A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Length 3000 WORDS weighted at 100%
Learning Outcomes 1-4

This module examines the notion of entertainment from a performance and drama perspective. It looks at the ways acting and presentation performances are negotiated by audiences, and the viewing pleasures associated with this interaction. The module also explores the definition of entertainment and the importance of the ‘star’ in relation to performance in the media. The focus enables you to explore and critically examine modes of entertainment performance within film and television and how the different styles of performance are read in relation to such themes as method acting, stardom, script in performance, broadcast acting/presentation, non-actors in film, improvised screen performance and musicals. The module will address how performers negotiate their style through the use of specific vocal and physical techniques, and how certain levels of stardom and personality are achieved and reinforced within film and broadcasting.

There will be a series of weekly workshops and follow-up seminars to explore the themes and aims of the module. The emphasis will be around the deconstruction of the notion of entertainment and performances using a range of cinema and broadcast examples. The workshops attempt to introduce some of the different approaches to performance and how certain styles can be analysed for consideration, particularly in terms of the meanings that they convey within their reception context. The assignments will be a critical analysis of a screen performance.

Cantrell, T. & Luckhurst, M. eds. (2010) Playing For Real, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Cornea, C. ed. (2010) Genre and Performance, Manchester: Manchester University Press.
Dyer, R. (2002) Only Entertainment, London: Routledge.
McDonald, P. (2013) Hollywood Stardom, Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Shingler, M. (2012) Star Studies, London: Palgrave Macmillan/BFI.
Taylor, A. ed. (2012) Theorizing Film Acting, London: Routledge.

Blackboard, Library and online resources, TV/DVD playback facilities.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.