For this theme, I want to explore how certain aesthetic choices are made in order to connect emotionally to an audience, by accessing a schema surrounding memories from their youth.
Four Moving Images:
This video adheres to the theme of nostalgia as the song not only reminds me of my own childhood however the style also references 8-bit arcade games, such as Frogger, Galaga and Donkey Kong.
I've noticed recently that a lot of films and tv series that come out today are set in or based on the 1980s such as, Stranger Things, Ready Player One, X-Men Apocalypse, The Goldbergs etc. or they are rebooted franchises such as, Blade Runner, She Ra, Star Trek etc. Parodies are also respected such as the Keith and Paddy Picture Show.
This animated music video also references iconic films.
Once more, even advertisements pay homage to iconic films and series from the 1980s.
Three Written Sources:
Cross, G. (2015) Consumed Nostalgia: Memory in the Age of Fast Capitalism. Columbia: University Press.
'Chuck Steel: Night of the Trampires': Film Review | Annecy 2018
Sperb, J. (2015) Flickers of Film: Nostalgia in the time of Digital Cinema. Rutgers: University Press.
Two Still Images:
The aesthetic design of this poster is clearly influenced by artist Drew Struzan, responsible for many iconic film posters such as: Back to the Future, Indiana Jones and Star Wars.
Nagel, P. (1982) The Nagel Woman.
One Other Source:
Listening to a mixtape through a cassette player can transport you into a certain headspace as physically, it is able to trigger certain memories. The Awesome Mix Vol. 1 and 2 from Guardians of the Galaxy has clearly been deliberately sampled and ordered in such a way.
Inclusive Storytelling
I believe that celebrating a variety of strong women in media and animation, and who are strong for many different reasons, is important as a storyteller.
Four Moving Images:
Hester Shaw is a perfect example of how to write a complex and flawed yet wholehearted heroic female character who has depth and isn't perfect. Nor does she rely on her looks alone. Although this does bring up complications when comparing the books to the film adaptation as Hollywood still can't handle an "ugly" woman lead.
I grew up watching films with compelling female leads such as Mulan which is why I feel inclusive storytelling is so important to younger generations.
These themes should also be highlighted through advertisement as in the past, most women in adverts are objectified to sell a certain product.
Joanna Quinn is an incredibly inspirational animator to women also studying in this field.
Three Written Sources:
Pilling, J. (1997) A Reader in Animation Studies. Indiana: University Press
Furniss, M. (2009) Animation: Art and Industry. Indiana: University Press
Hollinger, K. (1998) In the Company of Women: Contemporary Female Friendship Films. U of Minnesota Press
Two Still Images:
It's refreshing to see a woman facing the camera on a poster whilst the man is behind (doing the over the shoulder pose) as in most cases, these roles would be reversed. In many posters, there is a trend of the "faceless woman" where only her legs or boobs would be in shot, so this is an important step in the right direction.
I visited Comic Con this weekend and saw many woman of different shapes and sizes cosplaying various characters from popular culture. It felt incredibly empowering.
One Other Source:
Ariana Grande is a very inspiring role model for young girls. The visuals in this music video are stunning and powerful.
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