Identity - David Gauntlett!

A) Active audience engagement- Tenet (2010)

In Tenet, identity is confusing and often conflicting, similar to the film’s structure. The audience is forced to figure out who the main character truly is and what his motivations are. It also adds complexity since in the film, time moves backward and forward. This makes the viewers actively build meaning and think about how identity can shift depending on time and perspective. It fits Gauntlett’s idea that audiences help create meaning instead of just receiving it. 

B) Aspirational narrative- Erin Brockovich (2000)

Erin Brockovich tells the story of a single mother who redefines herself as a powerful legal advocate/authority. Her identity grows from being underestimated and oftenly dismissed to respected no strong.This links to Gauntlett’s theory that media order offers aspirational role models who show how identity can be rebuilt through self belief, persistence, and confidence, especially for women challenging expectations.

C) Fluid identity- The Prestige (2006) 

In The Prestige, both magicians constantly reinvent/change themselves to maintain mystery and power. Their work depend in hiding truth and crafting illusions, blurring where their “real” selves end and their persona turns on.This reflects on Gauntlett’s belief that media presents identity as fluid and performative, that are built on choices and secrets. 

D) Multiple diverse leads- No Country for Old Men (2007)

This film contrasts three different versions of masculinity: the good sheriff, the determined outlaw, and the emotionless killer. Each man represents  distinct identity, showing there is no single way to define strength or purpose. It matches Gauntlett’s idea that media now portrays diverse identity instead of one universal type. 

E) Encouraging identity play- The Lighthouse (2019)

In The Lighthouse, two men slowly lose their sense of who they truly are. Their personalities meshed through isolation and madness, blurring lines of dominance, sanity and even humanity. This connects to Gauntlett’s idea that media encourages people to explore and question identity, seeing it as something flexible rather than fixed