Audience and Genre Research.

The Hyperdermic Syringe Theory.
- This particular theory is based on the way certain types of media, such as films are able to 'inject' the consumer with ideas and influences that when comsuming the media, actions are carried out into making youth culture especially, and audience memebers to follow the actions seen within the film. These certain actions can therefore be potentitally threatening or dangerous within everyday life. Films such as 'A Clockwork Orange' and 'Snatch/Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' have influenced copycat killings in the past and also increased the use of drug culture, showing how certain audiences consume entirely the conventions within certain films and types of media.


The Reception Theory.
- Stuart Hall's reception theory is seen as the way audiences interpret different genres of film and media in their own unique way, depending of the upbringing and uses that as an audience we expect and are used to. For example, audiences from the south or north of the country may view films such as 'Kidulthood' completely unrealistic, whereas audiences living in a West London community would interpret and consume that type of film completely different, as their particular way of life is recognised and presented.

The Uses & Gratification Theory.
- This type of theory presents the idea that as an audience we create and take a vivid interest into the certain genre and conventions of our choice. If one particular audience rate a certain genre as very popular and many sales are made, this will encourage producers to make a sequel or similar kind of film, showing how as an audience, we control what is produced and encouraged within the media.

Analysis of 'The Truman Show'

After watching 'The Truman Show' I believe that his particular American film challenges the typical theories that usually apply to narrative of many feature films, as the particular plot provides a varied view to what as an audience, we are usually used to. This doesn't allow us to particulary specify a genre to the film as it could be classed as a comedy, yet also includes some elements of romance and drama, enabling us to strongly symphathise with Truman's character. Therefore, as a film I believe the director has specifically left out elements and typical conventions to create a surreal feel to 'The Truman Show.'

One way in which 'The Truman Show' challenges typical conventions can include the theory of stock characters by Vladimir Propps, as within 'The Truman Show' no real character of stereotype can be seen, as Truman may be classed as the Hero but no specific princess or accompanying characters are used, as everyone around him are seen as villians following his fake life.
Another theory which doesn't apply to the film itself is the use of Binary Opposites by Levi - Strauss, as some elements of Good Vs Evil are seen, yet no character is strongly sided on either end of these judgements. Although, a binary opposition of Reality Vs Fake can be shown, due to the circumstances Truman is in.
The theory of semiotics by Barthes can be seen a little within the film, such as the fall of the set wall and cameras within the office, that show us that the world Truman is living in, suddenly becomes unreal and suspicious. The use of rain also enables the audience to understand that a versatile and dangerous atmosphere is about to occur, such as the incident of the storm and the sailing boat.

Although a few elements occur, I believe 'The Truman Show' doesn't follow the usual conventions of the theorists strongly, thus disallowing us to specifically provide the film with a real, agreed genre.