The Anatomy of a

BlockbusterAS Film Studies

Blockbuster» More than financial

» But it is key Profit Box office receipts

Blockbuster» What makes a punter got to the cinema

» Discuss

Task 1» What are the elements which make an

international blockbuster? Franchise Literature Other source

Stars» Expensive» Guarantee?

QuickTime™ and a decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Producer/Director» Reputation» Style» Guarantee?

Global appeal» Main issue is

accessible to all» Weather» Global warming» Love story

Global Appeal» Gay cowboys do

not fill cinemas

Good v Evil

Good v Evil

Culture neutral» Offends no body» Assumes no cultural knowledge

Get it wrong?» Eg

Brassed off Kes Local Hero

Simple characterisations» Easy to

understand» Straightforward» Understandable » Uses stereotypes» Does not mess

with stereotypes

Stereotypes

Save the world» Universal interest» Avert disaster» Save mankind

Love interest» Love universal» Sex sells» Romeo and Juliet» Love against the

odds

CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics

CGI,Big production, pyrotechnics

Visual vs dialogue

Branding» Helps continuity» Note

Merchandise» Additional income