Screening Response Week 12

What struck me about Mad Men and Damages in the context of millennial media was the obvious visual allusion to film noir. Especially Damages with its contemporary urban setting had a very dark somewhat grim look. Also there is the element of the flashbacks. I had watched the whole first season before and think its an excellent show. I had never really appreciated the visual appeal of the show and how it adds to the overall feel of it. At least I wasn’t aware of it. Mad Men is set a little after the time of noir but its look and particularly the lead character Don Draper fit the genre perfectly. Draper is hard to read but especially the revelation that he is married establishes him as a character with complicated or rather compromised morals. The show features typical femme fatales. Joan seems to fit the description but also the character of Megan Calvet who choses not to adjust to social convention and enjoys the adventures of business. She stands her ground against Don Draper and displays great self-confidence.

The character of Peggy is quite interesting. While Draper is the main character she is the character we are most likely to identify with. Even though her decision to start an affair with Pete is certainly questionable as a viewer we see the world of advertising in the 1960s through her eyes as we are as unaccustomed to it as she is. Her coming-of-age or rather coming into her own in a world of powerful men and femme fatales is a entry point for millennials who might face similar challenges entering the new and ever-changing world of adulthood. In that sense despite its setting in a different period Mad Men is accessible for today’s viewer. The setting actual adds to the shows appeal.

A parallel between Mad Men and Damages is the obvious contrast between the “innocent” newbie and the cynical or even manipulative “grown-ups”. Both Ellen and Peggy are new to their respective environments but have to hit the ground running while also trying to define themselves as individuals outside the working place. Generational discourse and collaboration again comes into play. Especially Ellen though is faced with a twisted role model. Patty is great at what she does (so is Don Draper) but her personal life and her character are not exactly inspirational. Ellen has to be selective about what traits of Patty she wants to pick up. Over the course of the season she has to negotiate, defend but also let go of some principles. She eventually finds her place – en par with Patty’s wit while at least trying to maintain some integrity. This is similar to the discourse between Gen X and millenial, but really every generation: What do I want to emulate of what is presented by the older generation and what do I not like and can i do better.

Both shows provide interesting commentary about the roles of women and illustrate changing attitudes. While Peggy has to assume a subordinate role in the male-dominated office, Ellen has a female boss who runs a tight ship and won’t let anyone get in her way. While not typical millennial shows, since not really targeting a teen audience, many conventions common or maybe defined by millennial television shine through both programs.

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