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Very Fast Presentation
Slides were fast
Very Good Slides, simple; only had about a sentence in each slide. Meant that it was very short.
Funny, powerful images
Very Clear
Good information
Good conclusion
Well structered
Good Timing
EBI:
Body Language; face the front
Elaborate on slide information
More Media Terminology
More detail
Significance: 2
Structure: 2
Simplicity: 1
Rehearsal: 3
Overall: 8
Sunday 27 September 2009
Monday 21 September 2009
Dexter Guardian Review
Dexter Morgan is a blood-splatter analyst for Miami police by day and a serial-killer-with-a-conscience by night. Although he takes both jobs seriously, he is also acutely aware of the ridiculousness of his situation, turning up at crime scenes where he is both perpetrator and forensic expert.
Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, and currently in its third series here (on FX), Dexter isn't just clever and original, it's also incredibly funny, which is quite an achievement given its gruesome subject matter. In fact, if it weren't for the serial killer theme, Dexter would have more in common with the likes of Curb Your Enthusiasm's Larry David than Hannibal Lecter. Yes, there's a lot of blood; but you don't ever actually see Dexter killing people - the camera cuts away, allowing us to imagine the rest and still empathise with our protagonist. And, crucially, Dexter observes a strict moral code: he only kills people who really deserve it - generally other murderers whom the police have failed to nail. This policy is known as Harry's Code, after Dexter's foster father, a former policeman who, on realising his son's urges, trained him to use them for good (sort of). It's not quite the boy scouts, but you've got to give the guy points for initiative.
Played with wit and complexity by Michael C Hall (the gay brother David in Six Feet Under), Dexter's extraordinary double life somehow seems believable by just the third episode. And the cat-and-mouse aspect of Dexter's life makes it perfect box-set viewing. Once you've got your head around the concept of a likable sociopath, you can relax and enjoy being in on his big secret. (What's more, as well as being a serial killer, Dexter is a massive commitment-phobe; then there's the fact that his sister - a policewoman, of all things - keeps trying to get him to open up.) It sounds crass and tasteless, and it would be, were it not for the fact that Hall makes Dexter so damn lovable.
Based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, and currently in its third series here (on FX), Dexter isn't just clever and original, it's also incredibly funny, which is quite an achievement given its gruesome subject matter. In fact, if it weren't for the serial killer theme, Dexter would have more in common with the likes of Curb Your Enthusiasm's Larry David than Hannibal Lecter. Yes, there's a lot of blood; but you don't ever actually see Dexter killing people - the camera cuts away, allowing us to imagine the rest and still empathise with our protagonist. And, crucially, Dexter observes a strict moral code: he only kills people who really deserve it - generally other murderers whom the police have failed to nail. This policy is known as Harry's Code, after Dexter's foster father, a former policeman who, on realising his son's urges, trained him to use them for good (sort of). It's not quite the boy scouts, but you've got to give the guy points for initiative.
Played with wit and complexity by Michael C Hall (the gay brother David in Six Feet Under), Dexter's extraordinary double life somehow seems believable by just the third episode. And the cat-and-mouse aspect of Dexter's life makes it perfect box-set viewing. Once you've got your head around the concept of a likable sociopath, you can relax and enjoy being in on his big secret. (What's more, as well as being a serial killer, Dexter is a massive commitment-phobe; then there's the fact that his sister - a policewoman, of all things - keeps trying to get him to open up.) It sounds crass and tasteless, and it would be, were it not for the fact that Hall makes Dexter so damn lovable.
Sunday 13 September 2009
Tom Goodman Review
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/29/DDGH8LDUS21.DTL&type=tvradio
"...With the dark, creepy but utterly compelling "Dexter," you could argue that Showtime has a trifecta of top-notch series worth shelling out money to see -- "Weeds," one of the best shows on television; "Brotherhood"; and now "Dexter." The pay channel has been searching for an identity for ages and is slowly proving that you can't just ignore it anymore..."
"...At least with "Dexter," starring Michael C. Hall from "Six Feet Under" and based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay, there has to be a legitimate discussion of ponying up for the goods. ("Weeds" alone is worth that for some people, but a one- or two-season commitment to a series is not the way to build long-term confidence; viewers want to know they can hang onto something for four or five years. That said, "Showtime" did pick up a 10-episode second season of "Brotherhood" when the numbers hardly merited it, so that's a positive sign.)..."
"..."Dexter" will no doubt divide an audience, what with the premise being that by day Dexter is a blood-splatter analyst for the Miami Police Department -- an expert in his field -- and by night, well, he's a sociopathic killer. Also an expert in that field..."
"...The twist, as it was laid out in Lindsay's book, is that not long after young Dexter Morgan is taken in by a foster family, his foster father, Harry (James Remar in a low-key role), a Miami police detective, comes to understand that Dexter is different. He's killing animals. And chopping them up. Before he came to the Morgans, something was lost for good in the boy. As he got older, that desire to kill grew, and Morgan senior took the unique (but loving) route of teaching Dexter to direct it at those people who really deserved it -- killers, rapists, serial drunken drivers, etc..."
"...What makes the series work so well is twofold. Hall is magnificent; it's another sterling performance from him. But instead of being pent up yet emotionally explosive, like his David Fisher on "Six Feet Under," he's cool and calculated and entirely without compassion as Dexter. That makes him alluring, in a strange way. That he kills bad guys is the free pass to like him, unless you're hung up on actual justice and against, say, strapping bad people on rubber-clad, plastic-wrapped killing tables and sawing them up but good..."
"...Also, one of the clear drawbacks of the premise is addressed early. Specifically, is this really going to be a every-episode kind of arrangement? Will he kill each week? And won't that be boring, not to mention a deal-breaker at the church social? "You watch what? And you like it?...""
"...A mystery that involves a serial killer unfolds and ensnares Dexter in it. The killer begins to leave messages and hints, taunting Dexter to solve his bloodless crimes. Dexter, in turn, is very impressed. And very curious. It's impossible not to like where that's headed..."
"...So, yes, Showtime has another gem on its hands. The channel's batting average is rising, along with its standards. That may be good for quality, but it's a real pain for people who want to see high-end drama without paying for something that's not HBO."
"...With the dark, creepy but utterly compelling "Dexter," you could argue that Showtime has a trifecta of top-notch series worth shelling out money to see -- "Weeds," one of the best shows on television; "Brotherhood"; and now "Dexter." The pay channel has been searching for an identity for ages and is slowly proving that you can't just ignore it anymore..."
"...At least with "Dexter," starring Michael C. Hall from "Six Feet Under" and based on the novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay, there has to be a legitimate discussion of ponying up for the goods. ("Weeds" alone is worth that for some people, but a one- or two-season commitment to a series is not the way to build long-term confidence; viewers want to know they can hang onto something for four or five years. That said, "Showtime" did pick up a 10-episode second season of "Brotherhood" when the numbers hardly merited it, so that's a positive sign.)..."
"..."Dexter" will no doubt divide an audience, what with the premise being that by day Dexter is a blood-splatter analyst for the Miami Police Department -- an expert in his field -- and by night, well, he's a sociopathic killer. Also an expert in that field..."
"...The twist, as it was laid out in Lindsay's book, is that not long after young Dexter Morgan is taken in by a foster family, his foster father, Harry (James Remar in a low-key role), a Miami police detective, comes to understand that Dexter is different. He's killing animals. And chopping them up. Before he came to the Morgans, something was lost for good in the boy. As he got older, that desire to kill grew, and Morgan senior took the unique (but loving) route of teaching Dexter to direct it at those people who really deserved it -- killers, rapists, serial drunken drivers, etc..."
"...What makes the series work so well is twofold. Hall is magnificent; it's another sterling performance from him. But instead of being pent up yet emotionally explosive, like his David Fisher on "Six Feet Under," he's cool and calculated and entirely without compassion as Dexter. That makes him alluring, in a strange way. That he kills bad guys is the free pass to like him, unless you're hung up on actual justice and against, say, strapping bad people on rubber-clad, plastic-wrapped killing tables and sawing them up but good..."
"...Also, one of the clear drawbacks of the premise is addressed early. Specifically, is this really going to be a every-episode kind of arrangement? Will he kill each week? And won't that be boring, not to mention a deal-breaker at the church social? "You watch what? And you like it?...""
"...A mystery that involves a serial killer unfolds and ensnares Dexter in it. The killer begins to leave messages and hints, taunting Dexter to solve his bloodless crimes. Dexter, in turn, is very impressed. And very curious. It's impossible not to like where that's headed..."
"...So, yes, Showtime has another gem on its hands. The channel's batting average is rising, along with its standards. That may be good for quality, but it's a real pain for people who want to see high-end drama without paying for something that's not HBO."
Comic Con Panel; Interview with writers and cast
This is the interview with the cast and writers of Dexter. They are talking about the upcoming 4th season of the show. It's from comic-con, a comic book fan convention, which now is used for more things (movies, Tv shows etc).
Research for Dexter; Season 1 Review
http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/813/813610p1.html
" ...We've had a lot of anti-heroes on TV in recent years, with guys like Vic Mackey and Tony Soprano challenging the audiences' loyalty and asking us to see how much we're willing to accept or root for a person who might have their positive traits, but does a lot of awful things. Based on a series of novels, Dexter takes this to the next degree, because our "hero" isn't a dirty cop, or even a gangster, but rather a straight up serial killer..." - Itroduces the concept of what Dexter actually is to the series.
"...Hall is absolutely phenomenal in this role. Dexter is a man who is putting up a big front to all of those around him; the front of a nice, normal, non-serial killer. More than that, Dexter has a hard time processing emotions, and in fact doubts he even has any genuine feelings. But he knows it's pivotal he fit in, and act the part of a grieving coworker, a caring boyfriend, or whatever the situation calls for. Hall perfectly embodies this man, playing both Dexter and the persona that Dexter himself is playing, while always allowing us to see the dangerous glint underneath the facade Dexter is putting up..." - Explains the actor's role and how successful he is potraying Dexter.
"...The season also charts Dexter's inner journey, as a man who is so sure he has no emotions at all has to process just what it is he does feel about those who are close to him..."
"...There are also a couple of attempts to add layers to police Lt. Laguerta (Lauren Valez) that seem a bit forced, though more interesting moments also occur for her along the way. More accessible are David Zayas's kind-hearted cop Angel, and C.S. Lee as Dexter's colleague, the lovably creepy Masuka..." - The negatives of the series.
"...Overall, this is a show that really clicked in quickly. The 12-episodes tell a very complete and fascinating story about Dexter and the Ice Truck Killer, that lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Interesting steps are taken along the way, such as revealing who the killer is to the audience well before Dexter finds out, and it all pays off very well. And keeping it all working start to finish is Hall, who makes for one of the most charismatic and fascinating portrayals of this type of character since Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. Serial killers are a familiar subject in fiction, but Dexter Morgan already has a spot right at the top of the most memorable." - "Final Word"
" ...We've had a lot of anti-heroes on TV in recent years, with guys like Vic Mackey and Tony Soprano challenging the audiences' loyalty and asking us to see how much we're willing to accept or root for a person who might have their positive traits, but does a lot of awful things. Based on a series of novels, Dexter takes this to the next degree, because our "hero" isn't a dirty cop, or even a gangster, but rather a straight up serial killer..." - Itroduces the concept of what Dexter actually is to the series.
"...Hall is absolutely phenomenal in this role. Dexter is a man who is putting up a big front to all of those around him; the front of a nice, normal, non-serial killer. More than that, Dexter has a hard time processing emotions, and in fact doubts he even has any genuine feelings. But he knows it's pivotal he fit in, and act the part of a grieving coworker, a caring boyfriend, or whatever the situation calls for. Hall perfectly embodies this man, playing both Dexter and the persona that Dexter himself is playing, while always allowing us to see the dangerous glint underneath the facade Dexter is putting up..." - Explains the actor's role and how successful he is potraying Dexter.
"...The season also charts Dexter's inner journey, as a man who is so sure he has no emotions at all has to process just what it is he does feel about those who are close to him..."
"...There are also a couple of attempts to add layers to police Lt. Laguerta (Lauren Valez) that seem a bit forced, though more interesting moments also occur for her along the way. More accessible are David Zayas's kind-hearted cop Angel, and C.S. Lee as Dexter's colleague, the lovably creepy Masuka..." - The negatives of the series.
"...Overall, this is a show that really clicked in quickly. The 12-episodes tell a very complete and fascinating story about Dexter and the Ice Truck Killer, that lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Interesting steps are taken along the way, such as revealing who the killer is to the audience well before Dexter finds out, and it all pays off very well. And keeping it all working start to finish is Hall, who makes for one of the most charismatic and fascinating portrayals of this type of character since Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. Serial killers are a familiar subject in fiction, but Dexter Morgan already has a spot right at the top of the most memorable." - "Final Word"
Sunday 6 September 2009
Media Representations
The main people who are being represented in the show are the police force, but also white collar workers to a certain extent as well. The show shows the situations that happen in the police force, the drama, intensity etc. While where the protagonist works is almost like an office; appealing to a wider audience.
This represents most white collar workers. There are two main settings; the office is where the protagonist works and the actual police force department, while linked you can tell the difference. Debra Morgan, his sister, works in the police force along with one of his friends Angle Batista. These two actors represent the modern day police force, with a female officer and a Latino detective.
The office representation isn’t accurate and it’s hard to judge it fairly as it caters to one profession despite the variety of people who will actually watch the show. The police force representation is exaggerated to help make the show more interesting, it’s not a fair or accurate representation.
Media Language and Form
The denotative levels are low, where you get some facts in the narrative however most of the levels are connotative, leaving the viewer to get sucked in and try to interpret many of the scenes. This also compared to the target audience; age, class etc. The settings, camera angles and non diagetic sounds help change levels, his voice-overs help the viewer get in the mind of him however everything is from his point of view, if he’s confused we are as well, so while the non diagetic sound of his thoughts are denotative, the fact that we’re following him is denotative.
The non verbal structures are connoted through the mise en scene. The setting always indicates what almost to expect, if it’s public it would be a less serious situation, but at night it would be a serious incident.
The mise en scene is very significant. It helps change the situation completely. While Dexter is a relatable character that is likeable, when he is actually killing someone it looks like a ritual to dramatize the situation making it look sinister. It also helps add tension to any situation as it would be suspiciously isolated. The only work done in terms of commentary is the non diagetic sound which is Dexter Morgan talking. It’s there are the show follows him and we are almost him through the way the show is presented, the voiceover helps get in his head.
The dominant image throughout the show is the fact that Dexter is not only a seriel killer but also a forensic officer. So it's almost as if he has morales when he's killing. It turns him not only to a likeable character but also is presented as a clever and almost good character despite the fact he kills (he only kills bad people).
Narrative:
The narrative is structured chronologically and is split up to two parts of his day; his day life, where he’s an average forensic officer and night life, where he’s a serial killer. They are positioned in the driver seat as they way the story is unfolded and the voice over of Dexter’s thoughts mean that you are almost Dexter. There isn’t an instant where you know something the protagonist knows, so it makes the show deeper. The show steadily creates the hero in Dexter Morgan, as he kills evil people; he’s a likeable family man etc. He is a forensic officer and also a serial killer, a strong sense of irony. Other characters such as Debra, his sister, and his colleges, Batista etc, help Dexter is shown as a hero whereas the fact he kills shows him as an anti hero.
The normal life problem Dexter faces is used to help audiences be able to identify with him, despite the fact that he is a serial killer. He goes through family problems, problems at work etc. He has trouble with his bosses, he doesn’t know who he is etc, help make him a character that the target audience can relate to. The role of the voiceover helps the viewer get in his head and become more involved with the protagonist. The show deals with strong ideologies, morale choices such as; is it okay to kill bad people?
Genre
The tv show is a hybrid of drama mixed in with mystery. The show is a drama with Dexter’s normal life but when it turns to his killing it’s more mystery with thriller. He always, hypocritically, asks his victims why they committed the sin that they did and there’s a revelation. Plus the idea of him being a forensic officer plays in as there are many incidents where he is almost caught. Audience’s expectations are thrown out of the window. Dexter Morgan is a forensic officer by day and by night a serial killer. He’s also ironically represented as a Hero throughout the show by the choices and the fact that the show puts us in his shoes.
Institutions
It’s a show from SHOWTIME, which are known for their mature range of TV shows and award winning shows. The fact that they adapted this kind of text from a novel shows the target audience and what they have expected from Showtime, its aired where it’s made. The source is a commercial institution, it's aired from a cable network in America and it’s shown on FX in the UK, on Sky Digital. It's distributed through TV and DVD, while early episodes available online.
Media Values and Ideology
The main values are that not all institutions are good, there are dark secrets underlying in the police force, even psychologists have secrets. Never judge a book by its cover, in the way that Dexter may be seen as a good guy but at night he kills people.
Media Audiences
The target audiences are late teens-young adults, the average age group who watch Showtime. The show is targeted at them, as it has mature themes, comes on at night etc. It comes on at around 10pm or 11pm. The show has a lot of graphic scenes of nudity and blood, so that would be the time to expect it to come on. It also comes on a Friday night, when the target audience would watch the show. The show is available on ShowTime in USA and FX in the UK; it’s made by Showtime so it’s suited for their audiences etc.
The viewing figures in America are strong at around 5 million per episode, whereas in the UK it’s a mere 200,000 an episode, which connoted the amount of people who would watch it on Sky Digital and the population size. As an audience viewer I find the show entertaining and addictive to watch as it always ends in a cliffhanger.
The main people who are being represented in the show are the police force, but also white collar workers to a certain extent as well. The show shows the situations that happen in the police force, the drama, intensity etc. While where the protagonist works is almost like an office; appealing to a wider audience.
This represents most white collar workers. There are two main settings; the office is where the protagonist works and the actual police force department, while linked you can tell the difference. Debra Morgan, his sister, works in the police force along with one of his friends Angle Batista. These two actors represent the modern day police force, with a female officer and a Latino detective.
The office representation isn’t accurate and it’s hard to judge it fairly as it caters to one profession despite the variety of people who will actually watch the show. The police force representation is exaggerated to help make the show more interesting, it’s not a fair or accurate representation.
Media Language and Form
The denotative levels are low, where you get some facts in the narrative however most of the levels are connotative, leaving the viewer to get sucked in and try to interpret many of the scenes. This also compared to the target audience; age, class etc. The settings, camera angles and non diagetic sounds help change levels, his voice-overs help the viewer get in the mind of him however everything is from his point of view, if he’s confused we are as well, so while the non diagetic sound of his thoughts are denotative, the fact that we’re following him is denotative.
The non verbal structures are connoted through the mise en scene. The setting always indicates what almost to expect, if it’s public it would be a less serious situation, but at night it would be a serious incident.
The mise en scene is very significant. It helps change the situation completely. While Dexter is a relatable character that is likeable, when he is actually killing someone it looks like a ritual to dramatize the situation making it look sinister. It also helps add tension to any situation as it would be suspiciously isolated. The only work done in terms of commentary is the non diagetic sound which is Dexter Morgan talking. It’s there are the show follows him and we are almost him through the way the show is presented, the voiceover helps get in his head.
The dominant image throughout the show is the fact that Dexter is not only a seriel killer but also a forensic officer. So it's almost as if he has morales when he's killing. It turns him not only to a likeable character but also is presented as a clever and almost good character despite the fact he kills (he only kills bad people).
Narrative:
The narrative is structured chronologically and is split up to two parts of his day; his day life, where he’s an average forensic officer and night life, where he’s a serial killer. They are positioned in the driver seat as they way the story is unfolded and the voice over of Dexter’s thoughts mean that you are almost Dexter. There isn’t an instant where you know something the protagonist knows, so it makes the show deeper. The show steadily creates the hero in Dexter Morgan, as he kills evil people; he’s a likeable family man etc. He is a forensic officer and also a serial killer, a strong sense of irony. Other characters such as Debra, his sister, and his colleges, Batista etc, help Dexter is shown as a hero whereas the fact he kills shows him as an anti hero.
The normal life problem Dexter faces is used to help audiences be able to identify with him, despite the fact that he is a serial killer. He goes through family problems, problems at work etc. He has trouble with his bosses, he doesn’t know who he is etc, help make him a character that the target audience can relate to. The role of the voiceover helps the viewer get in his head and become more involved with the protagonist. The show deals with strong ideologies, morale choices such as; is it okay to kill bad people?
Genre
The tv show is a hybrid of drama mixed in with mystery. The show is a drama with Dexter’s normal life but when it turns to his killing it’s more mystery with thriller. He always, hypocritically, asks his victims why they committed the sin that they did and there’s a revelation. Plus the idea of him being a forensic officer plays in as there are many incidents where he is almost caught. Audience’s expectations are thrown out of the window. Dexter Morgan is a forensic officer by day and by night a serial killer. He’s also ironically represented as a Hero throughout the show by the choices and the fact that the show puts us in his shoes.
Institutions
It’s a show from SHOWTIME, which are known for their mature range of TV shows and award winning shows. The fact that they adapted this kind of text from a novel shows the target audience and what they have expected from Showtime, its aired where it’s made. The source is a commercial institution, it's aired from a cable network in America and it’s shown on FX in the UK, on Sky Digital. It's distributed through TV and DVD, while early episodes available online.
Media Values and Ideology
The main values are that not all institutions are good, there are dark secrets underlying in the police force, even psychologists have secrets. Never judge a book by its cover, in the way that Dexter may be seen as a good guy but at night he kills people.
Media Audiences
The target audiences are late teens-young adults, the average age group who watch Showtime. The show is targeted at them, as it has mature themes, comes on at night etc. It comes on at around 10pm or 11pm. The show has a lot of graphic scenes of nudity and blood, so that would be the time to expect it to come on. It also comes on a Friday night, when the target audience would watch the show. The show is available on ShowTime in USA and FX in the UK; it’s made by Showtime so it’s suited for their audiences etc.
The viewing figures in America are strong at around 5 million per episode, whereas in the UK it’s a mere 200,000 an episode, which connoted the amount of people who would watch it on Sky Digital and the population size. As an audience viewer I find the show entertaining and addictive to watch as it always ends in a cliffhanger.
Dexter Show Summary
Based on Jeff Lindsay's novels Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter this crime thriller follows Dexter Morgan. Dexter is a forensic blood spatter expert for the Miami Dade Police Department. He is the main support for his sister. He has a steady girlfriend, with two kids who adore him. He also has an active "night life". Based on a code instilled in him by his foster father, Harry, he hunts down people who have escaped justice and makes sure they don't get away with a crime again
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