Dramatic Media Texts Part 2

 Media text #3: Saltburn 

This specific drama piece is also uses lighting and coloring techniques to move the story along but also uses costumes. As we know from our media studies, costumes are supposed to be a representation each character, it can tell certain stories that can't necessarily be told in the form of dialogue. For example, Jacob Elordi's character, Felix, is often seen wearing outfits that are pretty worn down and as the clothes were just thrown on without any real thought. However, he is seen wearing brands like Ralph Lauren which illustrates the idea that although he was born into money, he doesn't really care much for it, or isn't cognizant of his extreme wealth compared most other people especially considering he surrounds himself with people who are also very wealthy. 

This style contrasts that of his costar Barry Keoghan, who plays Oliver. Oliver's styling is an extreme contrast to Felix in that it is very purposeful and exact despite his financial situation. Furthermore, the characters purposeful costume choice reflect his plan to be in Felix's world. As the story progresses we see Oliver's style converge to be more like Felix's, the only difference is that Oliver's style is extremely performative. 

 

 

Media Text #4: The Black Swan 

The Black Swan is psychological drama that has been acclaimed for it's extremely stylized approach of the ballet 'Swan Lake'. The film highlights the juxtaposition between control and letting go regarding the lead characters struggle to play both parts. Not only do the ballet costumes themselves hold symbolism such as the white swan representing innocence and vulnerability while the black swan represents the fierce, dark, presence, but costumes outside the ballet represent Natalie Portman's character, Nina's, psychological descend. For example, her makeup and costumes slowly become darker as the film progresses. Her natural makeup is replaced with bolder and darker colors and her style of clothing becomes more and more edgy as the film goes on, hinting at her transformation into her own 'black swan' 

Citations: 

Mcqunt, A. (2023, December 16). Saltburn costume analysis. Saltburn Costume Analysis. https://alexandermcqunt.substack.com/p/saltburn-costume-analysis

Malik, N. (2024, August 16). Shattered reflections: Artistic expression and symbolism in “Black swan”. Another Level Higher. https://anotherlevelhigher.wordpress.com/2024/08/16/shattered-reflections-artistic-expression-and-symbolism-in-black-swan/