Media Studies

Who directed Superman (1978)?

Richard Donner

How much did Superman make at the box office?

Around $300 million worldwide

What societal fears did Superman reflect?

Cold War nuclear fears and political instability.

How did Superman reassure audiences?

By showing a perfect, moral hero who always wins — providing hope rather than fear.

What tagline was used to market Superman and what does it show?

“You’ll believe a man can fly” — profit was built on aspiration, awe, and escapism rather than trauma.

Who directed Spider-Man (2002)?

Sam Raimi.

How much did Spider-Man make at the box office?

Around $825 million worldwide.

How did 9/11 shape the film’s (Spider-Man) release?

Twin Towers were removed from trailers; New York’s grief and resilience became central.

What iconic scene reflects post-9/11 unity?

New Yorkers throw debris at Green Goblin and yell “You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!”

How did audiences relate to Peter Parker?

He was an ordinary teen turned reluctant hero — reflecting America’s need for responsibility and resilience.

How does Uses & Gratifications apply? (Spider-Man)

Audiences sought escapism from grief and personal identity through Spider-Man’s struggles.

Who directed The Dark Knight (2008)?

Christopher Nolan.

How much did The Dark Knight make at the box office?

Over $1 billion worldwide.

How does the Joker represent post-9/11 fears?

He symbolises terrorism: irrational, chaotic, and impossible to control.

What real-world issue does Batman’s surveillance tech mirror?

NSA spying and the Patriot Act after 9/11.

What moral dilemma does the film (The Dark Knight) raise?

How far should society go to protect itself from terror?

How does Uses & Gratifications apply here? (The Dark Knight)

Audiences gratified surveillance (seeking insight) into terrorism and personal identity with Batman’s moral struggles.

Who directed The Avengers (2012)?

Joss Whedon.

How much did The Avengers make at the box office?

About $1.5 billion worldwide.

How does the alien invasion reflect post-9/11 fears?

Evokes 9/11 imagery (collapsing buildings, chaos in New York) but turns it into spectacle.

How does the film (The Avengers) differ from The Dark Knight in tone?

Light, humorous, team-focused; reassures audiences instead of confronting moral dilemmas.

What message does The Avengers send about global threats?

“Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” — unity and teamwork can solve crises.

How does Uses & Gratifications apply here? (Avengers)

Provides escapism through action and humour, and social integration by creating a global Marvel fan culture.

Why is the superhero genre so profitable in fearful times?

Because audiences actively seek reassurance and resolution through superhero narratives.

Superhero film formula:

Introduce existential threat, insert hero, provide emotional closure. Repeat.

According to Blumler & Katz, what gratifications do superhero films offer?

Escapism, personal identity, social integration, and surveillance (insight).