Marcus Platt

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Aesthetics & Art

Detroit: Become Human has to be one of the most impactful video games that I have played in my life so far.

Not only that, but a unique and creative idea is expressed that helps the game have its own aesthetic. This game is set in a future perception of reality that also incorporates human-like Androids and their A.I. malfunction counterparts, Deviants. The plot is centered around three Androids that were made to fulfill different purposes. With their individual purposes colliding with the present complications of society and technology, it is up to the player to decide the paths that each character should take.

One of the inner directed tasks of art, says, “Liberate the imagination and put oneself in the place of others”. I believe that this game’s setting along with its play style introduces this concept. Throughout the time that passes by while playing Detroit, I proactively feel like my actions and judgement control the environment that I am in motion with. If I make a regrettable decision, my emotional attachment to the character whose affected might make me upset or force me to improve on the next decision I make.You eventually begin to understand the idea of trial and error and/or a butterfly effect so the more you play the more strategic your approach towards making a decision can be.

Another one of the inner tasks says, “Lessen tension and internal conflict as an aid to mental health.” I would already consider video games to be an aid to mental health because they play a role in helping someone take themselves out of a difficult reality, investing into a much more simplified idea of entertainment that can help someone get through the day, depending on the game.

This game, as a whole, is both critical thinking and an expression of a futuristic reality and I personally love media that represents future concepts. It's nothing as straightforward and soothing as Minecraft, but Detroit does manage to help me feel educated and at peace with the psychological display of human emotions while appreciating the technical accomplishments that are displayed within the game’s features.

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Moral Duties

I decided to dive into the lyrics and meaning of Lil Nas X’s recent song, Montero and the overall impact he has as an artist.

In an interview with Genius, Lil Nas X stated that this song “has been the most real and the most vulnerable that I’ve ever been on a song”. Claiming this explains the importance his song holds for him, at least so far during his career. However, I do feel a bit conflicted to see Lil Nas X switch from one extreme to another because it makes me wonder what his genuine “brand” is overall. If there is no specific aim then how should I continue to view his public image as a consumer?

Ever since Lil Nas’s music video debut, it arose with much religious-based controversial feedback. Unfortunately, due to the concerns of the Satanic imagery that the video expresses, he was targeted with complaints from the Christian community along with many others.

Lil Nas X sold an exclusive pair of sneakers called “Satan Shoes”. Intriguingly, with the negative feedback that was given towards Nike, they sued the actual company who created the shoes, MSCHF. However Lil Nas X was not involved or named in the lawsuit, but this did still hurt his image.

Lil Nas X has been most recently involved within the music industry since 2018 due to his national success with the song “Old Town Road”. Before that, he was attempting to be a trendy internet personality. It is important to note that Lil Nas X has reached his start of fame with only a handful of songs, and is now 22 years old. So there is much uncertainty and untold paths that his future may hold, both as an individual and a music artist.

Lil Nas X most likely appears to be heavily appealing in his high fashion sense. His stylist once mentioned that he has a taste for clothing that is “electric, playful, colorful, and futuristic. Including Satan Shoes, Wrangler has continuously sold out of Lil Nas X co-branded clothing. He’s even modelled in a video with a new skin care line by Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty.

In Lil Nas’s words, “representation matters”. I can’t relate to or understand his personality, but I do see the positive impact that he’s given to his fans and the overall pride that people are inspired by through his image. As a result of this, I am in full support of what he accomplishes and how he uses his talent because I believe that new artists like him finally give more people a chance to believe in themselves and be confident in who they are. This creates an opportunity for change within the music industry and change is always necessary in order to move forward.

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Structural Analysis

Long story short, Shrek’s ultimate goal was to gain back ownership of his swamp. In order to accomplish this, he needed to retrieve the princess that Lord Farquaad is looking to marry. During his journey, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and him get along really well and discover many things about each other along the way. After Shrek accomplishes his mission there is a moment of depression for the main characters as they all feel incomplete, even though they all completed their journey.

A series of transitions occur as a group of scenes shows Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey all going back to their “ordinary world”. When the scene transitions to Fiona, she’s getting herself ready for the wedding with Lord Farquaad. While looking at the cake, the scene shows what’s behind her and, as she turns around, she looks at a mannequin-like display that’s dressed in full armor looking like a knight. This scene slowly fades into showing Shrek back in his home. However, during the transition, Shrek replaces the knight in shining armor.

Sign - The sign or object in this scene is the knight. This may be a moment of reflection for Fiona because her and the audience know that she is not happy with getting married to someone she didn’t connect with. In a way, she was still searching for her true knight through the display.

Signifier - The physical appearance of this knight is a full suit of silver, sharp, and shining armor that’s being put on display. One thing about Lord Farquaad that is a definite turn off for Fiona and the rest of the audience is his short stature. His castle and power may make up for that, however, he still can't match the demeanor, strength, and bravery it takes to be a knight, let alone saving a princess.

Signified - the significance of this whole display represents the fact that Fiona sees Shrek as her true savior and knight in shining armor, not Lord Farquaad. She desires to be with Shrek because, deep in her heart, she knows that he is her true love.

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Depiction Analysis

This analysis will break down the instructional lessons that are incorporated within the video game Detroit: Become Human. Just like most video games, this one requires us to be in a quiet and focus driven environment. A single play through of this game is approximately 10 hours long, depending on the path you choose to take and the amount of explore time you add on. This can possibly create an environment that awards long lasting comfort for the user playing and a source of entertainment and open communication for any spectator(s) that may be watching the user play.

The background of this game consists of a modern and very realistic version of the city, Detroit, and is set in the distant future of 2037. Society’s role plays a crucial part in the game’s plot as the people are now living in a world alongside human-like artificial intelligence, otherwise known as Androids. Society is in the middle of a new normal and the usefulness of Androids have also consequently interfered with many people’s lives as these robots have taken most of their jobs, leaving people angry at the sight of them. On the other hand, Androids have left many others unbothered due to their advantages. However, a recent series of concerns have also risen as some Androids have reached a new sense of self awareness and are being identified as Deviants. They are called this because they do not comply and act accordingly towards their programming or command that they are supposed to obey. They act on their own will, believing themselves to be “alive” which is technically irrational.

This game is solely tell-tale focused, therefore the decisions you make while playing can make the game have an extraordinary outcome or a dreadful one. As a consequence, if your attention is not fully driven into the game’s plot, then you are less likely to achieve a satisfactory experience and ending with the game. Remember, this game does not emphasize what is the wrong or right move. Our human emotions are an added consequence towards the game’s general direction and our actions made in the game influence’s that direction.

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“stage-molding” KYLE - But Cha

When I watch this music video, I can understand two elements: The many meanings that the visuals alone are portraying and the camera techniques that are being used throughout the video.

The song is catchy and happy, while the overall concept is colorful, warm and romantic, but in a fun way.

After watching the video over multiple times, you can start to see that the objects in the video are coordinating with the symbols of love. For example, there are flowers in the environment, jewelry as a gift, the bathtub represents intimacy, and the spaghetti which also can represent the iconic moment from Lady and the Tramp where both dogs accidentally share close contact from the noodle being eaten.

In the beginning of the video, there are jump cuts between close up shots of the flowers and bubbles with the bathtub in the background. This could be a build up into the song that already signifies something romantic and happy about the video. There are slight signs of the horizontal plane in motion when the video shows the “date” scene. The camera eases from one side to the other while Kyle raps in order to feel that we, as the viewer, are on the date alongside him. This plane is also shown as we get many closeups and slow zoom ins and outs of Kyle, the dog, and both of them together. These zoom-ins show the emotion and attraction coming from both characters.

The spatial mobility in this video is hard to capture, but it is still noticeable. When Kyle picks up or bounces the cadence in his verses, there are quick motion blurs and jump cuts between scenes as he raps. This editing technique helps the viewer feel his lyrics come to life.

There aren’t an abundance of different camera angles and other techniques used in this video that could’ve made it visually more expressive. However the full picture and affection of the music video, as a whole, does come together to express its message and that’s important.

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KYLE - But Cha (feat. Josh Golden) [Official Music Video]

KYLE - But Cha (feat. Josh Golden)Stream/download: https://kyle.lnk.to/ButChaIDDirected by Darren Craig - https://instagram.com/darrenfuckingcraigFollow Supe...

Last week, KYLE, an Indie-Pop music artist, dropped a new music video called “But Cha”, featuring Josh Golden. This whole video represents Kyle and Josh, but more of the spotlight is towards Kyle. Throughout the video we can see Kyle hanging out and bonding with what seems to be his pet dog. As we see Kyle, he also switches scenes from dancing in a flower garden, sitting at a dinner table (like he's on a date), to even chilling in the bathtub, all while with his dog. Meanwhile, the ingredients of the instrumentals blend in very nicely with the video itself. The clarity of the beat has a very warm, midsummer, and romantic vibe to it. You can tell the chords were produced electronically as there is a digital range that sounds more robotic than it would acoustic. The drums also have a tech tone that sounds like it was made off of a performance pad. To help blend all of those sounds together, the bass and marimba are both the most noticeable sounds you can hear from the first listen. There is a satisfying and calming execution into the song with Josh Golden’s angelic vocals singing the hook while the song eases in with light piano chords. The continuity is shown off in his lyrics because the whole time Kyle is venting his feelings and interest towards some woman he has the hots for. The aptness of task is kind of confusing seeing that Kyle is on a date/spending quality time with his pet dog in the video, but the lyrics clash when he’s talking about a human woman. I believe this may be an intentional and open opportunity for listeners to relate to the song by thinking of a crush or loved one while Kyle, in his own personal way, shows that love towards his dog, in the video at least. Altogether, the ingredients of this whole music video collectively blend in very well, especially when it comes down to expressing the message behind the song both visually and instrumentally.

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Shrek: The Receiver's Perspective

Shrek as a film brings neverending enjoyment for the audience as a whole. I believe that comedy is definitely a commonality amongst the audience. For older generations there are nods to adult or dirty humor so that makes the older audience collectively break down what makes certain jokes in scenes disregarded by the younger audience. The humor is shared through an audience of all ages and it’s all thanks to Shrek, and at most times, Donkey as well. After all, this protagonist continues to be a lovable and iconic character to this day, even possibly inspiring another Shrek movie in the future for fans to come back to see. On the other hand, there are still others who may disagree on the film’s appealing content. By others, I’m referring to Anthony Lane, a media critic who stated on Rotten Tomatoes, “What the film lacks is the faintest glimmer of charm.” The reason for this comment is because this critic doesn’t believe it was a fun watch like it was for the rest of the general audience. Anthony Lane is a commonly known critic which means he is familiar with even the behind the scenes of the film industry. He is aware of the situation which took place when Jeffery Katzenberg was fired from Disney. Lane believes that the undercover jokes and stabs at Disney through characters and plot were intentionally planned by Katzenberg himself. Therefore, Lane finds this movie distasteful, having more of a vengeful tone then an amusing one. I can understand where Lane is coming from considering the fact that there indeed was a lot of shade thrown at Disney because of the relationship that Jeffery Katzenberg, one of the producers of Shrek, holds. As much as I agree with that negative opinion, there are still others who find the film unpleasant. However, I don’t agree with most of the negative opinions on Rotten Tomatoes due to the lack of facts within their argument. For example, tastle comments are made like, “Shrek never reaches its full potential by having uninteresting and annoying characters throughout its 90 minute runtime.” Opinions that reflect misunderstanding towards the characters show how pessimistic and subjective this comment is. The reason for this is that Shrek indeed comes out as the hero who has fully realized himself and the same could go for the supporting characters like Princess Fiona and Donkey. Regardless of the opinions, I believe that a majority of the audience would all agree that Shrek, as a film, is and will continue to be unforgettable. A truly revolutionary movie that always brings enjoyment to most viewers.

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There is a moment in "Shrek" when the despicable Lord Farquaad has the Gingerbread Man tortured by dipping him into milk. This prepares us for another moment when Princess Fiona's singing voice is so piercing it causes jolly little bluebirds to explode; making the best of a bad situation, she fries their eggs. This is not your average family cartoon. "Shrek" is jolly and wicked, filled with sly in-jokes and yet somehow possessing a heart.

The Communication Process

I recently worked on a different assignment that involved me watching Shrek. Since this movie is the most recent and one of the least complicated forms of media, I wanted to reflect on this film with more depth.

Roger Ebert summaries the film quite well. However, I believe that the main message of his critique is more focused on the technical aspects of this film. Ebert points out the originality that takes place within this fantasied world that Shrek is set in. He describes how the designs of all the characters in the film represent their own individual style and yet they also have a “curiously real” look to them. He even complimented the environmental designs by saying, “The artistry of the locations and setting is equally skilled--not lifelike, but beyond lifelike, in a merry, stylized way.”

Nonetheless, Ebert understands that even though the animation looks great, the film was lucky enough to come up with the even greater protagonist, Shrek. Essentially this article and the film he discusses are the medium.

As the receiver or the audience behind reading his article, I like the speculation Ebert gives for the future of this film while also breaking down how it amounts to other iconic movies. For example, when he discusses the new type of animations shown in Shrek, he references other films such as: Toy Story 1 & 2, A Bug’s Life, Antz, and Dinosaur. What these movies have in common are their highly valued animated technologies. To this day everyone remembers these movies and they continue to be referenced as pillars that remain to be the groundwork for how well the amazing world of animation has developed since the early 2000s. Ebert also supports the future of Shrek, both as a character and the film, when he says “He's so immensely likable that I suspect he may emerge as an enduring character, populating sequels and spinoffs. One movie cannot contain him.” This article speaks true wisdom into its audience seeing that we are all aware of how right Ebert’s predictions were.

As I said previously, Ebert’s summary in the article helps give a lot of perspective, from helping the audience find out who is voice acting, to also breaking down the movie’s plot in full. As a result of his description towards the animation, I believe that Ebert’s intention of this article was to also bring attention to the creators’ collective decision to cast familiar creatures and people into this film, based off of fairy tales that we all have read from or heard of at least once in our lifetime. For instance, characters like the Big Bad Wolf, Three Little Pigs, and Pinocchio are all characters that reside within the Public Domain. All of these characters are shown to help engage and express to the audience the idea that Shrek’s world is set in a fairy tale world. Not only that, but Ebert also hints at the possible jab at Disney for using these characters in a completely different and more comedic tone. Ebert even suggests this was the intention of the artist by stating, “No doubt all of this, and a little dig at DisneyWorld, were inspired by feelings DreamWorks partner Jeffrey Katzenberg has nourished since his painful departure from Disney--but the elbow in the ribs is more playful than serious.”

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Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked by Sheffield: From Worst to Best

Pop spectacles, Janet’s nipple, Springsteen’s marathon, Left Shark and loads of soul revues – we’ve seen ’em all

Role of the Media Critic

Let me start by saying that this was an intriguing article to read from the title alone. The intro can already catch most Internet surfers, especially when this is one of television's most admirable events to watch, similar to well-known events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and The Oscars. Throughout the article the media critic, Rob Sheffield, keeps the reading in a positive vibe which I found very entertaining and comedic from time to time. Given that he had so many SuperBowls to chose from he still somehow made the rankings relatable and agreeable for me personally. I mean c’mon, he wasn't wrong to give the 31st spot to every halftime show between 1967 to 1989. After all, I’m sure all of us didn’t care to keep track of every great halftime performance until after Michael Jackson. With that being said I’m just glad he saved us the trouble. From the beginning of this article, Sheffield knew from the start that he would be expressing a lot of biases when he said, “Here’s a subjective, personal, irresponsible and indefensible breakdown of the winners and losers.” He stated his rankings respectfully from his point of view and keeps it real the whole time. Even I can disagree with some of his rankings, but at least he didn't hesitate with his exaggerations. Especially, on how he felt each halftime show presented itself both in the moment and from a historic perspective. If anything, his metaphors are what make the article even more engaging to read. For example, he compared The Black Eyed Peas performance to “something magical and special – like seeing a unicorn cough up blood”. How can someone even come up with such a creative and complemental diss? Of course I wouldn’t take this article to be a credible source of what Super Bowl halftime performances were the greatest or not, but I do admire Sheffield’s sense of establishment while complementing his opinion with a little bit of harmless humor. Regardless of the rankings, the halftime performance featuring Coldplay, Beyonce and Bruno Mars will always be in my top three. I don’t know what it is, but there’s just something about 2016 that we all just loved so much. 

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This video essay explores the question "Why does a TV show get worse over time?" However, this video focuses on The Office and critiques what made the show's earlier seasons greater than the seasons that follow. The ideas throughout this video may even apply to any sitcom.

The Office - Signs of a Declining Sitcom

Jesse Tribble, the YouTuber who created this video, makes four points throughout the show: Departures, The Love Dodecahedron, Dissonance, and The Premise. These are all signs of what made a show like The Office have its moments of descent from admirable entertainment. This video essay discusses the show’s highs and lows, what made sense for the characters’ development and what didn’t, and how it appears the writers may have tried to keep the show organic and entertaining at the same time. I believe that Jesse does a great job in balancing the show’s faults while keeping an understanding with the viewers as to why these faults matter for the show. For example, in the Departure section, he points out that Michael Scott’s absence is what takes away the spotlight of entertainment. However, he makes us aware that in order to keep the same value that The Office displays, there needed to be a boss that can match Michael’s character without being an exact copy of him. Even within this point, he knows that objective contradicts itself seeing that parallels between Andy, the new manager, and Michael didn’t match personalities all the time, especially in an organic way that made sense for Andy’s character and the show in general. Jesse makes the viewers aware of this by stating, “Season eight had to convince people that Andy was a worthy follow-up to Michael, and it’s pretty good—but you can't transfer Michael’s traits onto Andy without underlying motivations.” The Premise was another great critique that Jesse pointed out for the show’s decline. This is because he makes the viewers aware that The Office strays far away from its assertions by saying, “It’s about ordinary people making the most of a boring job”. He shows a few examples in which the show upholds his argument as there are many moments that take place throughout the show that have nothing to do with its premise or the office in general. There are also moments that Jesse acknowledges that do amount to the show’s premise as well, but eventually when a sitcom like The Office comes to an end, we all already know where the peak of its content remains. Essentially, Jesse isn't bashing the show or writers nor is he excusing  these signs as he discusses the topic at hand. His tone throughout the whole video essay remains calm and professional and he even agrees that The Office is a good show. He just knows that it could have been better or remained as  good as it did if these signs were approached more strategically and understandably from the writer’s perspective.