Commercially, genre mixing is a common and well used process throughout prominently mainstream contemporary media today. Accordingly, my three texts are shown to diverge to conform to either mainstream or niche media standards. The use of a polysemic narrative allows for the text to reach a much larger audience as it can appeal to both a passive and active audience. Most obviously, this is clear in District 9 due to the obvious parallel to apartheid in South Africa. This is shown throughout the mise-en-scence and iconography that parallels historical elements such as the 'HUMANS ONLY' signs, that could be read by a passive audience as meaning little or by an active audience as maintaining a deeper level of empathetic parallels, furthermore allowing the text to appeal to two audiences. The merging of sci-fi and documentary genres also allows the text to reach a larger audience as it allows for social integration between fans of both genres as opposed to segregating one.
Another clear example of genre mixing in District 9 is shown within the integration of real footage and stock footage that is shown in the film. Stock footage is a typical documentary style convention that clearly indicates the constant surveillance of society that could lead to the dystopian view presented to us. Revolution occurs due to the lack of hegemony provided by the dictators disallowing a equal democracy for all citizens on the basis of race. This could also be shown as a warning to the contemporary audience of the cruelty and immorality of faceless corporations that influence society. A clear example of the influence of these corporations is the constant referencing to MNU, in a 6 second shot that appears to be focusing on Wilkus, there is four logos in the foreground and background of the scene. The camera puts them slightly out of focus so although they do no immediately meet your eye it is clear they are always there. This is a subtle indication of the power possessed by media in western culture that is relatable to the films audience as it is something that is constantly occurrent and relevant in terms of mass influence. District 9 could also be seen as a parody of a marxist-capitalist society where the aliens represent the underclass and the white male middle class maintain control, just as they always appear to have done throughout history. It shows that the naturally advantaged will take advantage of their power and this is something that will never change.
Another clear example of genre mixing in District 9 is shown within the integration of real footage and stock footage that is shown in the film. Stock footage is a typical documentary style convention that clearly indicates the constant surveillance of society that could lead to the dystopian view presented to us. Revolution occurs due to the lack of hegemony provided by the dictators disallowing a equal democracy for all citizens on the basis of race. This could also be shown as a warning to the contemporary audience of the cruelty and immorality of faceless corporations that influence society. A clear example of the influence of these corporations is the constant referencing to MNU, in a 6 second shot that appears to be focusing on Wilkus, there is four logos in the foreground and background of the scene. The camera puts them slightly out of focus so although they do no immediately meet your eye it is clear they are always there. This is a subtle indication of the power possessed by media in western culture that is relatable to the films audience as it is something that is constantly occurrent and relevant in terms of mass influence. District 9 could also be seen as a parody of a marxist-capitalist society where the aliens represent the underclass and the white male middle class maintain control, just as they always appear to have done throughout history. It shows that the naturally advantaged will take advantage of their power and this is something that will never change.
