Lesson 6 2014

Introduce the second processes of
spectatorship:
1. Alignment
2. Allegiance

Apply the TWO stages of the spectatorship
theory to our focus film “Film Metal Jacket”

You will learn by the numbers I will teach you!

In our exam we must demonstrate how the film
as a whole has an effect on us and not
concentrate on the effects of individual
elements or themes
At first the film focuses on Private Pyle but in
the second half its focus shifts to Joker
We are not analysing the individual characters
or their individual journey’s but the film as a
whole


Once we recognise the characters we align with
them (or at least some of them)
Classical film theory states that alignment is an
involuntary and subconscious action
If we have more access to the point of view and
subjectivity of a character we identify with them –
in the sense of endorsing their behaviour and their
attitudes
It is perfectly possible for a film to align us with the
point of view of a homicidal killer or a robot

We have already established that Kubrick
intentionally makes it difficult to align with anyone
specific character
Loss of identity is established during the opening
sequence
But we should not assume alignment has not taken
place!
If not an individual character, who can we
align with?

What is the function of the Boot Camp sequences?
The boot camp sequence begins with the head
shaving scene and Hartman’s line:
“Here you are all equally worthless!”

These elements are included to
establish the theme of ‘Loss of
Identity’
They also help align the characters
As a result, the spectator also
with the Marine Core Ideology
begins to align with the group

Watch the following sequences and consider the
following questions:
How are the Marines encouraged to
adopt the Core’s ideology?
How are the audience encouraged
to adopt the same view point?


The Marines are shot as a consolidated group
– not as individuals
The mise-en-scene (costumes) reinforce their
unity, as do their actions – completing
obstacles etc
The platoon is shown to develop as a single
entity and are repeatedly shown as a unified
unit
By being denied alignment with one individual,
the spectators are encouraged to align with the
group through repetition, just like the marines –
we share an experience!

Now watch these scenes involving Private Pyle
What function does his character serve to the
Marines and spectators?
How has Kubrick used ‘FORM’ to alter the
audiences’ perception of Pyle


Private Pyle is continually singled out – both
by Hartman (CONTENT) and by the camera
(FORM)
We are repeatedly shown his weaknesses and
are shown reaction shots of the other soldiers
when he fails

Watch the Soap Beating scene and consider
the following:
What is the function of this scene?
Why do the group ‘punish’ Pyle?

Allegiance:
loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or
the like
Allegiance, like alignment is constructed by forces
outside of our control

We are sometimes manipulated into allegiance with
characters whose views are ideologically similar to
ours in the real world
We may also form an allegiance with a character with
Patrick Bateman – even though he is a repulsive
character

Allegiance pertains to the moral evaluation of the
characters by the spectator
Allegiance is another form of ‘identification’ with a
character based on a wide range of external factors
such as attitudes towards:

•Class
•Race
•Nation
•Age
•Ethnicity
•Gender etc

Some people may
identify or experience
‘allegiance’ to Pvt. Pyle
having experienced
similar experiences
themselves


Allegiance may be formed by our understanding of a character’s
motivation or a positive evaluation of their anti-social and anarchic
moral positions
Are we ever provided with the
motivations of Individuals?
Which motivations are we given?
Provide examples from the film to
support your points – consider Joker’s
narration


If we say the spectator is encouraged to align, and give allegiance to
the group, which scene(s) would you say this (allegiance) takes place
in?
Watch the scene between Joker and Cowboy and
consider:
How do the group view Pyle?
How are we encouraged to share the same view
and give ‘allegiance’?


Watch the final scene with Private Pyle and consider the role he plays
in the narrative
How does he encourage allegiance to the group?
In what ways are the spectators, and the ‘group’s
views of Pyle ‘Aligned’?
You must consider FORM AND CONTENT


Ultimately, Pyle’s character is a narrative
device that is used to unite the group
At first we are amused, but as his failures
grow the group begin to see him as a threat

He is seen as a threat to the
group and their unity

To what?

When he fails, they are punished and as
spectators, we share in their punishment – by
viewing the experience
Pyle finally resembles an antagonist and
threat to the group

Log on to the Mac’s and load the Full Metal
Jacket film from
Students – Film – Films – FMJ (Use VLC to
open the file)

Pick a scene or sequence were Joker assists
Pyle in his training
Analyse how Joker and the spectator are
encouraged to view Pyle as a ‘Threat’ to the
group and align with the ‘group’s’ view point


Write an answer to the following exam question:
Most films rely on alignment with a specific character to
generate an emotional response with the audience. How
true is this for Full Metal Jacket?
You must include anlaysis of:
1. ‘Head Shaving’ Scene
2. Boot Camp
3. Private Pyle
4. The Soap beating Scene
5. Joker and Cowboys conversation


Lesson 6 2014

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Lesson 6 2014

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