MIGRAIN: Structuralism

Part 1: Media Factsheet reading

Use our brilliant Media Factsheet archive to find Factsheet #90 Applying Structuralism and Post-Structuralism. Read the Factsheet and answer the following questions:

1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 

A theoretical perspective that emphasises the existence of universal structures underlying the surface.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?

Binary oppositions are 2 things that are complete opposites like night and day. They are important because they are ways to communicate meanings or different key narrative points

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism? 

Through a combined approach thats goal was to transform film studies from subjective "fan appreciation" into a scientific, rigorous analysis of how movies generate meaning

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

Poster structuralism is a rebellion against structuralism that believes all systems are unstable no matter what so meanings are always shifting and changing

5) What is your own opinion on this theory? Do you agree that we use established structures to understand the media (such as narrative and genre) or is the power now with audiences in a digital, post-structuralist media landscape? 

I see it as a mix of both to an extent as even though some things do have established meanings that doesn't mean they aren't subject to change. 

Part 2: The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

Watch the trailer for The Mitchells vs The Machines: 

Write an analysis of the trailer from both a structuralist and post-structuralist perspective. 

The following may help you:

Structuralist: what established narratives, genres or conventions can be found in the trailer? 

Post-structuralist: how does the trailer reject traditional structures and instead offer something new (e.g. incorporating elements of YouTube meme culture, audiences as producers of meaning or subverting expectations of narrative or character

Structuralist: The robots are taking over just like everyone said they would. There's the same old dysfunctional family who work together to learn each other's issues and work with them that we always see in media and always is the same. There's a clear sci-fi tone with the whole machine. The family in general is also a conventional nuclear white straight couple 1 daughter 1 son family.

Post Structuralism: The trailer could be a commentary on the dangers of generative AI on the world and how it could eventually become so intelligent that it can take over the world and enslave humanity like we do to it now. They also have the now more traditional acceptance culture as we see the daughter wear pins in celebration of pride which could also imply she may not be straight either. It subverts the stereotype of a male antagonist as we have a female Ai antagonist. There was also humor that may appeal to a current generation who grew up on YouTubers such as Markiplier or SML