Text 4: Back of the DVD of the movie ‘Les Miserables’

“Set against the backdrop of 19^th-centry France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited lov, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agress to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. “

Audience: Fans of the musical of Les Miserables, of history, and of movies in general. A more specific audience would probably be women, as it has a lot of emotion in it that general women may enjoy more, however men would also enjoy it.

Purpose: To give an initial overview of the start of the movie and to set the story, as well as informing people of the background of the story too (i.e. the fact that they are in 19^th century France).

Format: A paragraph of information on the back of the DVD case, placed under various awards it has won.

Interesting Language Features: The amount of information the synopsis gives away is good, as it gives the audience something to go by, as the film is quite long and could get confusing, so as a guideline it’s a good place for them to start. The section uses lots of intense describing words, for example a “timeless testament” which makes the movie sound very important, and a bucket-list sort of viewing. It also creates intrigue for the audience, as it tells how the characters’ lives are “changed forever”, which makes you want to watch so you find out what happens to them.

 How does this text exert power? : It makes the film sound very big and important, and the intensity of the way it has been described as well as the dark colours and images from the film make it seem very emotionally powerful.