LO3: Representation Theory

 Representation Theory 

1) Gender representations- stereotypical/challenged

2) Ethnicities 

3) Character types: damsel, antagonist, heroic protagonist, underdog/accidental hero.

4) Class status: rich vs poor

5) Locations

6) Zeitgeist: spirit of the times. 

Representation theory: how we are re-presented (i.e. over and over again) People + places.

Ideal self/ideal partner: Carl Rogers 1980 -"Is about how characters are mediated (didn't happen by accident, set up on purpose) as a role model or attractive to appeal to an audience."

Exam Questions 

6*- Analyse how the production techniques are used to create meaning in a media production have studied. (12)

6*- Analyse the concept of 'representation' in a media product you have studied. (12) 

6* Halfway through the paper. Second question I should answer.

(12) Second biggest question in the exam. I should take 20 minutes on this question. 

Analyse Giving examples and explaining the meaning in you chosen product.- Effect on the audience and why. 

production techniques my examples. Mine en scene, camerawork, editing, sound. I should talk about multiple (3) to show I understand different micro elements/media language/production techniques. 

create meaning Buzz words: connotes(what it implies)/denotes(what you see and hear), enigma, verisimilitude, tension, empathy, spectacle. 

representation 

KEY THEORY 1: Tim O'Sullivan et al. (1998)

For representation two work, there has to be a shared recognition (audience can recognise the character type) of people and places. All representations therefore have ideologies behind them (ideologies are a set of ideas which produces a partial and selective view of reality e.g. religion, evil being punished).

Themes: society doesn't stop to help people, don't let the 'shadows' of your life define you, overcoming odds, good vs evil, finding support in the ones you love, love. 

Good vs evil: mise en scene in the climax is used with the costumes of the underdog and antagonist. The HP wears blue which connotes calm and serenity in the storm, whereas the antagonist is wearing a red suit which connotes evil chaos and danger. 

Finding support in the ones you love: In the scenes where both protagonists are together, slow and calming incidental music plays to connote how 'at peace' the characters are when they are together in an otherwise hectic world. It connotes the theme of love being able to overcome evil and how it is best to find support in the ones you love and trust. 

KEY THEORY 2: Richard Dyer (1983)

Audiences would question the representations they see in media texts. What does the representation imply? Is it typical of the world or deviant? Is it stereotypical or atypical?

Cassie is a strong black female side protagonist. This is shown in the dialogue she has with the central antagonist in the climactic moment of the movie. Even when being threatened she stands up for the underdog character and threatens the (shot reverse shot and dialogue)

KEY THEORY 3: Laura Mulvey (1975) 

Male gaze. Women are objectified in media texts and passive objects. Audiences are positioned to view the women from the point of view the women from the point of view of a heterosexual male. 

Cassie challenges the idea of the male gaze- her gestures in miss en scene and the way she dresses and acts is post feminism. It shows how she is strong and independent and doesn't exist to serve men or constantly looks for validation form male characters. 

KEY THEORY 5: Stuart Hall (1995), Alvarado (1987)

Western/white cultures continue to misrepresent ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies.  e.g. non-white as 'the other', evil, barbaric, pitied, humoured. 

'the other'- challenged by having Cassie dominate the scene and be a stark juxtaposition of the shy, introverted white underdog Luke. However she also conforms to the stereotype by having much less screen time than Luke. 

Evil- challenged by having Cassie be the 

KEY THEORY 6: Earp and Katz (1999)

Men have a pathological need for control and violence. 

The two central characters Luke and Daniel heavily juxtapose one another. Antagonist is violent loud and confident, who eventually fights the protagonist for power over his own body. This is contrasted by the underdog protagonist being shy and introverted.

Mise en scene: angry man uses a sword: connotes brutality.

We live in a society that is post feminist. Cassie is resourceful and uses a box cutter to fend for herself.