Week 12: Auteurism on TV and the Internet

Joss Whedon (1964-present)• 3rd Generation television writer (started career writing for “Roseanne”)
• “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (film, 1992; TV series, 1997-2003)
• “Angel” (1999-2004)
• “Firefly” (2002-2003)
• “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” (2008)
• “Dollhouse” (2009-2010)
Recurring Elements• Existentialist Themes: stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's actions
• Feminist Perspective: Strong Female Characters
• A Student of Genre and Narrative
• Core “Ensemble” of Actors

Transmedia Storytelling: Storytelling across multiple forms of media
Is Whedon a transmedia auteur?
-Yes, Whedon is definitely a transmedia auteur, covering not only film and television, but now the internet with his clever and hilarious “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog”.

“Firefly” (2002-03)
-Western in futuristic outer space
-Deals with existential captain who seems closed off and reserved but has a soft spot after all
-Extremely strong willed and proactive female protagonists

"Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” (2008)
-Extremely witty, clever and entertaining musical
-Deals with a likeable villain & his "good" but rather shallow and obnoxious arch nemesis
Influenced by:
-“High School Musical” (2006)
-“The Guild” (2007), created by Felicia Day
-Possible Glee influence? I think yes!

What is the “personal stamp” reflected in the texts of the auteur?
-All of Whedon's characters, no matter what extreme occupations or worlds they may be living in, deal with deep, internal problems that every person can relate to and understand. 

I must say that I have recently been quite disappointed with Hollywood and its lack of creativity. Dr. Horrible is the most fresh, fun and creative piece of work that I have seen in such a long time.  It has given me hope that innovative directors who are willing to sacrifice generic studio money makers for their own creative desires still exist. This web show goes to show that viewers are bored of the bleak, same old romantic comedy/over indulged action films and want something of value and worth. I say he keeps up the good work and keep encouraging directors to break away from the system and bring good films back on the map!