Applying theory: do's and don'ts
Using media theory accurately and appropriately is one of the most effective ways to write a sophisticated response and to push your grade to the highest possible level. However, there are a few pitfalls you have to be aware of.
Don’t refer to the theory simply by the name of the theorist
Eg “Alvarado theory” or “Todorov’s theory”
The issue here is that Media theorists tend to come up with more than one theory over their careers! Todorov in for example has written extensively on narrative structure in film and literature. So saying something like “the Todorov narrative structure” really isn’t very helpful!
A better way to phrase this could be “Alvarado’s investigation in to ethnic stereotypes is useful here, as…” or
“Todorov’s analysis of narrative equilibrium cannot be so easily applied to Skyfall, however.”
Don’t assume a theory is infallible
In order to push towards the higher grades, you will have to evaluate the effectiveness of a theory. You could even completely disagree with a teacher on how useful a theory is. As long as you can adequately back up your response, this can be your ticket to particularly high grades
Eg “though the male gaze has many applications, it becomes less useful when we realise that the primary audience for modern mainstream horror cinema is young women. Clearly, we need to consider different ways in which pleasure can be derived from such texts. One powerful example is…”
Don’t just add ‘theory’ to the end of words
Though Richard Dyer wrote extensively on representation, there is really no such thing as ‘representation theory’. Likewise with the terms ideology, hegemony, sexualisation etc etc etc. If in doubt, try to leave out the word theory.
Eg “Dyer suggested that the ways in which groups are represented can effect how they are treated in every day life. This has implications for the representation of ethnic minorities in in LA Confidential”
Don't try and cram a theory in if you do not need it
Possibly the most important tip here is that it is not always appropriate to include a theory in every paragraph. Perhaps your textual analysis is so strong that trying desperately to include Gerbner's cultivation theory is not the best idea, even if you were up until 1am revising it. The last post before this one contains an excellent example of a paragraph plan than does not include a theory, and it really doesn't need one. Remember, especially in A2, the most important aspect of your response is the strength and conviction of your argument.