Representations In Films

Representations In Films

Representation is “how an individual or group is shown to the audience within a media text”. When focusing on the horror/thriller/mystery genre, there are various stereotypes and conventions use in order to establish the specific genre. The film directors often use conventional techniques in order to portray the genre clearly to the audience. However, some films challenge these conventions using non-stereotypical features, creating a different perspective in order to establish the genre effectively. The main topics expressed when looking at representation include: gender, ethnic groups, social classes and ages.

Gender:

Stereotypically, men are portrayed as the antagonist within horror and thriller films with the victim often being an innocent and vulnerable woman. The main protagonist also tends to be a dominant male figure that tries to protect the victims. A classic example of a male antagonist and female victim is from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960s film ‘Psycho’. Within the first few scenes, a mystery murderer kills the well-known actress, Janet Leigh, shocking the audience. This has stereotypical features, however the removal as the actress so early on in the film could be seen as challenging the conventions. Women are represented in a stereotypical weak, powerless and delicate way, clearly showing the audience how they may be the victim within the film.

(Scene from Psycho)

Camera:

When representing more dominate figures such as male characters within the film, low angle shots may be used to portray superiority and power. This shot gives the impression that the victim, likely female, has to look up to the figure, further signifying authority and control within the situation. High angle shots may also be used within stereotypical scenes as it gives the impression the more dominant figure, perhaps male, is looking down at its victim, showing her vulnerability and fragility. Over the shoulder shots between male and female characters could also be used to show authority as the heights of the two subjects may differ. Stereotypically, the male character would be taller, so if this shot was used it could connote the woman is weak and powerless in contrast to the domineering role of the man.

Editing:

Various editing techniques could be used to portray each gender, for example, a shot/reverse shot could be used to display the disparity between the relationship of two genders, such as when the protagonist (male) is saving the victim (female). The use of this shot can show the various expressions of the two genders and how one character may seem heroic and the other perhaps frightened or relieved. The use of cut shots during an emphatic part of the dialogue could also be used to show emotions between two characters. For example, a male character may be saving a victim, within the dialogue a key sentence may be told and at this point the camera moves closer towards his face and creates a dramatic scene. This could be used for both genders and their certain feelings towards a situation.

Sound:

Non-diegetic sound of music may be used to build tension within each scene, depending on which gender is being shown. The music may be eerie and jumpy when the camera is on the woman, presenting her fear and vulnerability, however the music may be loud and sharp when the camera is on the man, showing his dominance and power within the sequence. Amplified sound of a high dynamic range may also be used within the scenes to create effect. For example, within a horror film, these sounds may be used when the victim is in danger, perhaps creating distress or vigilance within the audience towards the situation.

Mise-en-scene:

Women are often dressed in bright colours within the scenes of a horror film, connoting innocence or helplessness, as these colours are often associated with the victims within the scenes. The women also tend to have either little clothing, showing her defenceless nature or lots of clothing, making it harder for the victim to get away from its killer. The men are often dressed in smart or casual attire within the scenes. When dressed smart, it makes the characters look masculine and powerful. When the man is dressed casually, it suggests he could be a victim or with baggy clothes, a criminal figure. It is also conventional for weapons to be shown within the scenes. It is often the male antagonists with the weapons, connoting this villainous role and desire to kill.

Ethnic Groups:

An ethnic group is a group of people who share the same race or nationality that have a distinctive culture. These groups tend to have similar set roles within the stereotypical horror/thriller genre films. White people are often portrayed as the protagonists and victims as they are seen as ‘good’ and ‘innocent’. However, people within different ethnic minorities are often shown to be the antagonists within the films as they are portrayed as both violent and dangerous, or as victims for being inferior and weak. For example, within the new film ‘The Butler’ the afro-american figure is shown to be a slave, showing the weakness and vulnerability of his character whilst the white characters were in control of them. 

(The Butler Film Poster)

Camera:

Both high and low angle shots may be used within the scenes within the various ethnic groups. These shots could be used to show how some groups have more power than other or it could reflect their status within society. For example, one race may be shown with a low angle shot, making them look bigger and more power, reflecting their authority within society. Extreme wide shots may also be used to show the area in which each character may live. For example, a stereotypical upper class white character may be shown living in a mansion within the countryside. This could show the relationship between the character and their location.

Editing:

Short take shots of the ethnic minorities may be used to portray their lack of importance compared to other characters within the play, showing how they are not significant within the scenes. Cross cutting may also be used to compare the lifestyles between each ethnic group and how their differ from each other. Another conventional editing technique that may be used is ‘wipe’, showing how society wants to push them out.

Sound:

When shots of the various ethnic minorities are shown, cultural music may be played within the background to give the audience a better idea of the culture behind the group and their background. For example, within ‘Karate Kid’, cultural music is played to show the audience the background behind Chinese culture. The use of dialogue could also be used to present the various ethnic minorities. For example, the films may have characters speak in their regional languages, such as African or Indian, showing the background of where the characters come from. Another technique used may be the use of accents; this shows the audience the stereotypical location from where each ethnic group is from.

Mise-en-scene:

A common convention of placing characters within their cultural costumes is a typical technique used in a variety of films. This allows the audience to clearly recognise the location and culture of each of the figures. For example, Indian characters may typically be wearing saris, emphasising their racial background. Various items or props may also be used to stereotypically portray the ethnic group presented. For example, a white character from England may very stereotypically have a pot of tea and crumpets as the use of props, representing where they are from.

Social Class:

The social class system is when people have the same social, economic or educational status. The way in which different classes are portrayed within a film is dependant on the storyline. Upper class characters within films are often presented as snobbish, obsessed with money and always getting out of trouble because of wealth. Working class characters are often represented as being poor, aggressive criminals who often commit crimes and inflict pain upon others. However, class may be irrelevant within many horror films, however location may be focused in a working class environment creating realistic and eerie atmosphere. The working class characters are often portrayed as weak, whereas rich characters are represented as powerful. This is conventional within various films as it shows the power of wealth and how it can affect people. For example. within 'The Great Gatsby" the lifestyle is around wealth and how the characters are all involved within money and power. 

(The Great Gatsby Film Poster)

Camera:

Low angle shots may be used for when the camera is faced upon upper class characters as it makes the audience look as if they and underneath the wealthy characters, showing how they rich have the ability to control the working class characters. High angle shots may be used when the camera is pointed towards the working class characters, showing how they are weak and vulnerable compared to people with a higher status. Close up of objects may also be used to show how people are of a different social class. For example, a close up of accessories such as a gold watch or necklace may be used to show how some characters may be wealthy and within the upper class society. A two person shot could also be used to illustrate the contrast between the different classes.

Editing: 

Slow motion scenes could be used for the working class characters to create an emotional effect. This could allow the audience to emphasise with the characters on screen and feel what they may be going through. Cut shots may also be used to show the difference between the classes, such as the rich and poor, showing how their lifestyles are dramatically dissimilar. Cross cutting may also be another technique to show the difference between diverse classes and how their lifestyles differ.

Sound:

The use of dialogue and how people talk could be used to show how they are from different classes. For example, if a character uses lots of slang and speaks in a ‘cockney’ accent, they may be seen as working class as it is conventional for these characters to be presented within the way in films. If another character speaks in a formal manner with well-pronounced vocabulary, they may be seen as upper class as these are conventions for this status of characters. The use of music may also be used to present the classes, for example, orchestral music may be used to present the upper class connoting their sophisticated and mannered characteristics. However, perhaps rap music may be used to represent the working class as it often uses slang and taboo within the lyrics of the music, reflecting the language used by those within that class.

Mise-en-scene:

Upper class characters may be wearing branded suits with lots of expensive accessories such as watches and jewellery. Women may often wear items with many diamonds and gold if she was in the upper class, showing how they have lots of wealth and men wearing watches and smart suits showing their prosperity. Working class people may wear casual attire perhaps showing how they cannot afford the branded products. The upper class characters may often boasting about their wealth through luxury items, where as the lower class may treasure what they have. It is also conventional for a weapon to be used by this class within thriller or horror films.

Ages:

Within horror or thriller films, children or the elderly are often represented as being vulnerable, innocent and rely on others for help and care. Teenagers are often represented as being lazy, violent, and aggressive, and often causing harm to other characters. This is conventional and stereotypical within films such as ‘Kidulthood’ and ‘Adulthood’ as teenagers are represented within this manner. However, adults are portrayed as being clever, hard working and diligent. Within thriller films, the adults are often the characters who are either the antagonist or protagonist. This leaves the other age groups such as children or the elderly being perceived as weaker and innocent characters, therefore the victims within the films.

(Kidulthood Film Poster)

Camera:

High angle shots facing towards characters of a young or very old age may be used to show their weakness and inferior nature in contrast to the adults, showing how they may be the victims within the sequence. Point of view (POV) camera shots may also be used to show the perspectives of different characters. For example, a child may be shown with a low angle POV shot, showing how they are young and innocent. However an adult may be shown with a high angle POV shot showing show they are more dominant and powerful than the older frail characters or young vulnerable characters.

Editing:

Jump cuts may be used for younger children or the elderly creating a distorting effect. This could be used to show how they may be confused within certain situations and unable to address what it happening within the scene. Shot/reverse shots may also be used to show how different age groups react towards each other, such as the relationship between a father and child. Shots with deliberate continuity errors may also be shown for young children or the elderly, showing how they may be confused and disorientated within certain situations. 

Sound:

Depending on the various ages being shown, the use of music may change significantly. For example, if an elderly person was shown on screen, old 1960s music may be played to show the music of their era. Using quiet tones such as nursery rhymes of soft, rhythmical tones may portray the use of young children. The use of tone within vocal dialogue may also be used to reflect different ages. For example, young children may have high-pitched noises, where as adult men may have deep, low voices. The use of the tone within the adult’s tone may also be used to patronise or frighten other characters to show their ability to control them as they have more power.

Mise-en-scene:

The children within the films may be seen wearing bright colours with comical or animated characters on their clothing. This could be used to show their innocence and defenceless characteristics. Teenagers may stereotypically wear hooded jumpers showing their ‘violent’ and ‘thug-like’ features. This could be used to show how they commit crimes and are always stereotypically bad within society. Adults may wear smart clothing such as suits, showing how they have authority above other characters and have professional careers. Old people may often be dressed in smart clothes such as long skirts, jumpers and sweater vests. This could show how they are old fashioned and dress appropriately within society. The setting within each age group may also differ. Children may be seen within a nursery environment with various toys, showing how they are innocent and young. Teenagers may be seen within dark alleys, showing how they have a criminal nature. Adults may be seen within a typical office environment showing their profession, whilst elderly people may be seen within an elderly home as they rely on others for help.