the bridge media language Flashcards
What is the Bridge? (context)
The Bridge is a Swedish and Danish crime drama co-production.
Where is the bridge set? (context)
Which film movement inspired the codes and conventions of the bridge? (contexts)
Nordic Noir
What are the codes and conventions of Nordic Noir? (contexts)
Dark and bleak setting, multi-layered storylines and a slow melancholic pace.
How is the setting of the opening scene typical of Nordic Noir conventions? (analysis)
Building under construction, bleak and dreary setting, Theme of isolation.
How is realism conveyed in the bridge? (analysis)
There is a clear blend of Realism and anti-realism with the characters, setting, narrative devices and themes all being realist and comparable to themes in society and in other crime dramas.
How is anti realism conveyed? Remember Mean world syndrome (analysis)
the hyper-reality element of the serial creates a ‘mean world syndrome’ for the viewing audience.
Why is the tone/ mood of the opening scene typical of Nordic Noir conventions (analysis)
The tone and mood is melancholic with most characters all fighting their own personal battle.
The episode rarely offers a route of positive outcomes or themes of celebration and favours a more pessimistic out look on Scandinavian life.
How does the colour palette reinforce the themes of Nordic Noir conventions? (analysis)
The desaturated colour palette is the typical aesthetic style of Nordic Noir
Colours of cold blur, murky grey and muted colours all contribute to the melancholic theme.
How does saga challenge the codes and conventions of stock characters in television crime drama? (analysis)
Saga is seen as the main protagonist which is unconventional as it is generally a male in her place. Saga resembles qualities all too familiar with the character of the hero but is projected via feminist persona.
Study the scene where Saga and Hanne visit Natalie (Helle Ankers wife). Consider how the scene is an example of how codes and conventions of crime dramas are challenged. (analysis)
The two shot of the dominantly framed female protagonist challenges the stereotypes and usual formulaic male partnership.
The pressing delivery of questions from saga illustrates her tenacious and insensitive approach to policing.
This further challenges the stereotypical portrayal of feminine characters
What is the key binary opposition of the Bridge? (Theory)
The bridge involves the audience on many levels emotional, cultural, and directional and achieves this through classic narrative conventions of setting up friction and conflict. for example Sweden vs Denmark or loyalty vs betrayal.
Why is the stage of resolution for Todorovs theory not applicable? (Theory)
Why does the bridge qualify as both a restricted/ unrestricted narrative? (Theory)
