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I recently caught 500 Days of Summer with my friends. The movie goes like this: Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. Boy believes in love but girl does not. Boy and girl fall in so-called love anyway but at the end of it all, girl marries boy number two. Well, it was not an ending I particularly favoured.
Ever since I started this communication module, it has made me think more about the media objects I take in. I would actually analyze the media object in greater detail and like you can guess, catching a movie like 500 Days of Summer was just not the same like before.
I found myself thinking about what were some of the objectives and communication tactics used behind producing of 500 Days of Summer. Sure, 500 Days of Summer served as a form of entertainment but is there more to it? Was the show trying to warn society of the future dynamics of relationships which could be potentially heartbreaking for most? Or are they hinting at the increasing power and control of women over men?
I felt that the producers had used the agenda setting function to capture the audience’s attention and perhaps seek to raise more awareness on love in the modern world and the changing dynamics of relationships. Given modernization and globalisation, it is inevitable that with it comes changing mindsets too. I felt that Summer (the girl) was representative of the increased freedom that individuals in a “relationship” seek these days. She did not want to have a status with Tom (the boy) and she did not want to think about their future. This definitely showed the contrast between relationships then and now. In the end, she left him for another guy and Tom was left heartbroken. 500 Days of Summer sure portrayed love to be something that was increasing unattainable and complex.
500 Days of Summer also promoted alternatives to relationships. Instead of the traditional marriage, living together and having kids, the movie was the contrary. In the movie, Tom and Summer lived together even before getting married. Also, they did not think and plan for the future unlike most traditional relationships. The show definitely brought to light the changing dynamics of relationships these days such as cohabitation and lack of family planning.
Overall, like any movie, there will bound to be hidden meanings behind the movies. It is only whether we, as audiences, are able to decipher these hidden meanings and judge for ourselves. Movies can certainly influence us but ultimately, we are the ones who make meaning to the movie. Although the movie does not promote love in a positive light, I am still a believer of love. I still believe that there is love out there somewhere sometime and as far as the dynamics of relationships go, why bother so much when two people are in love?
This brings me to the end of my final entry for my communication module. I hope you have enjoyed your journey with me these 7 weeks! Adios!
Great post.
ReplyDeleteBrings out the reality that media is always biased in its communicative agenda.
Someone always controls the media, and someone always determines what is portrayed as good or bad, newsworthy or news-unworthy.
All the best.
You've come a long way, Val. Your analysis has been increasingly sharp and succinct,I did enjoy this journey with you.
ReplyDeleteMedia is so powerful, it does shape a large proportion of our thoughts and decisions. In this fast-paced, commercialised world (in which we are often bombarded with information on everything), what we see is what we think and what we get. In that way, manipulative mass media imprints our minds with exactly what they want us to think. Interesting how we are actually aware of such marketing and mass media tactics, and yet, we allow ourselves to be convinced by them every day.
Maybe some day, you can be the astute marketer or advertiser too, employing these communication concepts and skills. :)
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteI believe in love too!!!! But sometimes love just doesn't happen to everyone. And probably in (500) Days of Summer, such is the case. It offers a view that everyone would rather not choose to believe.
To me, I feel that the objectives of the (500) Days of Summer is simply to offer that view, to be the voice of a person who has lost his belief in fate and destiny. Instead, to perhaps motivate people to take charge of their own destiny especially at the last part when he took the initiative to ask Autumn for a date. Also, that the scriptwriter was simply sharing a story about relationship, though not necessary that of a typical love story.
Of course, Summer represented the new-age girl who was obviously the more domineering party in the relationship. Throughout the movie, I had in mind the whole behavioral theories which you've mentioned earlier in your posts and found it to be very true indeed!
Anyway, I've enjoyed your blog! Thanks Val for the great insights you shared here! Hurray!
HELLO VALLEY!
ReplyDeleteNot surprising but I too believe in love!
I did not read as much as you did after watching the movie. Except for that fact that it was not my way of a happy ending.
However, after reading your post, I too wondered what was going on the the mind of the script writer. It is seldom we get a movie where it isn't the typical happy ending. I feel that situations like should are happening all around us and not only in the movies, just that it hasn't happen to any one i know yet.
With the changing mindsets of how a relationship should be, it is not surprising that couples stay together when they are not married. Just like how the mindsets of many changed from wanting a big family to may be just the two of them, husband and wife.
I came across this statement while reading a book a few days ago, it's along the lines of a marriage being a contract used to prevent people from acting recklessly as a divorce takes up a lot of time, effort and money. Would that be a reason why many chose not to get married but leave with someone else at the end of the day? Just in case they meet someone else better but if they don't their current other half would be their "back up"plan.
Overall, I'm proud to say that I'm a strong believe of love and sometimes we need not think too much but take the day as it comes.
It's been great reading your blog the past few weeks!
love!!
Serena
Hi Val!
ReplyDeleteYou really have a deeper view of movies after taking this coms module! Some of the points you made did not even occur to me!
I do think the movie displays some realistic views on love in the present day. Let's face it, millions of things in the world has changed and relationships are no different.
Aside from modernization and globalization, I think a large part of why the dynamics in relationships has changed is because of the rise in the status of women. In the past, women had no power and no say so they had no choice but to quietly stand behind their man and obey them. In this day and age, however, things have improved drastically. Although we have yet to achieve complete equality, women nowadays, like you mentioned, have more power over men because we can have jobs and our own say in most things now.
I think that there is even a slight role-reversal in this movie as Tom is the one who is all lovey-dovey and gushing about the girl one minute and hating her the next. Perhaps the movie is trying to show how men are becoming more aware of their feelings now? Summer also displays some masculine features of being nonchalant at certain points of time and being the one who is afraid of committing.
Another point I would like to make is that the dynamics of the relationship and alternative relationships may not apply to all countries as the movie is set in the US and they are known to be more liberal. If set in Singapore, the dynamics may be a little different. Also, Summer does get married in the end. So does it really mean that the ideals of love and the expectations of the outcome has changed?
Aww Val I will miss your insightful reads. I really feel that once I've begun my communications module, I tend to "analyze" a movie whenever I watched in, and try to fit in concepts and looking things at the directors point of view and all the hidden meanings within.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an indie film, 500 Days of Summer happens to be one of my favorite shows. At least it isn't the same happy sappy ending as most movies turn out to be. What is best is that it manipulates and tricks the audience into thinking so with the first few scenes, cleverly using non-verbal communication as we attribute to those scenes into the scripts of the cliche happy endings of romantic comedies and bang! it turns out differently.
Also, the director cleverly plays on the character's names. Summer Finn. Fin. Finished! then Autumn comes into play. (I thought that was quite crappy.) Also it uses a clever playlist of good indie tracks to further exude the carefree vibes of this movie, adding on to its "indieness"
The role reversal between Summer and Tom has also shown how relationships these days have evolved whereby each gender do not adhere to their "roles" anymore. Hence I feel that this movie is more real and shouts out more to us.
Morrissey!!!!!
I personally feel Love can't be explained. For Tom, I guessed he was unlucky in the sense that he was the "breaking point" for Summer to understand what's love really meant to her. It was through Tom that she understood what was like to have someone to grow old with. I guessed there will always be someone out there whom is the perfect soulmate for you, you just have to keep searching for them till the day you perish from this complicated world.
ReplyDeleteHi Val,
ReplyDeleteyou have taken a step further than most movie reviews. I think (500) days of summer is a story that most people can probably relate to, unless they are one of those lucky people never to have been on the losing end of the game of love.
I agree the ending is tidy and way too cute, but (500) Days is otherwise a different kind of love story: an honest one that takes a piece out of you.
This movie has actually captured the essence of young relationships in its entirety. Young couples these days have relationships that are very much alike to what Summer and Tom share. Role reversal is apparent, with the females taking the initiative and being more aggressive.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the termination of Summer and Tom's relationship is not unusual. Most people these days simply get bored of one another and just move on.
I feel that the evolution of relationships is pretty good actually. Whoever said that women should not be the one to go after what they fancy? And why waste our time dating someone if we know he's not the one when we can very well be looking for a more suitable partner.
All in all, (500) days of summer was a movie which I enjoyed, and I suppose it is not a love story because love stories usually result in the two protagonists living happily ever after.
I think that the magical thing about movies is that, everytime you watch it, there will be bound to be things that you didn't realise about that actually happened.
ReplyDeletemaybe this movie is an agenda setting function tool that encourages less weddings in USA and more of domestic partnership? maybe in aides for effort for the increase in US divorce rates? could this be part of the govt's subconscious plan to reduce the reputation of their state being high % in marriage rates?
my 2 cents
isaac
http://pitstophere.wordpress.com
Hello Val!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed 500 Days of Summer but it sorta made me sad!
Men and women have very different reasons for being in relationships, and within each gender differs from individual to individual as well. To put it simply, in order for a relationship to be able to succeed, I think both parties have to have a common goal and understanding. If two people have different reasons for being in a relationship, then it is unlikely for the coupling to survive in the long term.
Watching the movie, I realise that both Tom and Summer have different reasons for being together. Tom is the typical romantic guy, while Summer is more or less the opposite (she doesn't really believe in the whole idea of love).
i have not watched 500 days of summer yet, but just from your analysis of the movie, i might just go catch it!
ReplyDeletei believe in love too, and all the happy endings that come with it. haha
however, i feel that most romantic movies will typically have the same ending to them. it is sort of expected from a romance film.
Wow. A pretty good analysis of a movie. Frankly speaking, I don't really think that much during a movie. I just go there for entertainment or just to pass time.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have not seen the movie but from what you have described, I can gather that it is basically a typical love story except that the roles are kinda reversed and that there is a twist to the end. But I suppose the director has done his/her job in portraying this 'new' type of idea to the public.
Hey val! I havent caught the movie yet and i dont think i will, but i personally feel that in today's media, there are many things that producers and writers try to imply through hidden messages. My most often consumed form of media is Music, and a very good example of hidden meanings in songs come from the politically enraged rock band System of A Down.
ReplyDeleteAs talented as they are, these men dont write their songs like the average musician would, and most of their songs talk about the government, and other issues like sex and drugs. The only thing is, you have to read between the lines in order to get these messages otherwise it will just sound like rubbish. I dont exactly know what is their agenda in writing songs this way besides it being a gimmick, but whatever it is, they are still an awesome rock band!
Hi Val,
ReplyDeleteBefore i begin, great entry! Truly, taking communications makes me more aware of media texts as well as interpersonal relationships. Movies often act as a medium to entertain, educate, and also to subtly address/point out the changing phenomena around the world. Like you have mentioned, one issue addressed in 500 days of summer is the liberalization of societal norms and values. Great that you evaluated the producer's intention of the movie to point that out.
The producer is thus dramatizing an unconventional story line where the female protagonist, Summer, takes on the role of the unserious partner, normally portrayed by men in real life. This is a possible evolution of the individualistic culture where women no longer conform to the stereotype of being subservient and passive. In this case, the female protagonist is the heartbreaker.
I like it when you questioned if the show was trying to warn society of the changing dynamics of relationships that geared towards those of heartbreak. It questions the ideal and gives reality its full frontal view. Shows like this are not meant to create another dream-like perception of love, but to address the current situation of whether love and monogamy truly exists in the growing liberality of society. Unconventional movies are always thought provoking and relatable. Really interesting read!
Reply to Wilfred Chua:
ReplyDeleteHey Wilfred!
Yeah, sadly, the media can be quite biased in its communicative agenda at times. I guess money makes the world go round huh?
The gatekeepers of the media industry have a great influence on what we hear and receive as readers because they get to choose what comes out in the media. However, being educated individuals these days, we are also able to dictate for ourselves whether or not to be influenced by the media's views and we are even able to source for alternative media sources on our own!
Thank you!(:
Reply to Hilda:
ReplyDeleteHi Hilda!
It is nice to hear that you have enjoyed this seven-week journey with me(:
Definitely, the media can be powerful and manipulative. However, we have a part to play in creating meaning to a media text too. We choose whether we want to believe what we hear and see through our own knowledge and experiences. I guess at times, even though we are aware of the media's intentions, we still buy into it because they are very effective at persuasion.
Thank you for being such an active participant in my seven-week COM101 blog journey!(:
Reply to Jasmine:
ReplyDeleteHi Jasmine!
Yeah I guess there is a difference between believing in love and whether love happens to the believer or not!
We can never be sure of what the objectives of the producers of the show was but those sure are possibilites! It is definitely not a typical love story, perhaps showing us how time, together with love and relationships have changed over time.
I am glad you enjoyed my entries! I wish you all the best for your future endeavours!(:
Reply to Serena:
ReplyDeleteHey Serena!
I have to agree with you that it is not my idea of a happy ending too but like I mentioned to Jasmine, it could possibly signal a change in love and relationships over the years!
You have certainly pointed out some of the modern mindsets people of this age adopt such as cohabitation and marriage without the children!
Well, as to your question, I think it is very sad if it really happens in reality. How would you feel if you were the "back up" plan? I am sure no one in that position would feel good! Maybe it is about one being contented with what one has and deciding to stick with that one person no matter what happens! In reality, however, I am sure it is not as easy and simple as that. Oh well, love is so complicated and hard to comprehend huh?
Whatever the case, I am glad you have your own set of beliefs and I wish you all the best in attaining them!(:
Reply to sundaytv:
ReplyDeleteHello there!
Yup this COM101 module has certainly made me more knowledgeable!
Like you mentioned, let us all face it, love and relationships are just not the same as before! Modernization, globalisatio and the rising status of women are some of the factors that could have possibly fuelled this change, like you mentioned.
Kudos to you on picking out the reversal of roles in today's societies! Men are no longer seen as being unaware of their feelings and women are no longer seen as the lovey dovey, emotional type!
Yes, one very important thing that we have to remember when we watch movies is to note where the movie originates from because like you mentioned, some things mentioned might not be applicable in different context. Although alternative relationships and changing dynamics of relationships are not as common as in the US, it is definitely occuring in Singapore as well, albeit to a much smaller extent.
Well, I think that in the past, the general ideal was to get married and start a family. Now, this is still the general ideal I feel but it is definitely slowly being replaced by alternatives. So, I think that ideals and expectations are definitely changing! Afterall, like we both feel, things are just not the same as before(:
Reply to Cheryl:
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl!
Yes I am happy that I took up this course as I am enjoying this COM101 module! I know you are too!(:
You sure are an avid indie fan, seeing your commendable knowledge on indie and its indieness! Haha
I never realized anything about the use of the names until you mentioned it. Plus, the indie soundtracks too! You are definitely my indie queen Cheryl!
Yup, this show is definitely real as it shows us that not every love story has a happy ending, which is what most of us are made to believe from young from fairy tales!
Glad you enjoyed the show and my entries! Take care!(:
Reply to kontactkester:
ReplyDeleteHello there!
I agree with you that love cannot be explained too! Perhaps that is why there is always no right or wrong to movies on love like this! It is just a matter or whether we subscribe to their idea of love or not(:
I sure hope to find that soulmate one day! All the best to you too!(:
Reply to Danielle:
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle!
Taking up this COM101 module has enabled me to do so! In fact, anyone can do it with a little more research into the topic!
There are many different kinds of love stories out there and this is just one of them! I hope that you will get to find the kind of love you want Danielle! All the best!(:
Reply to Adeline:
ReplyDeleteHey Adeline!
I agree with you that the movie can be a story that captures the essence of young relationships, although not necessarily everything about young relationships.
The evolution of relationships see women taking a more active role in relationships and like you, I feel that there is nothing wrong with this. After all, if we ourselves do not fight for our own happiness, who is going to do it for us?
In the beginning of the show, they actually said that this is not a love a story but a story about love. I guess it all depends on how and what one views as a love story. Definitely no right or wrong in my opinion! Glad you enjoyed the movie too anyhow!(:
Reply to pithosphere:
ReplyDeleteHey Isaac!
Yes, I agree with you! Somehow, when you watch a movie more than once, there will always be things in there which you never observed previously huh?(:
Like I mentioned to one of my readers above, we can never be too sure of what the objectives of the producers are unless we are the producers themselves. Thus, it is open to interpretation and we are the ones who make that interpretation. Glad you have some ideas on that!(:
Take care!
Reply to ghostwiththemost:
ReplyDeleteHey!
I am sorry if you had a rough time from watching it!
Anyway, I second you on your opinion on having similiar goals and understanding for a successful relationship. If two partner's reasons for being together clashes, it is highly probable that it would not work out in the long run.
Thus, it is important for us to communicate effectively to find out whether we have similar goals and understanding in order to avoid being in a relationship that is not viable(:
Reply to Christina:
ReplyDeleteHey Christina!
You should go catch 500 Days of Summer, if it is still out! If not, you could rent the DVD when it comes out! It is a movie that is worth watching!
You will find that although it does not have a typical ending like most shows have involving relationships, it is also very applicable to today's society!
Enjoy the movie if you happen to catch it!(:
Reply to AM:
ReplyDeleteHey!
I used to watch movies just for pure entertainment too in the past too. Now, however, I cannot help but think of the communication theories I learn about in class when I watch movies too! Haha
Anyway, you roughly got the main idea of the movie. However, if you want to really know about the details, go catch it for yourself! Enjoy!(:
Reply to J-max:
ReplyDeleteHey J-max!
Why would you not want to catch the movie? Anyhow, I second you on the part where you mention about hidden messages in movies and music alike.
I can see you are an avid fan of music huh! Like music, movies also have a storyline and message that they want to get across! Also, they have different ways of getting those messages across.
I wish you all the best in you music!(:
Reply to Amadea:
ReplyDeleteHi Amadea!
Thank you for your compliment and I am glad that you are continuously learning from this COM101 module like I am too!
Truly, it is an unconventional movie. I like your point on the movie being a possible evolution of a individualistic society, evident from Summer having her own set of ideas and pursuing it, even though it differs from the norm.
Evidently, we can also see the rising power of women in relationships and thus, the changing dynamics of relationships perhaps.
Movies with unconventiional storylines definitely brings out alot of debates and questions that society is not able to give a definite answer to. I think most of the times, they want to bring our attention to the issues taking place around us and perhaps give our own interpretations of reality.
Anyhow, I am glad you found both the movie and my entry interesting! Take care!(: