Stranger Things Representation Essay

One very evident representation shown within season 1, episode 1 of Stranger Things is the role of single mothers. Being a major character within the storyline, Joyce Byers, is shown to be represented as an emotionally unstable and vulnerable character after his son Will Byers goes missing. Her weak state is represented through not only her emotive dialogue and characteristics, but also by her clothes and home. She dressed in dark and miserable colours, reflecting her emotional state and similarly her house is untidy and unkept due to the trauma and upset she is facing in the episode. During her screen time, the lighting of the shots is mostly darker and dimmer, reflecting her overwhelming upset and paranoia.   Joyce’s frantic and unstable characteristics are shown throughout the episode by the use of quick cut shots between her and the people she is speaking to, allowing her emotional state to be represented through the use of camera shots and editing.

Showing a form of contrast to the unstable state of Joyce, Hopper, the towns Sheriff, fits the stereotype of an American officer by bringing an element of calm at the Byers home. The short cut shots between Joyce and Jonathon are interrupted by tracking and panning shots when Hopper arrives representing how Hopper is taking control of the case and is attempting to eliminate panic amongst his town’s citizens, especially the traumatised family of the Byers. His uniform is authentic and shows the stereotypical Sheriff of 1980’s America. Their cream boiler shirt and trousers along with a sheriff hat, police badge, walkie-talkie and police car all represent Hopper as an authoritative member of the town, there for showing that the police force have not been misrepresented within this episode.

During Hoppers visit to the Byers household, he goes out to the shed in the garden, attempting to find clues as to what took Will Byers the night he went missing. It is during this scene that representations of the supernatural are shown. The light in the shed begins to flicker, mirroring the lights that were flickering before Will was taken. As well as the lights creating suspense, uncomfortable and mysterious noises are heard. Gurgling sounds and rumbling sounds suggested to be coming from the supernatural monster that took Will are seen to cause Hopper distress, not only representing the monster/supernatural as something fearful, but it also represents Hopper as perhaps being scared. This contrasts his early calm and controlled representation.

LFTVD Theorists

Todorov: Equilibrium theory

-         Traditional narratives follow a 3 part structure of beginning middle and end which unfolds in a narrative arc of 4 phases: 1. Exposition, 2. Introduction to conflict, 3. Climax, 4. Resolution

-         Narrative is usually a chronological and linear sequence of themes, actions and motives.

-         Todorov identifies that the 3 part structure has 5 stages:

o   Narrative begins with an equilibrium

o   The Equilibrium is usually disrupted by and event to create disequilibrium

Strauss- Binary Oppositions

-         Identified that we understand the world by the relationship that two opposites have together.

-         He believed that narratives are arranged around the conflict of binary oppositions.

-         Some of these oppositions could include:

o   Man vs women

o   Good vs bad

An introduction to Narrative

An Introduction to Narrative

What is a narrative?

-         The structure of chain of events in which a story is told.

-         The narrative structure is carefully considered when writing the screenplay for a drama

-         It is visually achieved through the editing of different shots together.

Why is a narrative important?

-         The narrative structure chosen directly affects how the audience experiences the story.

-         The way a ‘story’ is told can provide certain messages and values about who we see and what is being said about the character, group of people or events represented in the drama.

-         The narrative can affect the audience’s involvement with and enjoyment of a drama.

-         The narrative structure used in long form TV drama is considered to be more complex, often with multiple narrative strands and storylines being told at the same time.

Narrative structure

Linear narrative

-         A clear beginning, middle and end.

-         They follow a chronological timeframe.

-         Action A leads to action B which leads to action C etc.

Fragmented narrative

-         Fragmented narratives are also called non-linear, disrupted or disjointed narratives.

-         They do not have a clear beginning, middle and end.

-         Events or actions may be shown out of chronological order and not in the way they would naturally occur in.

-         It is a narrative technique that can help to show parallel stories, as story within a story, dreams and so on within the same episode or series.

-         They are seen to more closely replicate the way the human mind works.

-         They make the audience participate in the story to try and piece the story together.

What narrative structure does Stranger Things use?

Stranger things is a multi-stranded, fragmented, open ended, non-linear narrative.

‘Stranger Things’ uses a fragmented narrative because right from the start we witness multiple parallel plot lines such as the laboratory, Eleven, and the boys. We also see a non-chronological narrative strand in the flashback to Joyce and Will’s conversation at Castle Byers.

The fragmented narrative creates enigmas or questions for the audience, who have to work to figure out the connections, therefore ensuring greater audience engagement.

Narrative types

Restrictive Narrative

-         We experience the story through the sense and thoughts of just one character.

-         This is most always the main character (protagonist).

-         The narrative cannot tell the audience things that the main character does not know, we find things out in the story at the same time as the character.

Omnipresent Narrative

-         A panoramic, all seeing, view of the world of the story, not just on character’s POV.

-         Provides the point of view of many characters and their experience and feelings within the story.

-         Helps the audience see a broader background to the story, from a number of contexts.

-         Used for telling stories in which the context, views and feelings of many characters are important.

What narrative type does Stranger Things use?

The omnipresent narrative provides multiple gratifications for the audience- we can empathise and identify with some characters, while gaining escapism and mystery from others.

Narrative endings

Closed endings

-         TV dramas traditionally feature one characters story or point of view in an episode, which comes to a resolution at the end of the episode.

-         The character’s story can exist as one unique story in one episode.

-         A story is unravelled before an audience, and then ultimately concluded.

-         The following episode will feature a different story.

Open endings

-         When an episode, or season, ends on a cliff-hanger.

-         A story-telling technique

-         In films open endings can be unsatisfying for audiences.

-         In LFTVD open endings indicate there will be a continuation of the story throughout the series.

Stranger Things Marketing Campaign

Intertextuality in Stranger Things

The Duffer Brothers created Stranger Things as a homage to 1980s films.

1. Ghostbusters 1984

Stranger Things salutes Ghostbusters with their use of the supernatural. The GB's wear big 'boiler suit' style outfits to fight the ghosts, similar to the men in hazmat suits in the first episode and official poster of Stranger Things. The outfits create a sense of purpose and intent to fight the forces that have put up a fight against the world in Stranger Things and Ghost Busters. Ghost busters also include 4 men working together to fight the ghosts similarly to Stranger Things, which starts off with 4 boys, before Will gets taken. GB uses intense music to create atmosphere and a sense of adventure. Music is also used heavily in ST to build tension and position the audience to expect something scary to happen, thus putting them on edge. The film includes 4 ghostbusters who appear to be the only ones capable of fighting the ghosts, as they are seen walking towards the camera in a line. ST also appears to have 4 boys who are working together to fight the demogorgon in their games of D&D.

2. The Goonies 1985



Old-fashioned yarn about a band of adventurous kids who take on the might of a property developing company which plans to destroy their home to build a country club. When the children discover an old pirate map in the attic, they follow it into an underground cavern in search of lost treasure but come up against plenty of dangerous obstacles along the way. This is very similar to that of ST. The Goonies follows children who are in the fight to help, just like ST, which includes children of a similar age, trying to get involved in a situation that would deem only acceptable to be tackled by adults. The Goonies is also adventure/romance genre which are themes both portrayed in ST, and we get to see the journey of how the children help out and take charge. 

3. Sixteen Candles 1984



Sixteen candles' romantic story line is similar to that for characters Nancy and Steve. The outfits worn by both Nancy Wheeler and Samantha Baker are very similar, along with their hairstyle and innocent nature compared to their love interest. Both the young teen girls are pining for older boys that appear to have laddish tendencies as they explore through chastity and romance. SC includes Jake Ryan who is a 23 year old athlete which is a larger difference than Nancy and Steve, who only differ in one year, yet the relationship that they share still appears to have a contrast, since the male in both SC and ST are 'experienced' compared to the 16-year-old girls who are not.

Stranger Things Representations

Scene by Scene

Stranger Things Character Profiles

ST Poster Evaluation

Stranger Things Poster Evaluation

ster: 

- With the amount of characters shown on the poster, it shows that there will be multiple storylines. This also suggests that they are the main characters so the audience will be seeing a lot of them and get to know them if they watch the series. 

- The characters at the top of the poster look scared and are positioned so that it looks like they are hiding behind another person. This suggests that maybe throughout the series, there may be something that may threaten them. 

- The use of the stars in the sky connote space and the sci fi genre. This shows that the series may contain some typical sci-fi conventions such as the supernatural, monsters etc. The night also connotes eeriness. 

- The character in the middle of the poster is shown to be slightly bigger showing that she may be significant throughout the series. This could also be connoted as she is positioned in the centre. The other characters are seen to surround her suggesting that they may be protecting her. This is reinforced by one of the characters holding a weapon - the baseball bat. 

- In the background of the poster is a ominous figure emerging from a gated area with a restricted sign on. This could show that he may be the antagonist/villain. 

- The title shown on the poster connotes a retro vine as it is written almost like a neon sign which could reference the 80s. This could suggest that the series may be set within this time period. This is reinforced by the clothing. The writing of the title also resembles that of a Stephen king film showing that there may be some intertextuality taken from some of his work. 

- The clothing, bikes and setting suggest that the series is set in America. This is reinforced by the man who is in a sheriff uniform. The fact that there is a sheriff may suggest there is crime within the series. 

- The 3 boys are positioned above the title meaning that they may feature as mains throughout. 

- Themes that are shown in the poster include facing adversity as they are all facing the same way, ready to fight. Also, the supernatural which could be suggested by the centre character holding her hand out in a way that she may control something. Friendship is shown the close proximity of all the characters.

- The narrative of the series could include binary opposition reinforced by the use of the two colours contrasting, red and blue. Also, the fact that there are many children included shows that the story may be from their point of view. 

- There is much intertextuality shown between the poster and ET with the use of the bikes and the moon. 

Stranger Things Introduction

Stranger things intro

Overview

The series is set in 1983 surrounding the story of a group who kids searching for their missing friend. Along the way, they meet an unusual girl with supernatural powers. Throughout the series, they u unravel extraordinary mysteries surrounding their small town including government secrets, supernatural forces and Eleven, a girl with powers.

- The 1st season had 8 episodes, costing $6 million per episode.
- The show was created by the Duffer brothers (Twins). Ross and Matt (Born in the 90s)
- The show pays homage to E.T
- It debuted in July 2016
- represents 1980s nostalgia
- The shows resembles many other 80s films such as Gremlins, the Goonies, Ghostbuster etc.
- Winona Ryder, a famous 80s actress, plays Will's mother. This further links the show to the 80s
- The show increased in marketing through online buzz and fan artwork.
- It was also the little things in the background of scenes that referenced the 80s. E.g. Trapper Keeper
- When looking for a broadcaster/platform, the show was rejected by most mainstream.
- Netflix accepted as they were known as 'rebels' showing TV that was risky and different.
- The 1st series finished with unresolved issued meaning that they could be resolved in the 2nd series.
- Series 2 was set in 1984 and focused on the theme of video games whereas the first was boardgames
- The show references the work of Stephen Spielberg and Stephen King (Who liked the show)
- The show contained weaponized intertextuality due to fan service
- Stranger Things is a Pastiche (Opposite of parody)
- The character Eleven is compared to the characters E.T., Carrie and the girl from fire starter
- Creative misprison is used.

LFTVD introduction

- 2 questions: 30 and 15 marks-

- Stranger Things and Deutschland 83 (Same time periods) - 

- Series with a long narrative - 

- A TV drama that has a number of episodes that helps create a narrative and tell a story to an audience.

Network Television: (E.g. NBC, CBS)

• US network broadcasters must satisfy their advertisers and hold market share. They are also controlled by federal regulation.
• The impact of this on content is a reliance on highly formalised genre conventions and normative values which meet mainstream audience expectations but generate conservative drama. 

Cable Television: 

• Launched in the 1970s, HBO was the first US national subscription cable TV channel. 
• Other major US players include FX, Showtime, & AMC. Many are subsidiaries of media conglomerates (HBO/Warner, FX/Fox)
• These subscription based cable channels can take more risks with content and form. 
• By early 2000s The Sopranos and The Wire won awards, audiences and created 'water cooler' TV.  

UK TV Drama:

• UK broadcasters have failed to meet the challenge of the US cable channels move to long form with their risk - taking content and style. 
• BBC and ITV 90s > relied on genre-based, formula drama.
• Sky co-opted success of US long form with Sky Atlantic
• Commissioning remains tightly controlled with a conservative outlook

Subscription VOD (Viewing on demand)

• Content viewing via a TV still dominates in the UK.
• 3/4 UK households have PVR (Personal video recording) uptake but it has plateaued 
• Use of timeshift is increasing (You can watch whenever)
• Growth of SVOD (Streaming video on demand). Web based channels such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Now TV is considerable. 
• Netflix dominates with 24% of UK market & 5 million subscribers. 10% growth 2015-16

Audiences:

• Rise in binge watching started with DVD in late 90s/early C21. Partially due to syndication problems in the UK.
• A move from 'Water cooler' to 'Shared universe' fandom (as with cinema)
• US long form drama often uses Easter eggs, and mid-season breaks to generate fan intensity and maintain a media profile. 

Why audiences love LFTVD:

• High quality drama
• Multiple episodes, hours, years
• Content can be dark and difficult but innovative 
• It now attracts some of the best and innovative writers and actors
• Time shifting, easily accessible 
• Keeps people invested
• Lots of creativity 
• Characters and themes change and develop
• Lots of different networks compete
• The show can cater to specific taste

'State of Nation' TV

• LFTVD challenged the simplistic story lines and stereotypical characters that dominate network TV in US.
• CULTURAL ZEITGEIST

- Genres: LFTVD can fit into any (E.g. Comedy, horror, thriller, mystery, drama, crime, etc.)

- Themes: Also can fit into any (E.g, Relationships, murder, power, war, coming of age, family, etc)

- Narratives: Can have vast variety of all different worlds which are completely different to normality

- Characters: Relatable and interesting to watch. Engaging so they are watched over long period

- Production Values: Good ones usually range from 4 million to 5 million per episode. 

- Methods/Platforms: Either on Terrestrial TV, Cable TV, Subscriptions, Streaming 

- State of Nation: Escapist for the viewers, not usual to their everyday life.

- Memes/Accessories: These can determine how popular the series is with the youth.

TV Dramas need:

• Various locations
• Stock characters - complex, able to follow for a long period of time. 
• Multiple narratives
• 1 hour episodes
• Dramatic cliff hangers - usually at end of season/mid season breaks
• High production values