Genre task

To analyse genre conventions in Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010) : Can it be classed as a superhero film? Include a close analysis of the text including reference to partner texts Batman Begins and Spider-man

Introduction

·         What is meant by genre? Why do audiences need to know the genre?

·         Introduce the superhero genre, giving a brief history of the genre, with reference to key institutions. Mention some of the expected codes and conventions briefly – the detail will come later in the essay

·         Introduce the three key texts, giving a brief summary of what they are about.

Institutions

What is meant by institution? Compare the institutions behind Scott Pilgrim and compare to Batman Begins and Spider-man. Include reference to revenue streams and audiences. Is it possible to say whether any of the three films are of a particular nationality?

Characters

Do any of Scott Pilgrim’s characters fit into Propp’s character theory? Explain with reference to the text. Are there any other traditionally expected characters that feature in a superhero film? Compare to Batman Begins and Spider-man

Themes

Does Scott Pilgrim contain any of the expected themes of a superhero film? Anything absent? Compare to Batman Begins and Spider-man.

Setting

What is the setting of Scott Pilgrim and to what extent does this follow what is expected from a superhero film? Link to Batman Begins and Spider-man. Link to institutions.

Close analysis of scenes – including media terminology and screen shots

Suggested scenes – Fight Scene 1: Scott Pilgrim vs Patel (EX #1)

Fight Scene 2: Scott Pilgrim vs Todd The Vegan

Fight Scene 3: Scott Pilgrim vs Gideon (Final Ex!)

Where possible try to link the scenes to either Batman or Spider-man

Other genres

What other genres feature in Scott Pilgrim? To what extent is the film a hybrid genre? Link back to Edgar Wright’s past work is vital here.

What codes and conventions of different genres feature in Scott Pilgrim?

Videogames? (Cross-media convergence? Intertextuality?) Romance? Comedy? Action-adventure?

Conclusion Summing up… Based on what you have discussed, do you think Scott Pilgrim can be classified as belonging to the superhero genre? Explain your reasons with reference to this film and your two partner texts.