MIGRAIN: structuralism

Alezey

STRUCTURALISM

PART 1 : Media Factsheet reading

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?

Binary oppositions are pairs of opposite ideas, like good vs evil or creation vs destruction, that help create contrast and meaning. They are important because they build tension and make the message clearer for the audience by showing two sides of an issue or theme

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

Genre and auteur theory link to structuralism because they both look at the patterns and structures found in media texts. Structuralist genre theory focuses on common features like storylines, character types, and visual styles. Auteur theory also connects because it looks at the recurring themes and techniques a director uses in their films. Both show how meaning is made through familiar and repeated patterns instead of just one individual text.

4) What is post-structuralism?

Post-structuralism is the idea that media texts don’t have one fixed meaning, and that audiences create their own interpretations based on personal experiences, culture, and beliefs. It focuses on how external factors influence meaning rather than just the structures within the text itself.

5) What is your own opinion on this theory? Do you agree that we use established structures to understand the media (such as narrative and genre) or is the power now with audiences in a digital, post-structuralist media landscape? 

I think we still use structures like genre and narrative to understand media, but audiences have more power now, with social media and online platforms, people share their own opinions and interpretations, which can change how media is seen. So, while traditional structures still matter, audiences now play a bigger role in shaping meaning.

 

PART 2 : The Mitchells vs The Machines analysis

structuralist:

The trailer follows familiar conventions of the animated family adventure genre. It presents an ordinary American family facing a major crisis that forces them to work together, following a clear structure with moments of conflict and action. Each family member represents a recognisable character type, such as the creative teenager, the overprotective parent, and the comic side characters. The trailer uses binary oppositions like human vs machine to create tension and meaning. Enigma codes keep the audience engaged by building curiosity about how the situation will develop and how they will save the world from the robots, while action codes appear in chase and battle scenes that drive the story forward. The use of bright colours, editing, and humour reflects typical genre conventions, helping the audience easily identify the story’s themes and tone. From this perspective, the trailer’s meaning is shaped through these  patterns and codes that guide how the audience understands it.

post-structuralist:

The trailer challenges traditional storytelling by mixing different genres and using a fast-paced editing style. Instead of having one clear meaning, it lets viewers come up with their own interpretations- meaning it is polysemic. The combination of doodle-style animation, glitch effects, and meme-like humour reflects modern digital culture and shows how media has changed to connect with online audiences. These elements break away from traditional animation and make the story feel more playful and self-aware. The trailer also features floating signifiers, like screens, robots, and family relationships, which can be understood in different ways depending on the viewer’s own experiences. Overall, the trailer from a post-structuralist approach, gives viewers the power to decide what the story represents and how it relates to modern life and technology.