Black Panther Flashcards
Context
Released: February 2018.
17th film in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Directed by Ryan Coogler, featuring Wakanda’s fictional African kingdom.
Marvel Studios, a Disney subsidiary, produced the film.
Industry Context and success
Successful, highest-grossing MCU film.
Grossed over $1 billion worldwide, with significant global performance.
Nominated for ‘Best Picture’ at Academy Awards.
Won Oscars for Costume, Production Design, and Original Soundtrack.
Historical Context
15th-20th century: European colonization of African countries.
Black Panther Party (1966-82): Activist group against police brutality.
Cultural Context
Traditional dominance of white characters in superhero genres.
Limited black representation in lead roles until recent years.
Political Context
Obama’s presidency (2009-2017): Initiatives aiding minority groups.
Trump’s presidency: Policies reversing Obama’s initiatives, divisive rhetoric.
#blacklivesmatter campaign highlights police violence against unarmed black individuals
Ownership and Control Contexts
Produced by Marvel Studios, a Disney subsidiary (vertical integration)
Marvel Studios initially owned Black Panther
Disney bought Marvel but agreed to minimal creative influence
Marketing Strategies
Disney’s ‘360-degree consumer experience’ marketing.
Teaser trailers during NBA games and special Superbowl collaboration.
Fashion shows, interviews, and cultural celebration for added profile.
Social media dominance, record-breaking tweets.
Age Rating
BBFC classifies UK releases; local councils can overrule decisions.
“Black Panther” gained a 12a certificate in the UK.
USA classification: PG-13
Hesmondhalgh (Cultural Industries)
Diversification of MCU, marketing synergy, low risk.
Curran and Seaton (Power & Media Industries)
Diversity challenges lack of creativity, complex ownership, Marvel dominance.
Regulation - Sonia Livingstone and Peter Lunt
Struggle in UK regulation between citizen interests (protection) and consumer interests (choice, value, competition).
Global media power and convergent technologies challenge traditional regulation.
Colonialism
Process of invading and subjugating a country.
European colonial attitudes included the belief in intellectual inferiority and moral right to exploit.
De-colonization challenged colonial attitudes in the 20th century.
Post-Colonialism
Critiques white patriarchal views related to race.
Challenges stereotypes associated with colonialism.
Emerged as a questioning of the school of thought preceding it.
Underrepresentation in Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Afrofuturism as a response to the need for Black representation in future settings
