Dominant Ideology in Gina Price-Blythewood’s Beyond the Lights
Director Gina Price-Blythewood’s Beyond the Lights operates within the context of a romance-drama, but alongside the given genre precepts is an analysis of dominant ideologies. Noni, the female protagonist, learns early on that to become a superstar, she cannot remain authentic. She adopts a false image that satisfies the consumer, media and the industry. Moviegoers know this story; a rags-to-riches beauty falls to the perils of fame and success, only to be saved by a male love interest. Price-Blythewood does not stray far from the script, but she takes the opportunity to critique the world her characters navigate. She presents the failings of capitalism, consumer and gender ideology, especially in regards to women. Her film falls in line with category e of Jean-Louis Comolli and Jean Narboni’s article; if the viewer strays from the overt love story, they find a discussion on persisting ideologies which almost destroy Noni.
Noni is enslaved to the demands of a capitalist society. She changes her image and …show more content…
After saving her from her suicide attempt, he becomes her literal and emotional bodyguard, constantly implying that Noni needs to get help. If the ideology were to persist, Noni would rely on Kaz’s guidance just as she does with her mother. But it is here where the film decides to allow Noni to claim her identity- she leaves Kaz, stands up to her record company, fires her mother, and begins to live life on her terms. The final sequence leaves moviegoers satisfied that Noni has regained her life and her love interest, but it is almost too hopeful. The reality is that Noni’s ability to turn things around makes her a fortunate anomaly, which brings the film’s title into play: just who gets beyond the lights with so many obstacles in the
Director Gina Price-Blythewood’s Beyond the Lights operates within the context of a romance-drama, but alongside the given genre precepts is an analysis of dominant ideologies. Noni, the female protagonist, learns early on that to become a superstar, she cannot remain authentic. She adopts a false image that satisfies the consumer, media and the industry. Moviegoers know this story; a rags-to-riches beauty falls to the perils of fame and success, only to be saved by a male love interest. Price-Blythewood does not stray far from the script, but she takes the opportunity to critique the world her characters navigate. She presents the failings of capitalism, consumer and gender ideology, especially in regards to women. Her film falls in line with category e of Jean-Louis Comolli and Jean Narboni’s article; if the viewer strays from the overt love story, they find a discussion on persisting ideologies which almost destroy Noni.
Noni is enslaved to the demands of a capitalist society. She changes her image and …show more content…
After saving her from her suicide attempt, he becomes her literal and emotional bodyguard, constantly implying that Noni needs to get help. If the ideology were to persist, Noni would rely on Kaz’s guidance just as she does with her mother. But it is here where the film decides to allow Noni to claim her identity- she leaves Kaz, stands up to her record company, fires her mother, and begins to live life on her terms. The final sequence leaves moviegoers satisfied that Noni has regained her life and her love interest, but it is almost too hopeful. The reality is that Noni’s ability to turn things around makes her a fortunate anomaly, which brings the film’s title into play: just who gets beyond the lights with so many obstacles in the