The document discusses various theories related to how audiences may interpret and be influenced by films, using Star Wars: The Force Awakens as an example. It covers the hypodermic needle theory, two-step flow theory, uses and gratifications perspective, and desensitization theory. It also addresses legal and ethical considerations around representations of race, gender, age, and sexuality in the film as well as censorship rules from the BBFC that can impact how films are made.

1. DISNEY: LEGAL & ETHICAL, REGULATORYBODIES
THEORY/EFFECT EXPLAIN WHAT THIS IS CAN THIS BE AN EFFECT
THAT THE FORCE AWAKENS
HAS ON AN AUDIENCE?
HOW?
HYPODERMIC NEEDLE
THEORY
The viewers are injected with
ideas and information in such
a way that they don’t process
or question it, they are
completely passive.
It cannot as it has been
outdated, and the general
public are now aware of fake
news and how to identify it.
The public are also aware of
what is real or otherwise.
TWO STEP FLOW Opinion leaders will gain
information from the media
and decide which info they
will pass on.
This no longer is from large
government organisations.
However, due to the
introduction of social media,
Abrams was able to influence
fans about the new film
before the trailer came out.
USES AND GRATIFICATIONS Diversion, i.e. entertainment.
Personal relationships.
Personal identity.
Surveillance and Information.
Audiences would be likely to
use the film as a distraction
from everydaylife and thus
use it for entertainment and
learn new theories about the
world.
DESENSITISATION Over time, more exposure to
violence and action leads to
less reactions.
This film uses a lot of
violence which may distress
some viewers. This would
most likely distress older
audiences due to the amount
of violence in the media
compared to when they were
growing up.
WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF THE FORCE AWAKENS ON AN AUDIENCE?
There are relatable characters who can act as role models for younger generations. It shows
how teamwork works to improve people’s lives.
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE FORCE AWAKENS ON AN AUDIENCE?
The amount of violence can help dull audience sensitivity, and thus cause more violence in
the world, due to it being perceived as “okay”.
WHO/WHAT IS BEING
REPRESENTED
WHY HAS THE
INSTITUTION
REPRESENTED THEM IN
THAT WAY
WOULD THIS BE
CONSIDERED A POSITIVE
OR NEGATIVE
REPRESENTATION-
EXPLAIN
Race Finn represents black culture
and he has been represented
as strong and admirable.
It would be a positive
representation, to help
eradicate racism. It shows

2. that all people are willing to
help.
Gender Rey shows a strong female
lead to prove that girls can be
heroes too.
Positive. It reduces the
stigma that only boys are
strong and that girls are weak
and helpless.
Age Older generations are able to
keep up with the youth. Old
people can still lead active,
healthy lifestyles.
Positive, reduction of strain
on health services in later
years
Sexuality Due to the amount of
different species throughout
star wars, sexuality has been
represented as very diverse.
Through the use of different
creatures showing fondness
towards each other, star wars
displays a freedom to be with
whoever you want.
This would be considered as
a positive view, due to the
fact that we as a civilisation
are developing our views
about sexuality to be more
accepting of people. This film
helps introduce it to people
without being too indiscreet
and offending people.
Does the film provide typical mainstream representations or does it offer something that
challenges society?
Its racial diversity challenges how people live currently, showing many different groups of
people and ‘races’ living happily next to one another.
What are the current debates in society regarding representation that could be related to
the film?
Females aren’t necessarily represented as strong figureheads in society and so this is
challenged in the force awakens by having Rey as the lead character.
LEGAL Explain the issue: Example in relation to THE
FORCE AWAKENS
Discrimination: Different groups may be
represented in a negative
view.
In the force awakens there is
a lot of representation for
different “races”. There is
also a black lead character.
Copyright: Other parties may try to
recreate or copy the film,
or they may make
reference to other things.
The music they use
throughout may be used in
other productions and so
they would need to copyright
it and give permission.
ETHICAL –Offensive material Explain the issue: Example in relation to THE
FORCE AWAKENS
Violence/sex/language: Violence can influence
audiences to act more
violently in their lives or
The force awakens includes
violence but it’s always
portrayed as wrong

3. else, it could limit their
attention to it and so more
violence would go
unnoticed. Sex and
language can be
detrimental to how children
learn.
afterwards. There is no use
of any bad language, and
sex is not represented at all.
Children: Children may be tempted
to watch films that are too
mature.
Children may try to replicate
the lightsaber scenes and
end up hurting themselves
or others.
HOW DO THE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS HAVE AN EFFECT UPON THE MAKING OF THE
FORCE AWAKENS?
The censor of violence, sex and language means that star wars have to cater for children and
can’t direct the franchise directly at adults. This also means that any fight scenes need to be
kept appropriate for younger audiences, limiting what they can do with the film.
BBFC
Who are the BBFC?
British board of film classification
What role does the BBFC perform?
They make sure content is appropriate for certain ages and help make that age
accessible to the public.
Why does the BBFC exist?
To help protect younger audiences from anything that may make them uncomfortable.
What rules does the BBFC set that have to be followed by film institutions?
Films must be classified by an authority approved by state.
HOW DO THESE RULES HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT UPON HOW A FILM IS MADE?
EXAMPLE 1: (LEGAL)
If the film is not up to their standard, it may not be able to be distributed.
EXAMPLE 2: (ETHICAL)
Films are limited to a certain amount of violence that they can show.