Notesale: Turn your study into money

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STRANGER THINGS
ERA:
-

Set in the 1980’s
Makes intertextual references to a range of 80s texts e
...

Enjoyed both by young audiences and old audiences

Theories to apply: (Narrative theorists)
Todorov:
- Todorov's​ theory states that all narratives follow a three-part structure where they begin with
equilibrium, where everything is balanced and happy
...
Stranger
Things conforms to his theory as it does begin with equilibrium as the town of Hawkins, where
Stranger Things is set, seems like a peaceful town where nothing ever goes wrong and the
only crime that happened was a girl got attacked by a bird
...
In Stranger Things, the
disruption is when Will goes missing one night after a game of Dungeons and Dragons and
possibly when the group of three boys meets a telekinetic girl who appeared to have escaped
from Hawkins lab
...

Eventually everything is restored when Will is actually rescued from the upside down
...

However to counterpoint, with Stranger Things being a TV show they can leave things
unresolved as they will be resolved in the next series
...
For instance, the equilibrium in the
story is Martin working for the East, which is seen as being normal and his way of life
...
The resolution in episode 1 is that he completes his task in having to take
pictures of confidential, private documents
...
The Berlin Wall ends in 1990 so the audience watching
this may already expect the show to demonstrate this and other events that they already know
happened in the Cold War
...
He argues that there are several main archetypes in a narrative or story, which are as
follows; The Hero, villain, the helpers, a princess, the Donor, dispatcher and a false hero
...
In stranger things, the Hero would be Hopper, the towns sheriff
but could also arguably be Will and his friends who pursue multiple attempts to find/save Will
...
Wills friends also meet Eleven
while searching for Will, who becomes one of the Catalysts for the town finally recovering Will Byers
...
This is
because the Narrative contains two Villains instead of the classic “Single villain with his group of
minions or henchmen” clique
...


Brenner
...
Brenner essentially created the portal which brought the Demogorgon
into their world and the Demogorgon did choose to take Will to “The upside-down”
...
This is usually expressed in
the form of binary oppositions
...
As in the show, to president Ronald Reagan he calls
East Germany an “evil empire” but to the audience there is not a complex representation
...
Especially, because the east are seen as an oppressive, communist
state
...
There are also
different representations of patriarchal ideologies in D83
...
On
the other hand, the East presents women having the same power equal to men, though the
character, Lenora
...
Therefore, Strauss
theory of binary oppositions can be applicable to D83
...
The binary oppositions are very obvious because it is a sci-fi
genre whereas in Deutschland 83 it is based on real, historical events
...
Whereas, in D83, there are things that
drive Martin ideologically, like commitment to his country and his preservation of communism
...
he binary oppositions in Stranger Things are quite
clear to understand
...
It is obvious that the audience are sided with the kids
and the small town, in wanting to defeat the ‘upside down’ along with them
...


Although in some ways Strauss theory subverts and goes against the conventions and codes of
D83
...
There are more cultural similarities than differences
and oppositions between East and West Germany that Strauss claims
...
Lenora
providing coffee to Martin’s mother in episode 1 depicts a blur between wealth and difference
highlighting the east as not being overly impoverished
...


:) ​Can be applied to any cultural product, including LFTVDs
...
Can be used to analyse representations and their
ideological effect, by seeing which side of an opposition is valued by the narrative
...

Does not tell us anything about the ownership and control of television and the process of mediation
that leads to the messages in newspapers
...


-

Barthes

Meaning is communicated through signs which are made up
of the signifier (the thing itself) and the signified (the
meaning)
...
Barthes uses the word myths to
describe the way the connotations suggested by a sign have come to be seen as normal and natural
...
Signifiers are explicit,
such as his badge, gun, uniform, and the empty beer cans all communicate meanings in relation to
the character but they also suggest values and ideological messages around power and masculinity
...
The
establishing shot of the Wheeler house in the opening sequence is another example of the way signs
work as myths
...
It also indicated towards the concept of
a ‘nuclear family’ which Mike’s family represents that is viewed as the expected social norm
...
ST also presents mothers as figures who are struggling to hold the family together
whilst fathers are either absent, insensitive or distracted
...
Similar to Nancy’s mother who is a
typical housewife, doing domestic duties whilst Mike’s father is irresponsible and clueless to
everything going around him (e
...
This show how signs accrue social meanings which
can communicate ideological messages
...
For example, does not explain anything specific to LFTVD
as it is a general theory of signification
...
Because Stranger Things is a hybrid genre of, sci-fi, horror and romance
it can appeal to a broader audience and conform more to the conventions of LFTV drama, which the
theory does not consider
...
Therefore, doesn't look at all signs that may be important to consider in LFTV drama
...
Martin’s uniform is a sign of him being loyal to East
Germany and serving as a good soldier that believes in his country’s values, such as freedom and
communism
...
He
is a symbol of oppression to the East, as he calls them the “evil empire” which infuriates Lenora
...
The audience are positioned from the
start to think that the East is good and the west is bad
...
The fact that most of the
government's/authority are men in West Germany also signifies that West Germany is also
patriarchal
...
It also does not tell us anything about the ownership and control of
television
...
Foreign language films are also seen as being as high status to build
brand image/prestige
...
The use of data and algorithms to
engineer original productions to appeal to its audience is another way in which it can avoid risk, which
the theory does not look at
...

Useful for ‘micro’ analysis of media language
...
Less useful for
analysing ‘macro’ media language elements such as narrative and genre
...
Does not tell us about how audiences interpret television and give meaning
...

He adds that ​‘difference is absolutely essential to the economy of genre’: mere repetition
would not attract an audience​
...
His
theory means that it is important to follow some of the conventions of a certain genre so that
people know which genre the show falls in
...

Stranger Things did this by taking the traditional 80s theme of a movie and twisting it
...
The relationship between Nance and steve makes us feel anticipated in
wanting to know what direction their relationship will turn to
...


In contrast, Neale genre theory conforms to D83
...
Also, the historical genre of the
show may undermine Neal's usefulness
...
So it may appeal
to an older generation than a younger one
...
The theme of patriarchy can
also overlap in this drama, as we do see archive footage from presidents, mainly men who are in the
middle of this war
...
Although, this usbverts in D83 as we
see Lenora having most of the power, as she is the one who sets up the spying operation at first
...

However, in other ways, the theory is not useful in applying to ST
...
For example, the
show makes references to ET, Lord of the Rings, Steven Spielberg
...

Neal’s theory can be applied to Deutschland 83 (D83) due to its genre conventions
...
The protagonist in spy thrillers are normally forced to go ahead with the missions,
which is what Martin has to do as he is faced with blackmail in order to protect his mother
...
Therefore, Martin’s characterization
conforms to this in Deutschland 83
...
Neal indicates that there

should be an overlap of genres so audiences are hooked
...

Baudrillard:
Baudrillard's theory conforms to Stranger Things
...
Therefore representations no
longer relate to reality
...
For instance, references to 80’s
clothing, Nuclear Family, in which Mike’s family represents this with his mum and dad and his teenage
sister
...
The show also represents
sub-urban small american town where most middle-class wealthy families live and therefore they have
more to lose if something goes wrong in their lives
...
T
...
T, it features kids who make an alien friend and try to solve problems, what
Mike and his friends try to do when against the Demogorgon
...

However, the theory can be limited to Stranger Things as Sci-Fi genres is more difficult to make “real”
to audiences like the supernatural world of the upside-down and telekinetic powers of Eleven
...
The theory also does not consider the
pleasures and entertainment audiences get from these hyperreal media texts
...
We see imitations of actual historical events of the 80’s, with
real archive footage of Ronald Reagan at the start of episode 1
...
The representation of soldiers, like
martin being loyal and references to nuclear weapons/deterrents
...
For instance, Lenora providing Martin's mother coffee, suggests it is more accessible
and affordable for Lenora who comes from West Germany whilst East Germany is poor and
oppressive
...
For instance, audiences do not need to know about the Cold War as they can still
understand the show if they watch without having knowledge
...
For example,
it doesn’t consider the cinematic and stylistic qualities of D83, or the complex multi-strand narratives
and characters that makes the show appealing as a LFTVD
...

Hall:
The theory suggests how​ media messages are produced and encoded into media
...
For example, preferred
reading is when media producers use recognised conventions and rely on the audience to create or
decipher their own level of agreement
...

‘Oppositional reading’ when the audience and their life experiences have no relationship with the text
they are resistant to it
...
For example, encoders/creators install messages about
the cold war with the information that the consumers may not all have prior contextual knowledge of
the events (Cold War) that the long form tv drama is based off of - Age difference, older ‘preferred
reading’, Young ‘oppositional reading’
...
e
...
Young audience can sympathise with the younger characters e
...

Martin and Annett forced to be away from one another
...
It can also be applicable to Stranger
Things as Young, marginalised people will sympathise with the main protagonists
...

Therefore
...
Whereas, the
elderly may find the younger characters a nuisance as they are not cooperative with authorities
...
However, the audience can resist to this as
assumes that there is one dominant meaning to which the audience responds – does not fit messages
with a multitude of different possible readings (e
...
deeply ironic messages)
...
He suggests in older media products, representations were more simple and
straightforward especially regarding gender
...
Gauntletts theory
can be applicable to Stranger Things
...
The vast amount of online fan
culture including fan art, fan fiction, and memes demonstrates the way in which online media allows
audiences to participate in popular culture, and to express their own identities
...
Nancy is a typical teenage girl, often in her room and has a
crush on the popular ‘jock’ which is Steve Harrington
...
Whereas, we see more of a complex representation with
Eleven: short hair, not very feminine, violent behaviour, not nurturing/motherly (arguably because
although it is based in the 80s, it was created in modern times)
...
The
theory also assumes that people have enough self-awareness of their media use, interests and
motives to be able to provide researchers with an accurate picture of that use
...

The theory is also applicable to Deutschland 83
...
Lenora subverts from typical expectations of a
woman due to her high status and authority in the Stasi, therefore showing a complex representation
in characters that conforms to the theory
...
However, can be limited to Deutschland 83 as it
gives too much credit to the audience and underestimates the power of the media conglomerates
...

Van Zoonen:

Van Zoonen emphasises the importance of gender being seen as socially and culturally constructed
where women are often objectified (viewed as sexual objects) in media representations
...

The theory can be applied to Stranger Things because we see the representation of patriarchy
...
The governments/scientists are
conspiring together, Eleven’s father as the leader to experiment with Eleven’s powers using the
Hawkin’s lab
...

Therefore, men are portrayed as being controlling and demanding in ST
...
We do not see any women as police,
except for the women who sits in the office taking calls, highlighting women’s lower status and
position in general during the 1980s
...
However, the theory can be limited to ST, because we do see gender-norms
subverting
...
Halfway through episode 1, where when two men are chasing her in the
restaurant, she takes them down easily, leaving them defeated on the ground which shows her
strength, power and resilience, even though she is a little girl
...
He is shy, introverted and quiet and his
hobby in photography makes him more unique and isolated from the rest of the teenagers in high
school
...
For example, similar to Stranger Things, we see
that the governments and the state are full of military men
...
This is shown in episode 1, where he questions and scolds
two men in sneaking Shakespeare into the borders of East Germany
...
The portrayal of women in D83 depicts women as
being irresponsible, nosey and clumsy
...
Martin gets help from another
guy, a spy, by insisting Martin to spike her drink so she forgets about it and doesn’t tell Walter
...
However, the theory can be limited to D83
...

Such as, ethnic inequality, and we see this in D83 as only one black character is shown
...
Also, he can’t make powerful
commands, compared to Walter, a white-german who is the leader of the army
...

Hooks
H​ooks focuses on the ​intersectionality​ of ​race​, ​capitalism​, and ​gender​, and what she describes
as their ability to produce and perpetuate systems of ​oppression​ and class domination
...
For example, iin Stranger Things, we see the impact of
social class between Joyce as a working-class single mother and mrs Wheeler as a middle-class
housewife
...
Where as, we see mrs Wheeler, being portrayed as more
wealthy, as shown by the representation of her big sub-urban, middle class house
...
This is shown by Eleven, being a white-female as she is the
protagonist who acquires a lot of power in the show
...
However,
the theory can be limited to ST because it does not consider the way representations can be
constructed through LFTV drama
...
For example, Lucas is from a black
background in ST and so she doesn’t consider how his ethnicity may impact his role in ST or reflect
on his complex characterisation to draw on more points as to how intertextuality can form oppressions
within identities
...
We​ see that the governments and the state are full of military
men
...
This is shown in
episode 1, in which he questions and scolds two men in sneaking Shakespeare into the borders of
East Germany
...
The
portrayal of women in D83 also depicts women as being irresponsible, nosey and clumsy
...
Martin gets help from another guy, a spy, by insisting Martin to spike her drink so she forgets
about it and doesn’t tell Walter
...
However, the theory can be limited to
D83 because it does not consider how audiences may respond to representations of social inequality
...
For example, audiences may not like how General Jackson is only minimally portrayed or
the fact that there isn’t any black female characters in view
...

Butler
Butler argues that gender identity is not something we are born with, it is something expressed
through the performance of gender roles
...
Butler challenges the notion of fixed
binary identities of sexuality and gender
...
This is demonstrated when she is
mistaken for a boy by Benny the diner owner
...
This supports Butler’s idea that there is no
essential gender identity
...
For example, we see in one of
the episodes where she is dressed in a pink dress and wears a blonde wig in order to to look more
like a girl, which is different to her shaven head and her lack of communication from episode one
...
Both characters can be seen as examples of what Butler calls ‘gender
trouble’ as they do not conform to gender norms
...
However, the theory can be
limited to D83 as the show does reflect fixed gender identities
...
This is cliche and also conforms to most US teen drama/films
...
in Stranger Things, the government is mostly men
...
We see this in episode 1, when Elevens father marches with
men behind him who finds Eleven in the small restaurant eating ice-cream and wants to bring her

back to the lab-place
...

The theory can also be applicable to D83
...
For example, she subverts against her character because she is seen as
portrayed as being powerful
...
Her power is also demonstrated by her wealth in her providing Martin’s mother
coffee because she cannot afford it whilst Lenora can
...
However, the theory can be
limited to D83
...
Such as, ethnic inequality, and we see this in D83 as only
one black character is shown
...
Also, he can’t make powerful commands, compared to Walter, a white-german who is the
leader of the army
...

Gilroy
Gilroy’s theory suggests the way in which black cultures blend elements of different African,
American, Caribbean, and European cultures
...
This idea is applicable to Stranger Things as it is useful in helping to understand the
representation of black minorities in being minimal and could be seen as a form of tokenism
...
He is
the only black individual we see in episode 1 indicating that the show is ignoring demographic and his
ethnicity which may affect Lucas behaviour
...
This is suggesting that ST is
conforming to racial stereotypes in which young black individuals have absent parent/s
...
I
...
Showing the ​superiority of white western culture
...
Therefore, showing that there is deracialisation in the show
as blackness is not part of Lucas identity so the audience do not understand how it is like to live like a
black person in a a white society
...
The attitudes of those in a white society towards ethnic minority isn't shown
because the representation is minimal
...
Therefore, they are concentrating on
his family background and looking into the roots if his ethnicity
...
In deutschland 83 - General Jackson is a of ethnic
background and is in a position of high status although his character isn't important towards the main
narrative, his position and actions are important on making an impact in that time of the cold war
...
So there is a bit of
referencing to racial stereotypes in episode 1
...
In stressing the influence of social conflict on representations
the theory may underestimate the influence of social consensus on representations
...
The
concentration of media ownership means the media industry is dominated by small number of
conglomerates which limits the viewpoints represented
...
Especially, because Netflix originals,
such as ST have 8/9 episodes and so are more appealing to audiences who are more likely to
binge-watch the series
...
The theory can be limited to Stranger Things because the success of Stranger Things
can be seen to result from its reliance on commercially successful genres and narratives which is
produced by established industry producers, such as Shawn Levy
...
For example, national tv still remains powerful
...
In prioritising the effects of ownership and control on the content of television this
theory may not aid in understanding how ideologies, audience choice or media language conventions
may determine media content
...
These all may
contribute to high production value but the theory does not consider this
...
For example, D83 is distributed in Germany on Amazon Prime
which is a US terrestrial broadcaster RTL for series one
...
Therefore, D83 is an example of local, national tv
channel which represents non-streaming site that invests in LFTV drama and original content
...
For example, channel 4, which D83 can be streamed on,
regulates shows that are appropriate only for certain ages
...

For example, Hesmondhalgh focus on ownership does not take into account the active role of
audience interaction with media products, and does not consider the cultural or ideological elements
at work in media products such as LFTV drama
...

Additionally, Netflix can be seen as a challenger to established media organisations, disrupting the
dominance of a small number of media conglomerates, although it is one of a small number of
companies dominating the market for streaming services
...
For
example, Eleven who subverts against the typical gender representation
...

Livingstone and Lunt

Livingstone and Lunt argue that European public service broadcasters may be regulated in the
interests of citizens
...

Netflix has to abide by EU regulations but is outside the scope of the UK regulator and as a result
Netflix does not apply to UK television broadcasters
...
For example, in Stranger things, there are scenes which
can be distressing to young audiences
...
Likewise, in episode 1, when Will goes into the shed and picks
up a gun, it can influence children’s behaviour negatively and so scenes may need to be regulated
...
However,
the theory can be limited as it is not useful in telling us how audiences engage with media products
nor does not take into account the active role of audience interaction with media products, and does
not consider the cultural or ideological elements at work in media products such as LFTV drama
...
Additionally, Netflix can be seen as a challenger to
established media organisations, disrupting the dominance of a small number of media
conglomerates, resulting in an oligopoly which arguably limits audience choices
...
Ofcom argues that changing technology,
audience fragmentation and global competition poses risk to public service broadcasters, such as the
BBC
...
This is because it is
owned by Sundance TV, an RTL channel
...
This suggests that Netflix is globally competitive so traditional forms of media
regulation are being challenged by the online and globalised media
...
For example, in episode one, when Lenora brings the two guys to Martin’s
house, one of them break his finger, which can be seen as violence and can be triggering to younger
audiences
...
Also, the theory assumes that Netflix is a dominating online-streaming service however
national tv still remains powerful
...
In prioritising the
effects of regulation and control on the content of television this theory may not aid in understanding
how ideologies, audience choice or media language conventions may determine media content
...
Conventions of multi-strand narratives, in finding Will and the establishment of new
relationships between Nancy and Steve Harrington which contributes to multi-strand narratives
...

Hesmondhalgh
Similarly to Curran and Seaton, Hesmondhalgh sees media industries as being dominated by a small
number of conglomerates
...
These include vertical
integration, and the reliance on established genres, stars and narratives
...
A range of strategies including the use of popular genres such as horror and
sci-fi, use of well-known actors such as Winona Ryder and the influence of popular films on the
narrative and characters
...
The large glasses became a trademark fashion statement of the 1980's
...
By making this link, the producers have
referenced to The Goonies which would have been released in the time that this is set
...
Although, the theory can be limited to ST
...
Also, the theory assumes that Netflix is a dominating, streaming service however national tv still
remains powerful
...
In prioritising the effects of
ownership and control on the content of television this theory may not aid in understanding how
ideologies, audience choice or media language conventions may determine media content
...
These all may contribute to high production value
but the theory does not consider this
...
For example, D83 is distributed in Germany on Amazon Prime
which is a US terrestrial broadcaster RTL for series one
...
Therefore, D83 is an example of local, national tv
channel which represents non-streaming site that invests in LFTV drama and original content
...
For example, channel 4, which D83 can be streamed on,
regulates shows that are appropriate only for certain ages
...

For example, Hesmondhalgh focus on ownership does not take into account the active role of
audience interaction with media products, and does not consider the cultural or ideological elements
at work in media products such as LFTV drama
...

Additionally, Netflix can be seen as a challenger to established media organisations, disrupting the
dominance of a small number of media conglomerates, although it is one of a small number of
companies dominating the market for streaming services
...
He also argues that the media can also have an indirect influence through social
networks
...
in Stranger Things, the government is
mostly men
...
We see this in episode 1, when Elevens
father marches with men behind him who finds Eleven in the small restaurant eating ice-cream and
wants to bring her back to the lab-place
...
There is also violence and aggression in this
scene, as a woman shoots Ben and kills him
...
However, the theory can be limited because
the complex and nuanced representations common to LFTVDs are less likely to cause a direct effect
on audiences
...
Thus, audiences will be less affected by the values and behaviours because
the show is based on an imaginary world that isn't real
...
​She
challenges every stereotype of a girl with her shaved head and lack of communication and so the
show doesn’t really reflect patriarchal ideologies
...

The theory can also be applicable to Deutschland 83
...

For example, D83 presents a clear difference in power between the rich and the poor
...
Deutschland 83 also show the difference in class and status through the
setting
...
Edel's house is much bigger and cleaner
...
At Martin's mother's they
are listening and singing along to an anti-war pop song, whereas at Edel's they listen to classical and
opera
...

Therefore, this may reinforce ideas that there should be division between different classes, in terms of
wealth and cultural capital
...
However, the theory
can be limited as this theory can only be applicable to its historical context
...
Therefore, the
theory can be outdated because some individuals even argue that the world is such a globalised,
multicultural world, that everyone is integrated in society and factors, such as class are not important
anymore, where boundaries are dissolving in society, as reinforced by postmodernists
...
This is shown by Lenora being a powerful
figure who is the one to set up the spy operation in the first place and orders Martin to travel to the
West through blackmailing him
...

Gerbner- ‘cultivation theory’
Gerbner’s theory suggests that watching more tv alters viewers attitudes where they think
television is reality
...
​ This is widely evident in Stranger Things through sinister government
conspiracies
...
This is
explicit when Elevens dad forcibly traps Eleven and use her for her telekinesis powers
...
He is one of the main characters trying to investigate why and where
Will went missing, therefore audiences can sympathise with him as we follow his journey in finding out
what happened to Will
...
This can be seen as accepting and the norm of society
...
This is because of the fact that Stranger Things is based on sci-fi,
dystopian genre and everything is imaginary
...
Also, majority of Stranger
things, focuses on female empowerment through Eleven who subverts against the typical gender
representation
...
​Therefore the theory is too simplistic especially because majority of the scenes in
Stranger Things isn’t full of violence nor is distressing
...
For instance, in episode 1, we see Lenora watching Ronald Reagan’s speech on

tv, where he calls the Soviet Union the evil empire and because it is archive footage, ti adds more
authenticity and reflects real anxietires during the threat of a nuclear war
...
For example, D83 presents a clear difference in power between the rich and the poor
...
Deutschland 83 also show the difference in class and
status through the setting
...
Edel's house is much bigger and cleaner
...
So this
may affect audiences values and behaviours in suggesting that class is an important aspect to
consider in life
...
This is because the
Cold War happened in the past and viewers attitudes/behaviour is less likely to change as they may
not feel scared/intimidated because they know what happens during this period and may feel it is
unlikely to happen again
...
Also his theory may not be
applicable to Stranger Things because of its fantasy/sci-fi genre
...
Therefore, Gerbner’s views underestimates the diverse nature of
media representations and does not consider the ways in which audience members (especially in
online age) can actively engage in media and reject the values and beliefs it communicates
...
For
instance, audience interpret themselves and share views and opinions online, either through blogging
and social media platforms
...
This is also an example of media
convergence where these interpretations are consumed on different platforms
...
In the past media producers created content for audiences, now
content can be created by audiences
...
g
...

J+S
The theory can be applicable to Stranger Things
...
The ‘Justice for Barb’ meme
is an example of media audiences who ‘speak back’ to the media
...

Social media also allows actors from Stranger Things to interact with audiences
...
However, the theory can be limited to Stranger Things
...
It emphasises the power of the
audience and so does not take into account the importance of media producers, or existing genres
and narratives, in constructing representations of identity
...
Therefore,
the hybrid genre appeals to a broad audience
...


The theory can also be applied to D83
...
We also see
discussion forums and polls so audiences can vote if they are excited to watch D86
...

Foreign language films are also seen as being as high status to build brand image/prestige
...
This can lead to more people interacting via social media globally
...
Additionally, Deutschland 83 is not a global success like Stranger Things
and because it is foreign and european it has less impact on participatory and spreadable media
...
Westernised, american tv
dramas are more of a success and are spread universally so audiences can interact more though the
media, which is shown by the dominance of Netflix
...


Key scene - going to school
This scene starts with a ​montage ​of ​establishing shots​, ​positioning ​the audience in a typical US
high school in the mid-1980's
...
The use of ​natural, warm lighting ​may
provide ​gratifications of escapism ​for UK viewers, a country not known for its good weather
...
The ​low angle shot positions​ us as somebody much smaller and younger,
and provides the ​escapism ​of ​nostalgia ​for the ​older target audience
...
The young, teenage protagonists meet a group of older children who begin to
bully them
...
The
bully's use offensive and racist language, which anchors the audience, helping to realise that they are
the villains of the episode
...
The
protagonists stay together while being bullied, and see the encounter as more of an annoyance than a
real threat
...

Later on in the narrative, the protagonists have their revenge on the bullies in a scene that is likely to
provide many uses and gratifications for the younger target audience!
After the younger characters escape their situation, the scene cuts to another establishing montage
...
Nancy and Barb
discuss Nancy's new boyfriend
...
Nancy and Barb
present the audience with a ​binary opposition​
...
This reinforces the different ​roles ​of the
characters (Nancy the ​protagonist,​ Barb the ​helper ​or sidekick) and allows the audience to learn

something of the two character's personalities, once again providing ​gratification through
information​
...
This heated kissing provides ​sexual
gratification ​for the target audience, through the pleasure of seeing two young characters in love (or
lust)
...

However, audiences may ​negotiate ​this scene in several ways
...

It's important to note that ​Stranger Things ​simultaneously targets multiple audiences, using ​casting,
shot types, music ​and ​costume ​to ​anchor the audience into certain expectations​
...
For example, younger teenagers may be far more invested in the exploits of Mike and
Eleven, and may find the romantic ​story arc ​completely not interesting
...
One of the biggest ​debates ​in Media Studies is around how ​active audiences
really are​
...

Stranger Things does however have some of the usual conventions of horror films
...
They also use dark lighting
when they show the monster / alien for the first time so it only appears as a shadow keeping the
suspense​ going for another episode
...
It also is very typical of horror movies to only show a
shadow or outline of the evil entity the first time you see it
...
Another way is Stranger Things follows a similar narrative to a horror film
...
Most horror films also include a ​love​ ​story​ or interest which is shown in Stranger Things
between Eleven and Mike
...
This is shown in
Stranger Things through the monster / Demogorgon as there is no such creature around
...
Stranger Things also
conforms to the horror genre in the settings they choose
...
This is represented by the fact
that the main event happens in a wood on an abandoned road where the boy first sees the monster
before beginning the chase to hide from him
...

The camera work used in Stranger Things also reflects the camera work seen in most horror films as
when Will is being chased by the suspected monster the ​camera​ is all over the place
...
The camera also
tracks the main character in the chase scene so that the audience feels connected to the character
...
Stranger things does this at the beginning of the series panning
down on to the scientific laboratory making you feel that the lab will be an important place throughout
the series as it is where the whole show started
...

Science fiction - Mostly related to futuristic elements (aliens and monsters), alternative worlds,
special effects, Futuristic settings (space)
...


Episode 1 pre-title sequence:
Section 1 - intense music used along with sudden jump scare to create fear, Zollverein shot used on
running man in order to catch the perspective of the monster chasing him, constant cutting to and
from the dimly lit hallway creates mystery as we expect something to appear, overhead shot captures
monsters perspective as man is snatched
...

Section 3 - As the two boys ride home an intense scene is created in which Will's light keeps flashing,
jump scare is used as Will looks up from his bike to see a terrifying figure, tracking shot is used to
show Will running with a loose frame to portray his vulnerability, sound effects increase in volume as
the monster appears to get closer (a warning sign), a similar shot is used to the first section as the
camera slowly moves upwards to symbolise the rise of the monster
...
In Stranger Things there are loads of references to big films from the 80's
including Alien and The Goonies
...
​ The large glasses
became a trademark fashion statement of the 1980's
...
By making this link, the producers have referenced to
The Goonies which would have been released in the time that this is set
...
Similarly, in E
...
While Eleven isn't represented in the stereotypical "little green
man" alien appearance, she does have to alter her look in order to avoid suspicion
...

The aliens from Alien and the monsters in Stranger Things both have the same method of
reproduction
...
In Stranger Things both Will and Barb suffer the same fate after they have their
bodies taken over by the beast leaving them frozen
...


The way certain characters are represented in Stranger Things goes against stereotypes which
helps the character to flourish and appear stronger in their role whereas some stereotypes are
followed
...
Her "non-girly" looks suggest she is more
focused on her mind than she is on her physical appearance, further represented through her
intelligence and desire to stay out of trouble
...
She doesn't conform to
stereotypes in the way that she is a strong leader who supports her friends and family
...
Will's family is a one parent
household with what appears to be a relatively low income whereas Mike's family consists of two
parents who own a large house in the suburbs
...
He is often pictured smoking and drinking which
would suggest he doesn't care about his job which is then contradicted by the amount of effort and
work he puts in to try and find Will, risking his life several times in the process
...
He is always pictured with big hair and
an attitude which suggests he is immature and puts more effort into his appearance than anything
else
...

Joyce - ​Supports the stereotype of a caring mother who will do almost anything to find her son
...
Compared to how women
are normally portrayed, she is a very strong contradiction
...
Their relatively bad taste in clothes and intelligence suggest that they are caring towards one
another but find it difficult to increase their friend group or talk to other people, hence the difficult when
Eleven is introduced
...
She challenges every stereotype of a girl with her shaved
head and lack of communication
...
Mike's relationship with her is particularly strong as he confesses
his feelings to her
...
g
...

- ​Sci-fis follows scientific principles and technology​ (We see this ideology with men
wearing lab coats in the very first scene and Eleven’s dad experimenting with science as to see how
Eleven powers work and finding new ways to make her stronger- using her as an experient)
...

- Darkly-lit: ​In the first scene- flashing lights with man running away), when showing Mike’s
house in the night, When Will walks home by himself in the night, Eleven wearing a yellow
dress which contrasts to Ben’s grey, casual jumper and dimly-lit scene)
- Themes: ​Dystopia, other worlds, alternate history- imaginary world (demogorgon, upside
down)
Subverts to genre stereotypes because it does not illustrate who the monster is which
is a supernatural face/Alien
...
- S​equences of Martin’s training with narrative over the top,
reflecting the conventions of a spy thriller espionage
...

Audience is often in sympathy with the protagonist:​ For example, when Martin was
secretly taking pictures of confidential documents without trying to get caught
Themes:​ Such as good vs evil (Levi Strauss - binary opposites)
Characterization: ​The protagonist in spy thrillers are normally forced to go ahead with the
missions, which is what Martin has to do as he is faced with blackmail in order to protect his
mother
...
Additionally, D83 has moral dilemmas which are all explored through Martins
perspective,
Genre hybridity: ​This is reflected in the show in the hybridity of themes and genres, such as
comedy being demonstrated with romance and action
...
The story is set out to reveal more and more each episode
...

There is no resolution to the narrative because the nature of the long-form TV
drama means that often storylines are worked out over a series of episodes, for
example in Stranger Things and Deutschland 83
...
For
example, starting to watch the series on episode 6 would not explain how Eleven got her
powers and would therefore leave the story open to interpretation which would become
confusing
...
The sequence is split into three sections of
which there is a sci-fi/horror, fantasy and horror section
...
At one point or another these narratives will intertwine to make up the whole
story and several characters will meet
...
The use of a linear
structure makes the story less confusing when you watch episodes and allows different
narratives to conclude easier
...
By doing this the
creators can further develop the backstories of the characters and make them easier to
identify with the audience
...
Sympathy for him when his fingers are sprained
...
The mystery of the story is high at the beginning with not much being given
away to the audience
...
It is important to keep a reader making guesses because it
keeps them engaged and makes them want to watch on
...
The audience, on the other hand, becomes aware of main plot lines
quite quickly as they get a broader overview of every character whereas individual characters
may not meet one another until several episodes in or not at all
...
(Evident
when Will goes missing in the forest and everyone doesn’t know where he is -his friends wait
for him in school and think that he is late but the audience know something happened to him)
...
Martin's Aunt is dominant and has control over Martin's action and decision
making
...
The older people are evidently more knowledgeable
...
Furthermore,
Tobias gives Martin all his training in the build up to his mission
...

Gender
The series is dominated by male characters
...
This can be seen
with through Edel's receptionist and Martin aunt Lenora working to find a candidate for Walter
...
Martin's mother, Ingrid,
challenges the stereotype as she does not rely upon a male figure, and in fact it is her sister that
provides her with the medical treatment she needs
...
Despite having somewhat reasonable
power, Lenora is still bossed and controlled by men, with Tobias, Walter and Martin taking figurehead
roles in the mission
...

Class/Status
Deutschland 83 presents a clear difference in power between the rich and the poor
...
Furthermore, Tobias also does this, despite Martin running away
...

Deutschland 83 also show the difference in class and status through the setting
...
Edel's house is
much bigger and cleaner
...
At Martin's mother's they are listening and singing
along to an anti-war pop song, whereas at Edel's they listen to classical and opera
...

Nationality
Deutschland 83 effectively creates a clear emphasis of contrast between East and West Germany
economically, socially and culturally
...
Set in 1983, it details a world on the brink
...
Germany is caught in the middle, split in half and subject to the whims of its effective
occupiers
...
The moment when Martin is first
exposed to a West German supermarket, shelves brimming with exotic brand names, is bo​th ecstatic
and terrifying
...

Yet even while potential apocalypse loomed, ​1983 also marked a turning point;​ the darkest hour
before the dawn of reunification
...

“It was also the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s birthday, so that was a pan-German celebration
...
​People were coming closer together even as
America and Russia were becoming more aggressive
...
”
The Wingers hope to follow their characters into 1986 and 1989, This Is England style
...
“​They faded into
their false identities
...
(Lenora)
...
The episode reflects the social
contradictions in divided 1980s Germany: East Germany is represented as a rigidly controlled
state
...
Paranoia and
intimidated by the west and its support from the US
...

The west only fear the support of the Soviet ‘bloc’ and the possible threat of nuclear warfare
...

West on the East- east seen as poor, controlled and firmly ideological
...
They were money hungry, selfish
capitalists
Women who were married could not work without permission making them subordinate
Other cultures in the east germany was very limited and discriminated if there were any, were
not treated equally like women
...

Reflects the social anxieties of Germany facing the Cold War and their divided country
...

Medicines etc
...

Martin reciting the party line
...
This is shown by Reagan increased defense
spending, which brought about an arms race with the Soviets
...
The problem for the Soviets, however, is
that their economy could not handle this surge in defense spending
...


-

Apartheid - segregation between black and white people in the early 1980s, 1990sglobally significant politically as it was the end of apartheid due the fall of the Berlin
Wall
...

Episode 1 reflects German concerns about cultural amnesia/remembering that may date back
to their mid-20th century history, but also applies to the division and unification of Germany
...

(​Cultural products​) The Soviet Union and East Germany prohibited any music or art coming
out of the West that officials deemed decadent or culturally corruptive
...

EAST- two nationwide state tv station, DFF1 and DFF2
WEST- EVERYTHING

Shakespeare smuggled and confiscated at border shown in episode 1
...

Availability of consumer products (e
...
coffee) - available to Lenora (high ranking official) but
not her sister (suggests there is a hierarchy there - contradicts notion of total equality)
...

The piano in the house
...

Multinational brands- Puma etc
Both feature house/garden parties
...

Martin’s mother is the one who taught Martin chess- not his father - so subverts and
challenges patriarchy
...

Yvonne-​ a typical spoilt western teenager- too much freedom
...

Both German cultures are represented as white and monocultural
...

The representation of the American military appears to add to their ‘otherness’
...
His Afro-American ethnicity is inconsequential
...

In contrast, West Germany is less controlled, the CND rally means protesting against the government
was permitted in a ‘free’ democracy
...
Generally accepted defectors from the east but this wasn’t
reciprocated
...
g
...

He was a Republican – generally considered to be on the right side of the political spectrum
...
Pro free
market capitalism
...
This is a
authentic representation to show the real anxieties that were faced during the Cold War
...
- Oversimplifies the
good vs evil

Historical context:
-

-

-

The Cold War lasted between the end of World War II in 1945 and the collapse of the Soviet
Union in 1991
...

Episode represents the division of Germany- Cold War- the East represented as poor,
controlled and firmly ideological
...

The first episode reflects the historical trauma of German division and reunification (when
East and West Germany were reunited)
The complex representations in the episode reflect the attitudes faced by Germany in coming
to terms with its divided past and the political and military tensions of the 1980s
...

There are clear tensions in the episode for some characters between loyalty to the state and
to individuals (e
...
to family)
Many of these tensions and questions are explored through the protagonist Martin, from
whose perspective the story is told, and who is presented sympathetically
...

They would apprehend and imprison anyone who was seen as being ‘an enemy of the state’
...
- Wouldn’t have
been made without US money!
(£35m) Germany’s biggest budget TV series
...
Why?

-

-

In the US SundanceTV created a digital marketing strategy
...
Was a ‘sleeper hit’ in the US and then UK
...

Channel 4 is an on demand service and is suitable for younger audiences where audience
share is 23% in the UK
...
5 million viewers
...

- Mainstream channel which targets audience mostly adults aged 25-34
...

- An offshoot from the Sundance Film festival
...
Walter Presents is a video on demand service of UK's Channel 4, part of its All 4 online
platform
...

It is named after Walter Iuzzolino,an Italian TV producer who selects
its content for channel 4
...

Co-production: US and Germany
- Synergy with company values (cinematic content, young audience
(cultural amnesia), showcase good drama…)
- Maximise global profits (access to US mainstream market)
- Spy narrative - although addresses culturally specific topics it also has universal appeal
...

However, the spy narrative is of global cultural resonance (James Bond, Bourne) and helps explain
the international success of the series
...
The universal themes
...

Obviously older audiences (35+) would possibly appreciate the show more as they might have a
better contextual understanding
...

Other factors might be the stylistic choices
...


The engaging narrative- Martin is thrown in the deep end quickly
...
VERY
important in all LFTV to keep viewers
...


Stranger Things contexts
Social contexts
-

-

-

-

(Sub-urban small town America​) The episode shows the influence of the cultural icon of the
American small town community developed by Hollywood cinema, not least in the 1980s
...

Popular American media has had a long fascination with alien life forms coming to earth
...
This
fascination is perpetuated by the number of claimed ‘alien sightings’ in America (12,618 since
1969), most of which have been in small towns​
...

(​Teenage Alienation​) In ST the boys establish a fierce loyalty and masculine camaraderie in
the face of a hostile world, particularly in their search for Will
...
National service has been scrapped so men are
searching for new types of masculinity- the emasculated and feminised man
...
Jonathan, Will’s brother is also a loner stock
type
...

Reagan and his administration team are exposed for illegally supplying arms to Iran and, as a
result, his popularity drops massively
...


Cultural contexts
-

-

The episode ​intertextually​ reflects 1980s family and gender relations and is set within a
Spielbergian, mostly white, world of suburban family life The supernatural themes, quirky
characterisation and suburban setting recall
...
In particular
films such as The Goonies and Close Encounters
...
(Look at intertextuality part)
There are also elements of the 70s horror film ‘Carrie’
...
In
ST, mothers are figures trying to hold the family together (shown by Nancy’s mother being a
domestic wife + Will’s mum doing everything she can to find Will whilst her ex-husband is
careless- living somewhere else) - the fathers are absent/insensitive/distracted
...
Not necessarily for humour
...


Political contexts
-

-

Perhaps the upside down is a consequence of the cold war and what would happen if there
was a nuclear attack
...

The episode reflects anxiety about the power of the central state in relation to the
local community: the episode represents a shadowy world of possibly sinister enforcement
agents, suggesting an all-powerful secret state
...
g- Hopper is good-natured, lazy and complacent until forced into
action- all stereotypical traits of a police
However, the representations are perhaps deliberately stereotyped for intertextual effect– to
recreate the world of 1980s films – which may suggest a more polysemic reading
...
1983 is the year in which America and the
Soviet Union came very close to nuclear warfare
Some critics have theorised that the Upside Down is a world torn apart by nuclear warfare,
quite possibly a world in which Petrov made a different decision or someone else was on duty
that night in the Soviet bunker
...

The term Big Pharma is used to refer collectively to the global pharmaceutical industry
...

The episode shows the influence of social anxieties about the consequences of scientific
experimentation but it could it be a metaphor for big Pharma-testing drugs perhaps
...
( for budget)
Because Netflix is paid via a subscription rather than per program there are no figures
available yet
...

Ranked by the most popular digital series in the US after its release on Netflix (3 X more
viewings than OITNB)
...

In 2007, 10 years after its founding, Netflix announces that it will move towards online
streaming
...

In 2013 Netflix starts streaming House of Cards
...

Netflix began as a mail order DVD service - They changed the service by delivering
entertainment right to front doors
...
Netflix’s solutions to these problems was that Netflix moved from
streaming TV to creating it through their original shows and movies
...
Also an interactive/virtual reality 360 degree video
of the basement set on 4th August 2016



---