Super curricular

 The influence of Gothic Art in film by Luke Robinson- media magazine December 2013

Summary- 

Robinson first begins by describing the history of the Gothic style with the earliest gothic artefacts being monument sculptures in cathedrals and Abbeys that developed from a Romanesque tradition. Gothic paintings from the 14th to 15th century focused on secular subjects such as hunting scenes, chivalric themes, and depictions of historical events also appeared. He then goes on to say that eventually the term developed into what became known as international Gothic with a sense of ‘naturalism’ that continued to evolve in the 15th-16th century.

His next section is the main body of the article all about Gothic influences on screen. The Gothic style was first seen on screen during the era of German expressionist cinema in the 1920s. In these films, the dark, depressing, often surreal artistic values reflected the essence of the Gothic style. Robinson suggests that gothic cinema became more prevalent after devastation such as the German economic crisis in the 1920s and the detrimental impact that the end of WW2 had on Britain. He then details how sets reinforce this Gothic feel through elongated shadows and walls, harsh contrast and deep backgrounds. Shadows are deliberately used to evoke feelings of terror without revealing anything explicitly horrific which is why lighting is an integral to the Gothic style. Robinson states that Gothic art has been a great influence to cinematographers and directors, referencing art like ‘The House by the Railroad 1925’ and ‘the Devil and Daniel Webster 1939’. 

The next paragraph focuses on recognisable features of Gothic art which is then reflected in film. Humans pictured inside large spaces and often the use of grotesque creatures and monsters can be seen in ‘Aliens 1986’ with the ship being the dark and spacious environment that they are trapped in with a monster (the alien). The paintings of Francis Bacon is also said to have been the inspiration for the look of Heath Ledger’s Joker in ‘The Dark Knight 2008’.

Then he talks of how recognisable features of Gothic art were reflected in books too.’The nightmare 1781 by Henry Fuseli has said to influence the work of Mary Shelley with her famous Frankenstein novel and Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ in which he references a Fuseli work.

Robinson finally talks of the importance of Tim Burton in the progression of the Gothic genre in film. Burton’s films contain the visual and emotional elements of Gothic nature, but without the inclusion of needless horror and gore. ‘Vincent 1982’ follows a main character who is obsessed with Edgar Allan Poe, ‘Frankenweenie 2012’ clearly takes inspiration from Frankenstein, and the same Gothic tone can be seen in ‘Edward Scissorhands 1990’, ‘Sleepy hollow 1999’, ‘Corpse Bride 2005’ and ‘Sweeney Todd 2007’.

To conclude, Robinson says that Gothic art has always had influence on the Gothic genre in film and literature and will continue to evolve as a Genre.

The upside-down triangle method for media essays- made on canva

an article by medium.com which details the influence that the fashion industry has on our society-

https://medium.com/@therodachannel/the-profound-influence-of-fashion-on-society-bae89c26f0b9#:~:text=It%20influences%20how%20we%20communicate,of%20employment%20and%20economic%20growth.

Good as gold- shelter 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr7Y-ddGzew

This short film outlines the life of a young girl named Maddie in the run up to Christmas. She hears that if she's good then she'll get anything she wants for Christmas so she spends her time being extremely good by helping others and being a nice person. Unfortunately, Maddie wakes up on Christmas morning to the same dirty, dank one room flat and a baby crying in the background. She says "But I was so good this year..." showing that all she truly wanted for Christmas was a nice place to call home and even that she could not have. 

This film highlights the number of children living in temporary accommodation and what they go through every Christmas. A normal child wishes for toys and yet young Maddie is forced to grow up and wish for a home. It also shows just how unfair life is that a young child should be subjected to that which is why I chose this advert. 

I also think it could be used as a metaphor to challenge stereotypes that homeless people don't work and therefore deserve it yet Maddie worked really hard and still faces the threat of homelessness.