Digital Audiovisual Media Class Blog

We all know and love the classic film: The Wizard of Oz since its release in 1939, and it has remained relevant today for its innovative use of technicolor and vibrant visuals. Notably, the film is known for how it pushed the boundaries of cinema at the time and used techniques and special effects that…

In the very first episode of Russian Doll (Directed by: Leslye Headland), Nadia Vulvokov (Natasha Lyonne) suddenly dies during her 36th birthday party, only to come back to the bathroom of her friend’s apartment, staring at herself in the mirror. As the story progresses, each time she dies she resets to that same exact moment.…

The journal article “Trans TV as Concept and Intervention into Contemporary Television” explains that changes overtime in how television series are produced and released allow for more queer and trans focused media to be created from both a storyline and aesthetic perspective (Goddard and Hogg). Heartstopper (2022-ongoing) is a television series on Netflix that focuses…

C U Soon (2020) directed by Mahesh Narayanan tells a compelling story entirely through digital screens, is an innovative Malayalam film that challenges conventional storytelling techniques, utilising a minimalist approach. Steven Shaviro in his work argues that post-cinematic media often prioritise affect over narrative, creating experiences that are more spontaneous and immersive. This can be…

The inclusion of transgender models Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (VSFS) marks a significant cultural shift in the representation of gender and sexuality in mainstream media. This change aligns with the critical discourse on Trans TV as articulated by Goddard and Hogg (2018), who emphasise the importance of visibility…

In discussing internet-distributed television, Love Island challenges many established theories. While Mareike Jenner’s notion of “TVIV” and Amanda Lotz’s exploration of non-linear programming focus on slow-burn, high-production value, and serialised releases typical of platforms like Netflix, Love Island defies these frameworks. Unlike Netflix originals, which tend to drop full seasons at once, Love Island broadcasts daily episodes…

883, released in 2021 written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, manages to differentiate itself from the usual franchises being released these days, such as “Law & Order” for example, which has been ongoing for years and follows mostly the same plotline (Alston, 2021).  The show is a prequel to Yellowstone, following the origins of the…

As streaming platforms grow in popularity, Netflix has become a major player in how we consume entertainment. One of the most important changes brought by Netflix is its focus on diversity, particularly in terms of race, gender, and sexual orientation. The platform has not only expanded the variety of content available but has also provided…

While Netflix’s streaming model has revolutionized media consumption, it has concurrently generated challenges. Binge-watching, although it can heighten audience engagement, can likewise lead to fatigue and an emphasis on short-term consumption rather than gradual development. Scholars such as Jason Mittell contend that binge-watching compresses storytelling time, which might diminish the ongoing anticipation and community-building nature…

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