MIGRAIN: Structuralism

Part 1: Media Factsheet reading

1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 

Structuralism is a theoretical perspective that emphasises the existence of universal structure underlying the surface differences and assumed randomness of various cultures, stories and media texts.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?

Binary oppositions, which is evident in the above kinship relations, they are extremely important for underlying structures in a culture and, by knowing the nature of one element in a structure. 

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism? 

Auteur theory is also an example of a structuralist way of text, because they can be identified across different types of text.

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

Post- structuralism is the idea of interest in how extremal structures and affect meaning, such as post-structural analysis may look at how attitudes towards gender or ethnicity in society can affect an audience's way of understanding.

Part 2: The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

Structuralist reading 

• Binary oppositions 
  E.g. humans vs machines, family vs chaos, control vs freedom. These opposites help us see who is “good” or “bad” and what’s at stake.

• Protagonist structure
  The family are positioned as the main characters we should root for. The robots are seen as the antagonists.

• Narrative 
  Rising conflict is seen such as the machines which helps tension builds,

• Visual effects, voice tone, suspenseful music, dramatic action these codes tell us when things are dangerous, hopeful, emotional.

Post-structuralist reading 

• Blurring of hero/villain lines
  The machines are reacting to human-caused damage. So “villains” might have a point. Or the humans might make mistakes too.

• Multiple interpretations
  Different viewers might see different things:

  • Is it a warning about technology?

  • Is it about family bonding in crisis?

  • Is it satire of our dependence on devices?

• Questioning of ideology
  Who controls the narrative? Whose voice is dominant? The trailer may privilege human perspective, making us see machines as threats. But a post-structuralist would ask why that? What views are excluded?