"The media do not just offer us a transparent 'window on the world'  but a mediated version of the world. They don't just present reality, they represent it." — Buckingham (2003)
METAPHORS:
In our lesson today, we viewed a slideshow showing different images and discussed the different symbolism in it. The question we got asked was:

What single image would you use to symbolise you and your status as a media student?

After analysing and deconstructing 'Empire State of Mind' by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, we were given a task to create our own parody. To get some inspiration and guidance, we watched a parody called Newport State of Mind. What made this a successful parody was the fact that the director managed to mimic the conventions they are mocking in the original music video, but adapted it to their location; which is Newport - a small, industrial town situated in Wales.
During our lesson today, we were given a task to deconstruct the music video of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys': 'Empire State of Mind'.
Click here to watch the music video
I have recently re-watched Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s: Romeo and Juliet as it . And throughout my multiple viewings of the film, my overall opinion on it has not changed at all.

 Film: Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Genre: Drama, Romance
Writer: William Shakespeare (play), Craig Pearce and Baz Luhrmann (screenplay)
Premise (taken from IMDB): Shakespeare’s famous play is updated to the hip modern suburb of Verona still retaining its original dialogue.

*Image from Google Images*