Mainstream and Independent films

 What are the main differences between a mainstream and independent film?

An independent film is the type of film that makes you think by subconsciously questioning you as the topics that are usually the main plot are critical issues and serious contents. The audience tend to be older and active due to the constant thinking that goes into watching the films. It is a mixture and undefined of offbeat comedies and social dramas with downbeat endings. However, mainstream films sometimes do not have serious content and most likely will make you cry or laugh; the genre being sci-fi, action and superheroes.  Mainstream films are known as escapist entertainment, which is a show or film that does not have social importance and lets you escape reality. The audience is mostly the younger generation and is usually more passive. They also have a higher production value.

TASK 2: MAINSTREAM FILM: BLACK PANTHER

Why is Black Panther described as a mainstream film?

Black panther is described as a mainstream film as it is part of an ongoing franchise produced by Marvel Studios. Moreover, the genre of Black Panther is in action and super hero which most mainstream films are part of and lets a younger audience escape from reality. The film also had a high production value of 10 trillion dollars; the New Marvel Studios had produced and financed this film and was able to be financially successful with a suppose to be sequel. However, it also has key features of an independent film as it touches on serious topics such as race and black culture being more prominent in mainstream media/ finally giving them recognition. 

How does Black Panther fit into the Marvel franchise and universe?

Black Panther fits into the Marvel franchise and universe as despite now being a representation of African culture which Marvel failed to do before, it has abled Marvel Cinematic Universe to do so. Black Panther does not just continue the larger MCU story in the present day but also fills in some pieces of history as well. 

What makes it different from other films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

This film is different from other films in Marvel Cinematic Universe as there is more representation of African people. This is one of the very few Hollywood films in which we see black actresses and actors occupying the main roles in a film; not only is the whole cast mainly black people but also behind the scenes where we see an amazing team of black creators working on things such as special effects, makeup, hair, stage design and more. It also empowers black people and other minorities feel capable of reaching out and being able to follow their dreams. Furthermore, this film as a whole goes against how we portray Africa as a continent to be which is poor and helpless and it shows Africa as rich and vibrant colours and cultures which are seen in Africa today and has been around but the media unfortunately covers it up. Black panther is also one of the very first non-white superheroes to take centre stage in films. 

What made it successful?

Black panther was so successful as a significant amount of the praise stems from its race and gender conscious casting and costuming. It also benefits Marvel Cinematic Universe as its their first black women in powerful and engaging roles by portraying Nakia and Okoye as an intimidating armed force. Their costume also reflects much of Wakanda's culture as one of the actresses wore the stacked neck rings which are worn by the Ndebele women of south Africa and beaded uniforms featuring the Massai and Turkana traditions.  It also focuses on black independence and self determination and how they are free from the shackles of white colonialism; it prospers in solitude as a mecca of Black advancement. The culture which is seen throughout the dilm is borrowed from different parts of Africa which results in Black success. Importantly, this paradise is preserved only through its deliberate seclusion. Its sole focus is not on black people being oppressed around the world, but is the empowerment of black people and how they are dominant and can be viewed as powerful to others.