Dictionary

Ambient Sound-(the natural sound present in any location) In the beginning of the trailer Hairspray uses this for we hear the news paper boy throwing the paper down and the teacher writing on the chalk board. These are all sounds everybody is aware of which could also suggest that the film is about a subject people are familiar with. Also the dialect is diegetic as the characters speak over the music.

American Dream-(a cultural myth based on the belief that the USA is a land of promise and opportunity where hard work results in good things in life, love and wealth) Hairspray the film follows the principals of this for the film is about people coming together and succeeding in what they wish to do. Tracy is the main example for this for she tries again and works hard.

Counterculture-(a subculture that rejects mainstream/traditional values of society and offers a alternative way) Tracy the young teenager does this in where she rejects traditional values that Black and White people should be separated and creates a new alternative in where everyone can live together peacefully.

Crane shot-(Camera that is held up by a crane) When Tracy is on the Lorry and high angle shot looking down at her emphasises her determination to change things. The wide space shown represents how big the world is around her and when spreading her arms it shows the audience on how she wants to overcome things.

Equilibrium-(a harmonious state that changes and becomes disruptive but then is over come) This is similar to the film hairspray for when things begin Tracy is only a outcast ignored but when trying to succeed she discovers how corrupt everyone is with tradition and takes it upon herself to change things.

Human Interest-(news stories that revolve around everyday problems people occur). Although Hairspray doesn't follow the exact ruling it revolves around the problems people had in the 60's which are still occurring today. Kids find it hard to be accepted if they are larger than average and people still are affected by racial discrimination.

Linear Narrative-( a film that has a beginning, middle and end) It follows the ruling for there are no flashbacks to suggest otherwise.

Marxism-(Ruling class has dominance over workers much of a ) The bourgeois such as Velma has a ruling over the Black people simply because of their colour. This term is normally associated with the males as ruling but there isn'tdominant male role for the main character is female.

Musical-(a film genre that incoporates songs as part of the films narrative) This is a obvious one as much of the film is made up of song with songs such as: Good Morning Baltimore, Big Blonde And Beautiful, The Legend Of Miss Baltimore Crabs and You Cant Stop The Beat.

Teen Movie-(A film directed at a targeted audience of teenagers) Seeing as Hairspray is based on High School life and they every day to day situtations teenagers gets into its most likely to be aimed at us but then again they could have a younger group audience for they would be growing up to be like them and learn certain values from the film such as accepted people for who they are.