Indicative Content - What Examiners Expect to See Mentioned
TASK: Read through the following information in regards to an examiner's report on an exam question. Add any content you consider to be important to your notes and anything you are unsure of: research e.g.: the Watergate scandal / "Star Wars" (Reagan).
Stranger Things:
The accuracy of depiction (realism) of 80s America may come into question as the series is more of a homage/tribute to cinema and
the Spielberg cinematic universe and may appeal to two distinct audiences (nostalgic and contemporary).
The show brings in modern representational subversions to counter the truth of 80s America, e.g. Joyce is a single parent
mother holding together a family through working, her ability to influence Hopper to look for Will; Nancy subverts cultural and
social codes and conventions, possibly to show degree of fourth-wave feminism which is embraced in modern society today
and appeal to modern audiences: she anti-stereotypically excels at science while still fitting stereotypes of teenage girl
(reflecting theories such as Gauntlett), hence role is somewhat atypical for genre; the androgynous Eleven and the fluidity of
gender which may be recognisable by modern audiences.
Episode one representations are largely shaped by nostalgic exploration of what America was like socially in 1980s, mirroring
traditional family values (nuclear family, picket fences, green lawns, etc.) and pressures of gender relations coming under
strain as traditional ideological systems were being challenged.
Culturally referencing 80s films which may have improved levels of realism due to advances in technology (modern SFX
budgets) which may offer audiences new experiences/enhanced readings.
Episode shows influence of social anxieties about consequences of scientific experimentation (Reagan’s “Star Wars”) as well
as post-Watergate mistrust of government/authority – some link to representations of the real and what is stereotyped to fit
the genre; “conspiracy theory” elements codified through use of shadowy, sinister agents has global recognition for
international audiences (used to being positioned as Americans); suggests all-powerful secret state still mirrored in modern
ideological systems regarding trust in authority.
Codes and conventions perhaps deliberately stereotyped for intertextual effect rather than accurately reflecting reality of the
time – to recreate the world of 1980s films – this may suggest more polysemic reading and invite historical comparison to
other famous cultural and media texts by audiences.
Episode reflects continuing success of streaming services such as Netflix, who need to maintain their brand with innovative
and original programming and therefore integrate high end production values to support their ideological business model in
favour of simply reflecting reality/normality. Thus, appealing to a range of audiences with different cultural capital