Media Theory

 Media Theory For Film Project

For my film project, I have decided to do a coming-of-age film. Usually when I watch these types of films, I always interpret them in my own way. This kind of explains the media theory "Active Audience Theory" by Stuart Hall. It says that "...audiences are active consumers that interpret media through the lens of their own experiences and social contexts". This quote comes straight from a hand-out containing some of the many media theories used in different media spheres.

Since I noticed myself experiencing this through coming-of-age films, I decided to incorporate it into my film since many other people experience it as well. Most people often think very differently from each other about a theme that is trying to be established, such as the film 'Perks of Being a Wallflower'. In this film, audiences tend to connect the theme to friendship and the power it holds while others may connect it to growing up and overcoming trauma. This is because we all have experienced different lives and different situations in our own lives that alter our perspective on other's experiences.

Though 'Active Audience Theory' is the main theory I want to include in my production, I also want to incorporate the use of the 'Identity Theory' which also plays a huge role in coming-of-age movies. This is because people tend to relate themselves to characters on screen and, as the hand-out says, "...makes sense of their identity through affiliation with larger groups." As someone who is a teen, it is sometimes very crucial for us to have someone to relate to so we can explain our own selves.