Migrain:Structuralism

 1) What is the definition of structuralism provided by the Factsheet? 

Structuralism is a theoretical perspective that emphasises the

existence of universal structures underlying the surface

differences and assumed randomness of various cultures, stories

and media texts. For example, this theory suggests that there are

‘structures’ inherent in narratives so patterns can be observed

even across texts that appear to be unconnected.

2) What are binary oppositions and why are they important?

Levi-Strauss argued that the way in which ideas are represented in

thought and language often takes the form of binary oppositions,

which is evident in the above kinship relations as husband / wife,

parent / child.Levi-Strauss saw language as an important aspect of culture because

it allows people to categorise and represent objects and ideas with

symbols. The way that ideas are represented in human thought and

language usually takes the form of binary opposites such as life /

death or light / dark. For example, in his 1969 work The Raw and the

3) How do genre and auteur theory link to structuralism?

Similarly, auteur theory looks for patterns in the films made by the

same directors (who are seen as ‘authors’ of the films).particular narrative structures such as the ‘rise and fall’ structure

in gangster films

• character relationships such as the male and female coming

together in rom-coms despite all the odds against them

• visual iconographies ( props, costumes, locations, settings,

lighting) such as low-key lighting in horror films and settings

such as haunted houses, grave yards and remote places

 

4) Look at page 4 of the factsheet. What is post-structuralism?

Post-structuralism challenges a good deal of the

arguments that were posited within structuralism, particularly the notion that a media text has a single and identifiable meaning. Within this

perspective, the idea of ‘auteur’ or author is played down, as is any fixed meaning within a text.

5)my opinion of the theory is that now they think post-structuralism is useful in media because it helps unpack hidden meanings, power dynamics, and how audiences interpret media differently. It challenges the idea that media has one fixed message or truth, which reflects how diverse and complex modern media actually is.

The mitchells vs the machines

 strucularism- from a structuralist perspective, The Mitchells vs. The Machines trailer follows familiar narrative and genre conventions. It combines the classic family road trip comedy with a sci-fi “robots-take-over-the-world” storyline. Characters fit recognisable roles: the quirky teen protagonist (Katie), the old-fashioned, technophobic dad, and a lovable but dysfunctional family. The narrative structure is typical set-up, disruption, and eventual resolution—with emotional themes of family bonding, generational conflict, and self-discovery. Visually, it uses bright, fast-paced animation common in family adventure films.

post structualrismcontrast, a post-structuralist reading reveals how the trailer challenges traditional structures. It blends animation styles with doodles, meme references, and social media visuals, reflecting YouTube and internet culture. Katie, as a filmmaker, represents a media-savvy generation, and the film mirrors her chaotic, creative perspective. The trailer plays with expectations—robots are threatening but also funny, and there’s no single “right” viewpoint. It encourages the audience to interpret meaning through their own digital experiences, highlighting how media today is fragmented, self-aware, and shaped by its viewers.