilibrium” (Postman, 2000, pp. 10-11). One of the most lucid explanations of the term can be found in Gencarelli’s analysis, which references Postman and provides an explanation that elucidates the concept.
“Media ecology is the study of information environments. It is concerned to understand how technologies and techniques of communication control the form, quantity, speed, distribution, and direction of information; and how, in turn, such information configurations or biases affect people’s perceptions, values, and attitudes” (Gencarelli, 2000, p. 93).
Sternberg (2002) asserts that there are two distinct intellectual streams in media ecology theory. In his work, the author discusses both of them, approaching those customs using the metaphor of the Yin and the Yang. Particularly, there are differences between the two viewpoints’ conceptions of the subject of research. Sternberg (2002) pointed out that the Yin component of media ecology examines surroundings as media. Media ecology in this context focuses on interpersonal communication and is associated with the social consequences of language and other aspects of interpersonal communication (ibid). Additionally, the Yin tradition emphasises social environment elements and their research as knowledge settings, as well as how people perceive social situations via them (ibid).
Conversely, the predominant and widely recognised methodology pertains to the examination of media as surroundings and centres predominantly on mass and intrapersonal communication (ibid). According to the author, the Yang aspect of media ecology pertains to the potential cultural and psychological effects that mass and intrapersonal communication technologies may bring about (ibid). According to the source, the Yang school of thought prioritises the technological facets of media, in addition to their cultural and psychological ramifications. Despite their differences, these two traditions exhibit a complementary relationship, and their respective components can be effectively integrated into the field of communication studies (ibid).
A comprehensive comprehension of the media ecology theory necessitates referencing the theorists intricately involved in the origination and progression of the term. Levinson (2000) highlights the noteworthy significance of McLuhan’s contribution to the discipline, particularly his work during the 1950s and 1960s. McLuhan’s work accentuates the role of media and communication in enabling the stages of human history. Furthermore, it underscores how media shapes the perspective and behaviour of individuals and society. Newton (2008) and Levinson (2000) assert that McLuhan’s book “Understanding Media” was a pivotal moment in 1964, as it provided a rich foundation for exploring the transformative impact of media on users and culture. McLuhan’s work, “Understanding Media,” emphasised the importance of communication and established the terms “media” and “medium” as fundamental concepts in the field. These terms are often used interchangeably with the term “technology.” (Levinson, 2000; Stephens, 2014; Strate, 2004). McLuhan’s (1964) inductive reasoning provides a tangible manifestation of this correlation. The author establishes correlations among various forms of media, such as electricity and mechanisation, and expounds upon the concepts of advancement and development (ibid). Concurrently, the author posits that given the interrelated nature of the aforementioned factors, technology serves as the primary catalyst for the observed transformation (ibid). Therefore, media and technology are often regarded as nearly interchangeable terms.
Ιn fact, the role and significant importance of technology is centric to McLuhan’s work of media ecology theory, a notion that is portrayed by his famous maxim “medium is the message”. Media technologies play a fundamental role, both in how, and what we choose to communicate, along with the way we are thinking, feeling and perceiving society
(Strate, 2004). Strate (2004) bases this opinion on the idea that media technologies extend to humans, their abilities and the human body. The article also draws from Levinson’s presentation of McLuhan’s ideas, to state that they accurately describe the features of online communication and digital technology (ibid). In the same spirit, Islas and Bernal (2016), by presenting McLuhan’s approach, describe the media as an expansion of human senses, in which case communication technology displays the fundamental factor of social change. In that essence, a part of media ecology is the analysis of the impact of the various media, through technology, to society.
Αccording to the above, media ecology is fundamentally concerned with the way that media and technology shape and form society and culture (Ruotsalainen and Heinonen, 2015; Islas and Bernal, 2016). This interplay is also portrayed in the influence that technology and culture scholars have in the media ecology domain (Grosswiler, 2001). Also, Postman explicitly states that a medium is a technology within which a culture grows, “that is to say, it gives form to a culture’s politics, social organization, and habitual ways of thinking” (Postman, 2000, p. 10; Strate, 2004, p. 3). Gencarelli states that in this fashion Postman explicates thoroughly, and expands the media ecology theory (Gencarelli, 2000). In fact, in his book Postman categorizes cultures into three types according to their use of technology, ”tool-using where technology is limited, technocracy where technology is on the rise, but still in competition with other social institutions, and technopoly where technology monopolizes the culture” (Strate, 2004, p.19). Strate (2004) explains that, although the connection with certain types of technology is not made in the above reference, these three cultures match oral, print and electronic media.
In terms of technology, Scolari explains in his essays, that in media ecology theory, the development of a medium is a collective process of different factors, “consumers, producers, political institutions, economic groups, technology companies and so on” (Scolari, 2012, p. 213; Scolari, 2013, p. 1421). Additionally, the author outlines the inherent relation between media and technology, when stressing that every medium has an interface, namely a human-computer interface, and simultaneously every medium is an interface, namely a technology-technology interface (Scolari, 2012). The author delves more into this approach, and justifies that interface is the place where the audience interacts with the media and other audiences in a “coevolving” process (ibid). The above correlates with later work by Scolari (2013), in which he explains that each new medium is a combination of “previous technological devices, languages, and production/consumption grammars” (Scolari, 2013, p. 1423). Taken from this particular perspective, each new medium is another interface of various material and symbolic elements, personal experiences and combined meanings (ibid). The author goes on to explain that techno-species, i.e. different types of technology, can combine to make a new interface and, in that way, produce new technologies (Scolari, 2013). Thus, the interface is the place in which evolution of media or technology is taking place.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
This chapter includes three sections wherein we present our research approach, the chosen research methodology and the ethical considerations and limitations that emerged in our study.
Research approach
The objective of this study is to identify differences and common features between the depiction of the super villain in the superhero genre and the controversial, more societal, realistic approach that is portrayed in the new “Joker” movie. To identify the meaning that is attached in the messages, and in order to explore the possible interpretations, the researcher conducted a qualitative exploratory analysis. Exploratory (or as otherwise called descriptive) research, as defined by Ritchie et al. (2013), is the most suitable approach when identifying and exploring understanding of particular social phenomena. Therefore, it is believed that this function is the most appropriate for the purpose and the development of our research.
Furthermore, in terms of the research paradigm, we followed the interpretative approach. The primary reason for this choice is associated with the philosophical origins and the nature of this approach. First, Blaikie and Priest (2017) notes that interpretivism emphasizes the explanation of a social phenomenon that needs to be understood. In alignment with that, the researcher consider this paradigm suitable for the research, since we explore violence, which is a social phenomenon, under the scope of a specific medium, which is the movie. Although, for instance, the neo-positive paradigm may have been suitable considering the quantitative nature of content analysis (ibid), the researcher chose to approach the movie under the lens of the interpretive paradigm that focuses on reading and understanding the underlying meanings.
It is essential to mention here that one of the distinctive characteristics of the interpretative paradigm is, that the theory emerges from the constant interplay between data and ideas (ibid). In alignment with that, we attempt an iterative and closed approach to the film, based on a continuous interaction between that data of the film, the variety of ideas, and meanings that are presented in the film but also our preconceptions. In order to first explain and understand the data, we are using an abductive logic of inquiry, which when referring to our paradigm of choice, aims to generate social scientific understanding and provide explanations of concepts(Blaikie and Priest, 2017).
CHAPTER FOUR
FURTHER ANALYSIS
The “Joker” movie under the scope of media ecology
The concept of media ecology theory describes the interrelation of media and technology, and the way that these two affect culture and society (Ruotsalainen and Heinonen, 2015; Islas and Bernal, 2016). By setting the movie under the theoretical lens of media ecology, we aimed to achieve a thorough and stable understanding of the “Joker” as an evolving constituent in an ecosystem, as well as its connection to technology, and how these factors change the media ecology.
In our analysis we follow McLuhan’s (1964) conceptualization upon technology and media, as well as their tight association. We also base our analysis on Logan’s (2007) expansion of the media ecology theory, by considering the superhero genre in the context of an ecosystem. Οur findings demonstrate explicitly that, the change of one representation in the movie, namely the “Joker” constituent, can bring about more changes in the whole genre, and that technology plays a fundamental role in the way that movies are presented, and shape a specific environment. Although the director has not focused on the use of CGI, technology shapes the environment in which the protagonist acts, and theoretically transmits sentiments that may enact thought-provoking questions to the audience.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study titled “Redressing the Ills of Society Through the Actor’s Narrative: A Case Study of ‘Joker'” explores the contribution of the actor’s narrative in the film “Joker” to addressing societal issues. By focusing on Joaquin Phoenix’s performance and the narrative techniques employed in the film, the study delves into the portrayal of social inequality, mental health, alienation, and the erosion of compassion. The research problem centers on understanding how the actor’s narrative in “Joker” redresses societal ills and investigates the narrative techniques and symbolism utilized to engage audiences and provoke meaningful discussions. The study aims to provide insights into the transformative potential of the actor’s narrative in inspiring empathy and potentially inspiring positive social change. The objectives of the study encompass analyzing the portrayal of societal issues in “Joker,” exploring narrative techniques and symbolism, and investigating the film’s reception and potential influence on audiences. By achieving these objectives, the study aims to contribute to film studies, deepen the understanding of societal issues, and inspire reflection and potential actions towards addressing these challenges. The significance of the study lies in its ability to advance film studies by examining the role of the actor’s narrative in addressing societal issues. It also contributes to understanding social inequality, mental health, alienation, and the erosion of compassion within the context of the film. The study explores narrative techniques and their impact on engaging audiences, fostering empathy, and potentially inspiring positive societal change.
Conclusion
Through the examination of Joaquin Phoenix’s exceptional performance as Arthur Fleck/Joker and the narrative techniques employed in “Joker,” this research has shed light on the portrayal of social inequality, mental health struggles, alienation, and the erosion of compassion. The findings of this study have contributed to the field of film studies by deepening our understanding of the transformative potential of the actor’s narrative. The analysis of “Joker” has revealed how the film effectively engages audiences, provoking critical reflection and fostering empathy towards the societal issues depicted. The nonlinear storytelling, unreliable narration, and symbolic representations used in the film have amplified the impact of the actor’s narrative, capturing the attention and emotions of viewers.
Moreover, the study has highlighted the significance of addressing societal ills through cinema. By exploring the portrayal of social inequality, mental health challenges, alienation, and the erosion of compassion in “Joker,” this research has emphasized the need for society to confront and redress these pressing issues. The film serves as a mirror to contemporary society, prompting viewers to question the existing social dynamics and inspiring conversations on potential solutions.
The implications of this study extend beyond the realm of film studies. By examining the transformative power of the actor’s narrative in “Joker,” this research contributes to broader discussions within social sciences and cultural studies. It underscores the influence of popular culture in shaping public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, and highlights the potential for films to serve as catalysts for social change. The study on “Redressing the Ills of Society Through the Actor’s Narrative: A Case Study of ‘Joker'” has revealed the significant role of the actor’s narrative in addressing societal issues. Through the analysis of Joaquin Phoenix’s performance and the narrative techniques employed in “Joker,” this research has deepened our understanding of social inequality, mental health challenges, alienation, and the erosion of compassion. It has emphasized the transformative potential of cinema to inspire empathy, critical reflection, and potential social change. As filmmakers and actors continue to explore the power of storytelling, it is crucial to recognize and harness the capacity of the actor’s narrative in redressing the ills of society.
Recommendations
Based on the findings and conclusions of the study on “Redressing the Ills of Society Through the Actor’s Narrative: A Case Study of ‘Joker’,” the following recommendations are proposed:
Foster Collaboration between Filmmakers and Social Advocacy Groups: The study highlights the potential of cinema, specifically the actor’s narrative, in addressing societal issues. Filmmakers should collaborate with social advocacy groups and experts in relevant fields to ensure accurate and impactful portrayals of social challenges. This collaboration can lead to more authentic narratives and provide opportunities for informed discussions and positive social change.
Promote Mental Health Awareness and Support: Given the significant representation of mental health struggles in “Joker,” it is crucial to raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues. Filmmakers, actors, and production companies can use their platforms to support mental health initiatives, provide resources, and engage in campaigns that destigmatize mental illness and advocate for improved access to mental health services.
Encourage Diversity and Inclusion in Film: The study underscores the importance of diverse narratives and perspectives in addressing societal ills. Filmmakers should strive to include a range of voices and experiences, both in front of and behind the camera, to ensure a more comprehensive and accurate representation of society. Embracing diversity and inclusion can lead to richer storytelling and promote social empathy and understanding.
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