MEST1 Documentary: Life is but a dream

As you watch the trailer, consider how the codes and conventions of documentary are used to present Beyonce. Remember that Beyonce is the executive producer, co-director and co-writer of this and so the final product is what she wants us to see. Do you think everyone receives this text in the same way? How does the narrative follow Todorov's theory of disequilibrium and equilibrium? Does Beyonce do this intentionally to captivate the audience?

Here's an interview with Beyonce about the documentary - remember that by doing this interview for the HBO website she is promoting her moving image documentary by using e-media to connect with potential viewers. Beyonce also discusses the creation of the documentary and the editing process- she is very aware of how various things could affect the way she is represented and her particular 'brand'.

Another example of Beyonce's media savvy ways is the tumblr account which was set up on the arrival of her daughter, Blue Ivy. This allows her fans a sneak peek into her life but the information and pictures they are shown is selected. The same is true with her Instagram account which Beyonce has used to promote her fashion house and her recent appearance at the Superbowl.

Time to watch the documentary itself and see what you make of it. Compare it to Rihanna and Cheryl Cole's documentaries - Are they constructed differently? Do they promote the same messages or ideals?

Watch it here on I Player

Now for some reading!  There are various articles about the documentary, some of them not so complimentary. Have a read to gather some information and see if they affect what you thought of the documentary on your first viewing.

The New Yorker
The Independent (ignore the final paragraph about James May!)
The Guardian

Print platform: You should be able to analyse print products confidently using MIGRAIN now. 

Basic notes would look like this:

Colours: Grey and white suggesting a serious or honest tone.

Simplistic font with a short tag-line 'In her own words' again suggesting that this is Beyonce's chance to 'speak' to her fans and get her side of the story across.

Beyonce (the subject) is positioned to the right of the poster which creates enigma codes as she glances at the title and the audience cannot tell what the documentary might reveal. She is pictured with minimal make-up and natural hair which again signifies that Beyonce is someone the audience can relate to personally but perhaps also aspire to.

It could be suggested that the gold chain is a nod to her r'n'b 'roots' and also suggestive of her link to rapper Jay-Z.

Make sure you are collating all of your documentary notes over Easter and that you will be able to refer to all three platforms in an extended exam answer. Mock exam time soon!