Key concepts

Key Concepts

Media Representations

It can be perceived that the film “Knocked Up” challenges the traditional stereotypes enforced upon women as the “traditional housewife” and in turn portrays them as strong, independent and responsible individuals which is substantiated by Alison’s aspirations and her focus on her career. However, it can be argued that Alison is an epitome of the typical “blonde bombshell” which is apparent in a range of visual texts and is perhaps the most common ideological stereotype of women is today’s patriarchal society. It can therefore be perceived that despite her role as the more dominant sex in the film, she is being subliminally objectified, corroborated by her appearance which can be considered somewhat “ideal” or “perfect”. This theory can also be acknowledged in the film when she is given a promotion as an on screen journalist and is told to “keep trim” as this is what the viewers want to see, “perfection”. By hiding her pregnancy from her colleagues, this idea is validated as it suggests that she must comply with the expectations placed on her and thus portrays her as inferior to the boss of the company who is male. However, the news of her pregnancy proves to be beneficial to her, as she would be able to relate to pregnant celebrities, thus attracting viewers and again having to conform to people’s expectations. Another question can therefore be posed, “Are female leads in recent films positive role-models for young women, or are they simply regurgitating negative stereotypes? It’s a question of her independence and aspirations vs. her appearance and objectification by other males.

Nevertheless, it can be argued that Alison’s sister possesses a more dominant role in the film in comparison to her male counterpart. However, despite her dominance she is depicted pessimistically due to her controlling nature over her husband and once again her appearance is questioned during the club scene.

It is predominantly the character of Ben who’s utmost stupidity emphasizes the goals and responsibilities of Alison thus portraying her as more dominant.

Narrative

The film follows a linear narrative, as events are chronologically ordered which is also substantiated by the movie trailer. There are several narrative theories which can be applied to the film, Todorov’s theory of equilibrium is particularly significant:

Equilibrium -> Alison is living peacefully with her sister, Ben shares flat with mates (they’re all happy J)

Disruption of Equilibrium -> Alison and Ben have sex

Realisation-> Alison gets pregnant

Attempt to repair -> they try to build a relationship

New equilibrium -> Baby is born and they live happily ever after

Strauss’ theory of binary oppositions also can be applied:

• Maturity vs. Immaturity
• Responsibility vs. irresponsibility
• Employment vs. unemployment
• Friends vs. family
• Security vs. insecurity
• Women vs. men

Proppian theory can be affiliated with “Knocked Up” to an extent. Ben can be considered the hero as he somewhat “saves” the princess from a lifetime of misery and regret, whereas Alison is in need of true love and companionship which is what Ben is able to offer her.

Genre

The film adheres to the genre of “comedy” and to some extent “romance” as the use of bright colors and high key lighting allows the jovial atmosphere to be emphasized. The use of a variety of witty comments and jokes add to the comedic nature and appeal to the target audience. Serious issues are also mocked such as “abortion” which is referred to rhyming with “smashmortion” and thus reflect the light hearted mood and tone of the film.

Media Values and ideology

Matriarchy/patriarchy- both hold significance as it can be argued that women are the more dominant sex in the film, however due to their constant objectification, this idea can be contradicted.

Heterosexuality- all relationships are heterosexual thus suggesting this is the accepted way of living, however, some homosexual references have been made in the film, such as “he wants to rear your child”.

Feminist- many feminists may argue against the objectification of women, i.e. Laura Mulvey and the vulgar language against women used throughout the film.

Familial- possibly one of the most significant ideologies, the idea that a couple should be together to rear their child, this is also questioned when Alisons neice asks “don’t you have to be married to have a baby?” where their mother replies, “yes when two people love each other they get married and have babies” thus the idea of sex before marriage is not widely accepted in the film and thus these values are not passed down to the children.

Media Audiences

The audience for “Knocked Up” is predominantly consisted of older teenagers, young adults and couples, primarily females as the film adheres to the conventions of a “chic flick”. They are from C1, C2, D social class and can be considered “egoists” and “drifters” as they can relate to the film as the subject matter demonstrates confusion regarding the options of having a baby therefore watching the film for the “personal relationships” they establish with the character.