This document provides an outline for an assignment on film study conventions. It lists the required sections of the assignment which include an exploration of films, choosing a film and justifying the choice, analyzing the genre and subgenres, discussing various film theories, and examining semantics, syntax, iconography, and conventions. It then provides details on the film Half Nelson, including reasoning for choosing it, its genres of drama and various subgenres. The document analyzes conventions of the genre in relation to the film and provides comparisons to other films. It examines dominant ideologies presented in the film and theories on why certain audiences would be attracted to watching it.

1. By Jodie & Jhane
Assignment 5:Film study &
Conventions
Target audience=Green
Jodie = Red Jhane = Blue Together = black

2. Target=Green
• Things which we have to consist of:
• Title page
• Level checklist
• Exploration of films
• Film of choice and reasoning
• Genre
• Subgenre
• Hybrid
• Stam’s theory
• Mittel’s theory
• Fuerer’s theory
• Semantics(characters, locations, story traits, costumes, props, rituals)
• Syntax
• Iconography
• Conventions of list of genre in relation to all films(at least 8 conventions)
• Conventions analysis (at least 4) with examples from film + comparision to other
similar films + use/develop or challenge?
• Dominant ideology (at least 3-4)
• Audience (a + b ) + explanation + c
• Audience theory (all four reasons)

3. Exploration of films

4. Film of choice : Half nelson
• We chose the film ‘Half Nelson’ as It interested us, that Nelson had such a close bond with one of his students. It
made us question why he always felt the need to care and protect her
• We were engaged in the film as it lead us to think that the teacher and student would have an illegal relationship
but they in fact didn't , the film was good in the fact it wasn’t predictable.
• It is a good representation of ‘Drama’ genre as it shows issues that we face in society today. It uses many drama
conventions and interested us as it educates to some extent and also allows them to learn about positive role
models.

5. Genre
• The main genre that this film falls under is drama because the film is
based on nelson’s unpleasant drug habit, the way in which the film is
concerned with Nelsons everyday dilemmas is very typical of a drama film.
• Dramas are usually based on some sort of issue or personal problem
regarding the main the main character, and how they try to overcome it or
deal with the situation this is explored throughout the film.

6. Subgenres
Drama is not the only Genre within this film, there are also a variety of subgenres such as
Addiction Drama(i.e. the teacher has a drug addiction)
School Drama(i.e a lot of the film is based in a school environment)
romance( i.e. the girl that he had sexual relations with.)
domestic drama( because the film focuses on the everyday issues of someone's life)
Fiction- The historical content which is included in the film are with the students who learn about
the American history and other historical events which have occurred previously and are said and
shown to the audience.
Crime- The criminal activities which occur on the streets and in the local area which can consist of
drug dealing and crime related activities such as gangs at the end of the street which can be
perceived negatively and indicate that their suspiciously involved in un-scene activities.
Romance-the relationships which the teacher (main character) which occur with main women
throughout the film including interests in a an ex-girlfriend and also a former student.
Romance
Fiction
Crime

7. Many types of sub-genres within the film ‘Half-Nelson’ was displayed due to the
occurrence of scenery. This consist of:
Hybrids
(School)
School /addiction/drama
Addiction/issue/drama
conflict/ addiction /drama (Conflict)
Friendship/addiction/drama
Domestic/romance/drama
Crime Drama
Historical Drama
(crime) (Friendship)

8. Stam’s Theory
• Stam’s theory says that genre is not so easily defined under the ‘main
genres’ but can be classified in other ways such as budget, ethnicity focus
or performer based.
• Another way to classify ‘half nelson’, in my opinion is, ‘Friendship’
because this film is strongly based on friendships and close bonds that are
formed throughout the film.
• Another way to classify our film which is not in relation to a main genre
can be social class and status or region.
• For example the teacher and the student, or the student and her brothers
friend.

9. Mittel’s theory
• Mittels theory is that genre is used to sell products.
Point Example
This can be related to half nelson because the People are familiar with addiction being a
trailer demonstrates that the film is a drama conventional theme of drama which then
film, as it reveals that the it is based on a drug makes them eager to watch it. Therefore
addiction. It also shows a man having quite a the fact that the film is a drama incises
strong relationship with a young girl audiences.
This can also be related to ‘Half-Nelson’ as the This can show awareness of their history but
film was based in America and therefore also shows impact of today's society, This then
there was American historical content encourages audiences.
behind it (when the students name events
occurred)
This can show awareness of their history but
also shows impact of todays society.
.

10. Fuerer’s theory
Fuerer’s theory is based on the idea that genre is abstract, meaning that it is not
easily defined because everyone has different ideas, ideals, cultures and
therefore interpret conventions differently. What is familiar to one, may differ to
someone else.
Point Example
1) This theory can be related to the film Person A will see this film as a drama due to
chosen as ‘drama’ can be defined due to the the emphasis of racial prejudice displayed.
use of different life experiences, cultural Person B can classified this film as a drama due
differences, racial conflict/prejudice etc. and is to the cultural differences.
all down to audiences perceptions.
2) This theory can also be related to half Someone may classify it as a drama due to
nelson as some people may classify this film the real life situations explored , but others
as just a ‘drama’ but others may see it as may classify it as a Drama romance due to
something else. many intimate scenes.

11. Semantics How these are evident in Evidence from film/ how
your film(in relation to does it relate using
its examples?
genre/subgenre/hybrid)
(overall genre- Drama)
Characters •Somebody who has an addiction Nelson has a drug habit.
issue(Teacher, student(s), drug
dealer, absent parents)
Locations •Unorganised and untidy houses Nelsons drug habit is taking over him, his
•School, local area, Teachers cleanliness gets the better of him, house
home is messy.
Story traits •Keeping the addiction a secret •He tells his student, not to tell anyone.
•Something happened in past to •Broke up with ex girlfriend that he
cause addiction loved.
costumes •Casual jeans, smart shirts •Nelson is a teacher who wheres shirts,
(anything that compliments role which is what teachers are expected to
of character) where.
•Glasses •Nelson wheres glasses to hide his tired
•absent parent= work clothes eyes
Props Cigarette, drugs, lollipop and Nelson is repeatedly smoking and using
bookwork drugs
Rituals •Drug use •Nelson is always sneaking around to
•Balancing addiction with take drugs.
everyday life •Tries to balance drug habit with being a
teacher.

12. Syntax of film
• The syntax of this film is that when we are involved in situations
that may be difficult and life threatening, we must share our
problems with others in order that they are resolved rather than
getting worse.
• Make the correct decision when it comes to drugs, as it can take
over your life, and be very hard to break free from

13. Tone
• In the scene where nelson is going for a night jog, the surroundings are
tinted, with a dark shade of blue.
• The lighting is purely reflected from the sky, there is very little use of
artificial lights. The pure blue surrounding connotes a feel of
relaxation, due to the fact that blue is the colour of the ocean and sky.
• Blue also brings about a sense of peace and freedom, this could reflect
nelsons mood, and the fact the jogging is the only way he can truly release
from the stress and tension caused from his addition.
Tinted Dark
blue sky
Blue represents
Calming,
freedom
(pure)

14. Tone
• The lighting sets a dull and romantic tone towards the mood
and era in the school disco. With soft lighting which is set
creates an uneasy due to the colour blue (which a common
use of colour like soft pink) as it is inappropriate between
teacher and student.
The focus
on the
teacher
and
• In this student
Case blue creates unease close up
(only in this case)

15. Conventions of a drama
Conventions of Examples from film Use/develop/challenge/
genre/sub/hybrid why
Explores real life situations Fish tank Use, due to the fact that half nelson is
based on a drug addiction, which
many people are faced with
Shows the journey of a Slum dog millionaire Challenge, ‘half nelson’ doesn’t really
character focus on the journey of a character
and how he's grown, but more about
his everyday battles
Some sort of conflict Kidulthood Use as there is conflict with the
teacher and a black man, regarding
the child.
Happy ending Pursuit of happiness Use, as half nelson ends with the
teacher and student being very
content and making jokes
Audience can relate to My sisters keeper Use, as many individuals can relate to
character the drug issues within the film.
Violent scenes Crash Challenge, as ‘half nelson’ doesn't
explore a wide range of violence
Addiction 28 days Nelsons drug habit

16. More conventions
Conventions of genre/sub/hybrid Examples from film Use/develop/challenge
Racial prejudice Freedom writers Challenge, ‘half nelson’ does not
involve racial prejudice, this is
shown as the white teacher, and
black student get on very well,
which wouldn’t have been the
case many years ago.
Abuse/men controlling women Stories of Tina turner Use because in the film ‘half
nelson’ there is a scene whereby
he unwillingly forces a lady into sex
Romance/sex scenes Dirty dancing Use, as there are sexual relations
between Nelson and a woman
Divorce A separation Challenge as Half nelson is not
based on a divorce, it is focussed
on addiction

17. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to Use, develop of
genre/sub- film (bullet points other films in the challenge?
genre/hybrid and screen grabs) same genre/ sub- How/why?
genre/hybrid?
Drama-conflict - When both men Crash- the battle The film develops
after the disco between pride it because there is
was wanting to and regulations a divide of races
drop Drey home. (the police man which cause
- When both men feeling the black conflict, however
(drug-dealer and mans wife) the film develops
teacher want to it because they
spend time with learn to get
Drey after she along/ put up
lost her key and with each other
got locked out. for Dreys sake.

18. Conventions analysis
Conventions Examples from your film Comparison to Use, develop of
of genre/sub- (bullet points and screen other films in challenge?
genre/hybrid grabs) the same How/why?
genre/ sub-
genre/hybrid?
Racial -Constant conflict between -Freedom It uses racial
Prejudice both teacher and drug Writers prejudice but then
dealer/ family friend in order between develops it towards
to help student (which is teacher and the end as they
expected in a drama film). students don’t constantly
battle.

19. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to other Use, develop of
genre/sub- film (bullet points and films in the same challenge?
genre/hybrid screen grabs) genre/ sub- How/why?
genre/hybrid?
Historical issues - The blacks have Freedom writers-again Uses- to cause conflict
issues with the there were issues and to some what
whites within the between the Latinos, make the audience
community for English, blacks etc. relate or highlight that
whatever reason because of previous there are pain within
(which had events. these areas for
happened outside whatever reason
the film) which has occurred in
the past.

20. Conventions analysis
Conventions of Examples from your Comparison to other Use, develop of
genre/sub- film (bullet points films in the same challenge?
genre/hybrid and screen grabs) genre/ sub- How/why?
genre/hybrid?
Drama-Stereotypes -Blacks are drug Freedom writers- Develop-as their was
dealers Blacks were loud and the teacher who is
-White people are gang members higher empowerment
teachers or of higher was taking drugs just
status like the gang
members.

21. Dominant Ideology
DOMINANT IDEOLOGY EXAMPLE/EVIDENCE FROM WHY THIS DOMINANT
FILM IDEOLOGY IS PRESENT IN
THIS FILM/GENRE.
• That black people are • The little girls brother is • To reinforce
troublesome and in prison stereotypical views of
involved in crime black people.
• Constant Drug trading • Gangs hanging around • To highlight the idea
from black people street corners that there is high crime
rate in an undeveloped
area
• White people are • The majority of • It reinforces
entitled to better job teachers were white, stereotypical views on
positions even the head teacher. the system however, is
developed by his abuse
of drug usage
• People who are drugs, • When he is at home • To aware and educate the
are not in the right alone contemplating on audience to some extend of
the lifestyles which can
state of mind and his life's turmoil
come alone with drug use.
alone.

22. Audience
• In my opinion, this film is for a mass audience because it reflects and shows audiences in many different
regions, life in undeveloped areas and occurring scenario's which could happen.
Details of audience Target audience Secondary Audience Explanation of why they
would be attracted
(watch) the film.
Age Teenagers Young adults Teenagers-they would see
elements and wonder what
inappropriate behaviour is
occurring
Young adult- again question
what man would be a
teacher(being a role model
for children but does drugs)
Gender Women Men Women-head teacher and
child/student
Men: lower teacher
Ethnicity Black White Black-majority black area;
white-main teacher
Social Class Lower class Middle Class Lower-students/ drug dealer;
Middle-teachers/parents
Social group Gangsters Chavs etc. Gangsters run the area,
following by others
Sexual orientation Straight Lesbian, BI, Gay Mixed-teacher and student;
Same- the teacher with
women.
Profession/role Teachers Students Teachers-main character
Students- focus point
C) The trailer(which is a marketing tool) attracts the target audience because it highlights the conflict and elements of the film which seems heightened
by tension or even clips which make you question as to why. This draws the audience in and allows them to query and possible go on to watch.

23. Audience theory
McQuail
Reasons why people watch the film Explanation
Entertainment Half nelson may be watched party for
entertainment purposes. Certain scenes such as
where he is dancing in the disco, are quite
humorous and therefore entertaining.
Information This film gives information. It shows reasons as to
why people may become so addicted to drugs. In
this case drugs makes the teacher happy, due to
the fact that he cant do anything without having
drugs first.
Personal identity People who have suffered or are suffering from an
addiction, and therefore seek personal identity
with the character, as they have experienced
certain real life situations that the character has.
Integration & social interaction Social interaction may occur when people discuss
the situations that are explored throughout the
film, they may also inform others about the film.