Reading Summary
This reading explains realism and its many different aspects. Realism can not be defined with a simple definition because there is a large spectrum of aspects that contribute the realism. Realism is broken down into two broad trends, documentary look and dramatic look. The documentary look is meant to be raw and spontaneous. The dramatic look is to make the viewer feel as if they are eves-dropping into a different world. Essentially, realism is meant to make the the media feel as possible as possible. This goal is obtained through various detailed techniques involving camerawork, dialogue, and editing. Also, realism media is better accepted if the content is consistent and plausible. The more flaws there appears to be, the more relatable it is to the real world making it more believable.
Outside Example
What this reading reminded me of The Office. The Office is a sitcom involving outlandish characters that work together in an office. The function of the office is very unconventional. Their manager is corky and just barely competent for the job and desperately seeks out the approval of his subordinates. The dynamics of the office’s relationships keeps things interesting in the daily life of office work. The Office takes place in Scranton, Pennsylvania in paper company. A paper company may seem boring, but that is what makes this “documentary” so comical.
Example Connection
The reading reminded me of The Office because the sitcom borders on the implausible. The situations the characters get in would not happen in any rational situation, but the emotions and mistakes of the characters make it relatable to the audience. The camerawork also makes the characters more relatable through zoom-ins on faces in moments of emotion. Also, one-on-one interviews gives the viewers an inside look at the thoughts of the characters. All of the effort put into the camera work and script give a feeling of familiarity making the sitcom a work of realism.
Comm 2302 Spring 20 