9/10

Today I had a lecture on my research module today, which begun my questioning of adaptations. The lecture was based on adaptations and without a doubt providing me with some really useful insight and questions to begin researching into the process of adaptations.

In particular I was providing with a reading from Popular Communication: The International Journal of Media and Culture. Aarseth provides theories an idea of the different kinds adaptation and his theory delves into the effectiveness and risk taken with adaptation. Saying this I have not read the whole book, which would hold more information on the subject, however for the task I have been set I need to focus on game to film and comic to film adaptations. From these processes I will explore the difficulties and benefits.

Another reading is Hollywood Gamers: Digital Convergence In The Film And Video Game Industries. Within the first chapter, Brookley proposes the meaning behind cross-media platforms and the inspirations behind it, with supportive evidence and even reference to my previous reading from Aarseth. My lecturer has selected Chapter 1, 2 & 4 as a recommended reading for the class. I plan to read both chapters tomorrow, if not I will do 1.

The next film I watched was Tim Burton's Batman, which starred the undeniable face of Michael Keaton. What puzzled me was why I recognised his face so easily, sure I've watched Batman Returns numerous of times, however it was any of the Batman films I thought when I saw his face. After a bit researched it was the film Johnny Dangerously a while back that my dad had shown me, which gave me question to why I knew his face, but not a name. Playing lead in this film also, clearly Keaton had a reputation and name before being lead in Batman as well. Undeniably why he was chosen as lead. Instantly this tells me that to maximise profits, Warner Bros utilise the star system and take advantage of the comic superhero's fan base (arguably a hero) to create a motion picture they are sure would make money and why not. In later scenes the utilisation of attractive females are deployed also to encourage a more masculine appeal with the females following the stereotype of the 80s contemporary times. Slim ladies, skin revealed ladies with blonde hair. Such deployments can be seen in a film such as Pretty Woman. Back to my examples, both Bruce's and Jack's (Joker's) adulteresses are both blonde and draw a seductive attention in later scenes, also the sequences they make their appearances portray with in an attractive light by either dialogue or actions.

#1 - Jack's adulteress introduced by her edging to get closer to Jack

#2 - Bruce's adulteress first meets the reporter in this scene and he gives her a clear indication that he is interesting her via dialogue

Overall this was a film that attempts to recreate the superhero feel behind the masked comic superhero, it succeeds in doing this by using a classic character from the franchise with other notable commodities from the franchise for example the Batmobile.

Thinking to watch Blade Runner next

Ty