THE SIMPSONS
The Simpsons is an comedic animated series created by Matt Groening. Since the launch of the show on 17th december 1989. The show has broadcast 25 series and 540 episodes. On the 30th september 2013, the 25th series began. In America, the show is shown on FOX and in the U.K, it is broadcasted on Channel 4 and Sky 1. The Simsons consists of a middle class family. The family consists 5 main characters, which are Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie. It has been that successful, that they commissioned a feature length film, which was released in 2007 and grossed $527 million. It has won dozens of awards since it debuted as a series, including 27 Primetime Emmy Awards, 30 Annie Awards and a Peabody Award. Homer's exclamatory catchphrase "D'oh!" has been adopted into the English language, while The Simpsons has influenced many adult-oriented animated sitcoms.
This is how The Simpsons first appeared to the world
which was on the Tracey Ullman Show (in the US).
This is how the world sees them now
after 25 series and 540 episodes.
Codes and Conventions
limited characters - Within the Simpsons, there is a handful of main characters. The Simpsons family consists of 5 main characters, which are Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie Simpson. this is known as multi strand media.
Limited sets - The Simpsons have 3 main limited sets, which are the household of the Simpsons, the chemical plant and the church. In all the episodes, they are always in 1 of the 3 rooms. Using limited sets makes the sitcom seem more homely.
One Liner - A one liner is usually a throw away remark which is mainly used in a modern sitcom. The one liner joke is made in one sentence and is often observational to an event that has just happened for example in the Simpsons when Homer does something wrong he would use the one liner ‘D’oh!’
Linear Narrative - Linear narrative is where it is about everyday life then something happens which they have to solve to change the equilibrium and then the problem is sorted but it isn’t the same. this is so people can just dip in to the Simpsons whenever they want and they know the story.
Catchy Theme Tune - Sitcoms always start with an opening theme tune, bread uses a catchy theme tune at the beginning which would get into your head and would help the audience recognise the program. below is the video of The Simpsons theme tune.
Narrative Structure
Within all aspects of media, there is a narrative structure. wheather it be in a Newspaper, Television, Films or Photography.
The narrative structure constists of :
- Circular - Nothing really changes, characters return to their original state by the end. an example of this would be Mission Impossible 3.
- Single Strand - The narrative focuses up on one central character. an example of this would be The Book Of Eli.
- Multi Strand - The narrative focuses up on a group of central characters. an example of this would be The Simpsons
- Open - The storyline continues beyond the end of the episode. an example of this would be Eastenders.
- Closed - The storyline is resolved when the film or episode finishes. an example of this would again be The Simpsons.
- Linear - The narrative unfolds in a chronological order. an example of this would be Coronation Street.
- Non Linear - The narrative does not progress in a chronological order. flashbacks are used. an example of this would be CSI: Miami.
Mise en scene is french for putting on stage. it is where you are creating a setting for a scene in a production. you need to relay visual information to the audience about setting (Time & Place) and Characters. below i will explain each of the elements and how it relates to The Simpsons.
Mise en Scene is made up of 5 main elements, which are as follows:
- Setting and Props - Most of The Simpsons is set in their house, which is in Springfield.
- Costume, hair, make-up
- Body language and Facial expressions
- Lighting and Colour
- Positioning characters and objects within the frame (Shot Selection etc.)
Depending on the episode, the set changes from their house to the chemical plant and Mr Burns' Mansion. So this means that whenever they change set, they will have to change the props. this is so you don't have a kitchen table at homers' desk at the power plant.
Within The Simpsons, they have very distinctive individuality within their costume, hair and makeup. Homer is obese and bald and has a white shirt and blue trousers. Marge is tall and thin. she also has a big blue stack of hair. she wears a long green dress. Lisa is smart and musical. she has spiky hair and wears a short red dress. Bart is mischievous and sporty. he has short spiky hair and wears a red top and blue shorts. Maggie is sweet but deceptive. she has long spiky hair like lisa and wears a blue onesie.
Representation
Within the Simpsons, the comedy comes from negative stereotypes. this is because the make fun out of all faith and beliefs.
Also with in the Simpson, there are factors of representation, in which the main ones are as follows
- Gender - Homer - male - masculine, strong. typical american dad, booze, work and lazy. whereas Marge is sensitive and emotional. typical american mother stays at home, looks after kids and does housework.
- Age - Mr Burns/grandpa - old, grumpy and always angry. on the other hand you have Bart and Lisa who are young happy and always having a typical sister/brother relationship.
- Ethnicity - christians - Ned Flanders and family - always go to church and never practically put a foot wrong. whereas you have Hinduism(i think) - Apu and family - owns Kwik-E-Mart
- Disability - I don't think that there are any disabled people within the Simpsons
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