Representation of gender

Essay Question- Representation of Gender

Throughout the clip from cutting it, there is various representations of Gender, we the audience are shown this through the crucial methods of camera work, editing, sound and miss en scene. When these four elements of media are combined we can analyse the interpretations to gain a clearer understanding into the ways Gender is being represented.

Towards the last conversation in the taxi the camera shots are landscape of both the man and women who are shown in individual shots, although they are sitting next to each other. When the shot is of the women she is shown looking up at the man whilst talking to him, and when the man replies the shot is of a higher level and he is shown to be looking down whilst replying. This could represent how women are inferior to men and are constantly looked down upon as if we are weak in comparison and that men are powerful. This could also portray that men are in control of women as the camera focuses on the man looking down and the women looking up perhaps showing how he has control or some sort of authority over her, and how she feels the need to give him eye contact to show her respect.

However when the couple reach their destination, the camera shows them in a still landscape shot with them equally in the centre, this could therefore represent equality as both the man and women are shown equal in the camera as neither one is being shown more than the other.

The slow panning shot of the camera when the lady comes out from the consultant enables the audience to take in the surroundings and makes the lady seem vulnerable in comparison to what  whats happening around her such as the busy traffic and walking bystanders, this is because she shown the lower third of the camera giving the impression she is smaller than everything around her. The camera then stops panning when a bus drives quickly past blocking the view of the lady and the background, this foreshadows the events that are about to happen and alerts the audience that there will be some sort of danger. This could again represent how women are weak and often conceived as the victim or the 'damsel in distress' overall providing a stereotypical outlook on women.

Another vital part of camera work during this clip is when the man is running over to the women lying down of the floor. The camera changes to handheld which creates a shaky effect, the audience is shown from the back of the man running which gives the effect that we are following him. The camera then changes to an eye-line match which links to editing as it gives the impression that we the audience are the man thats running, as we see whats he's doing as the camera angle has changed to his perspective. The camera is unfocused and creates chaos. This could represent how the man is trying to be the 'hero' by running over to her aid. By the camera showing the man running into traffic and risking his own life it gives the representation that males are strong and fearless as well as brave and powerful, which again connotes to a stereotypical view. However it could also represent the male gender in a positive light as it shows he's willing to risk his life to save her's which represents selfless and courage.

Gender is also represented through the use of Mise en scene, the man wears a costume consisted of a shirt, smart trousers and long coat, this gives the impression that he holds a perhaps wealthy status as he is dressed up. The particular use of his outfit also connotates to the stereotypical view of a man and suggests that he is the main provider and earns the majority of money. It also suggests that he has a good job as he is able to afford nice clothes.

The women is shown in a close up shot with beaming light reflecting on the top half of her face, the use of this white light links to the imagery of purity and innocence and makes the women appear fragile and delicate, however it could also make her appear 'god like' and angelic which could perhaps be empowering for women as it portrays the idea she holds great power and is someone you could look up to as if she was a role model.

When the women is at the consultant she is shown to be emotional and crying, this makes the audience sympathise and relate to what the lady is going through. Although it could be another representation of weakness for women as by 'crying' it shows she unable to control her emotions which is often stereotypically associated with women. As women in the media are shown to be more in touch with their emotional side.

Sound plays a vital role in the analysis of gender, we see this from the spoken dialogue directed between the man and women. The women says to her fiancé "no don't come with me" before she is about to see her consulatnat. From the use of this dialogue the audience can see the lady is strong and doesn't the rely on the support from a man. This represents women as independent and strong and shows that women can do things for themeselves and don't neeed to have someone by their side. Overall giving women a positive representation. There is also non-diegetic music playing whilst the lady is crying wich also adds the the sad situation she is in and therefore creates further sympathy for the audience and strengthens the representation of weakness for women. The women also says an important piece of dialogue which helps to represent the role of gender, she says "I'm sorry", this could show her forgiving and feminine  side as she is giving into her husbands unaccepting behaviour and apologising for the way she reacted. Therefore representing that she is perhaps controlled by her husband  and does not feel the need to stand up for herself. However at the end of the clip when the man comes over to be by his fiancé after the terrible tragedy, he struggles to speak from the shock he has experienced and is literally lost for words, although when he does finally speak the sound of his voice is quiet and full of emotion. This could show how men do have an emotional and caring side and although they are usually portrayed as brave and strong, this is just a stereotype and men do have feelings and feel the need to express emotions. Therefore this could portray the male gender in a relatable and positive way as it contrasts to the stereotypes and makes the audience realise that men do have a 'soft side'. 

The use of editing techniques within the clip does conform as well as subvert the stereotypes of gender. During the last seen where the women has been hit by a car, the effect of slow motion is used when the man looks up and sees the lorry go past. The use of this slow motion is used to exaggerate on the events that have just happened, it allows the audience to see things form the mans perspective. The slow motion also makes it more dramatic and hit of sudden realisation of what has just happened.  We also see the mans shocked face which represents his role as horrified and completely in ore of what has just happened.The technique of a fade was also used at the ending of the scene after the women dies. This represents the ending of her life as well as the existing narrative. This is quite a different technique used as the majority of editing is continuity and quick cuts. However from the use of this face it could represent how women are exaggerated and perhaps dramatic. There is also a slow motion effect used over the specific part where the man is looking at the ring, the use of the effect enables the audience to catch the glimpse of light of the ming and time to reflect on marriage and their relationship. The slow motion also gives almost too much time on the ring which makes the audience think something bad is going to happen which basically does foreshadow the next event. The use of the man looking at his ring could represent how the male gender are often portrayed to be romantic which is another stereotype of the male gender which has been produced by the media. The continuity editing used throughout the clip could also represent the normality of the way we view men and women. 

Merlin Essay

Camera 

The use of a high angle camera shot whilst Merlin is exiting the castle and walking down the stairs to the market is representing how merlin is at a lower authority and is being looked down upon by you the viewer in the castle. This therefore suggests that the director has used the transition from a level shot to a high angle shot to represent how people quickly judge and relate people to class stereotypes. During the transition from level to high angle merlin is represented as a traditional middle class/lower class person, as the level angle suggests that he believes that he belongs in the higher class society (castle), however we then see him being represented as a less powerful and lower class person when we see the high angle shot showing him as lower and smaller from the higher class point of view.

The fight between Arthur and Merlin signifies the contrast between their classes.  It is shown when a majority of the time Merlin is on the floor looking up at at Arthur like how he metaphorically looks up at him because he is a higher class and Arthur is lower.  This is shown from the high and low camera angles.

The opening scene of Merlin looking through someone else’s possessions shows him as being the main focus, positioned in the centre-third of the shot. This emphasises that he is currently the most important character – however, once the lady enters, who is clearly of a much higher social class as can be told by her clothes, this changes and he is pushed to the side slightly. This shows the shift of power and importance, making the lady the main focus instead of Merlin. 

EDITING

The use of quick fast pace shots of Merlin’s movements inside of the Ladies chamber suggest that he does not belong. The quick short shots create a feeling of being unwelcome and that Merlin is out of place. The lady is clearly of a higher class and would not expect someone of a lower class like Merlin to be there. The use of the fast pace quick shots suggest that Merlin should be quick about his actions as otherwise he will be caught. 

In the clip, special effects are used to alter the representation of class and status. During the fight scene, special effects are used to make Merlin’ eye glow and make objects move on their own. By giving Merlin magical powers it gives Merlin more control and power in the situation. This subverts the stereotype that lower class citizens do not have any power or control over upper class people. This makes the audience support and feel happy that someone of Merlin’s low status is able to gain power over an upper class citizen.

SOUND

The use of diegetic sound in the Merlin clip portrays class and status through the lack of sound compared to the chaos of sound.  For example in the first scene Merlin is walking through the castle and there is a lack of sound. The only sounds in these scenes are quick dialogue and loud footsteps as it shows power through volume and quick authoritative speech. This is contrasted to when Merlin walks outside the castle into the open market as there are sounds of animals, wet footsteps, as there is mud underfoot, and heavy chaotic chatter. This shows the difference between the higher class and lower class through sounds as the higher class have quick and powerful sounds compared to the chaotic and cluster of the lower class sounds.    

The use of the dialogue in the Merlin clip adds to the attitudes towards class and status pre- fight scene Merlin is bold towards Arthur and challenges him in attempt to argue. This shows to the audience that merlin is not threatened by Arthurs higher status, however Arthur and his knights are amused by this and the stage directions of laughter makes a mockery of Merlin’s character particularly because Merlin is clearly of a lower status. The laughter is visibly supposed to belittle Merlin’s character in this clip; however Arthur’s action can instead make the audience feel discontent with how Arthur treats Merlin as appose to feeling sympathy towards Merlin. Especially because of this disappointment with him living up to social stereotypes.

The use of sound in the Merlin clip shows representations of class and status through the sound of the regal female character’s footsteps. The sound of her footsteps are exaggerated to sound louder than what is natural through the use of foley. The exaggerated foley footsteps create a perception to the audience of the woman possessing higher status and power than Merlin’s character. Furthermore, the foley exaggerated footsteps create the notion of Merlin being of a lower class and status, reflecting the stereotype which is laid in this clip. This is done through the woman’s footsteps being the loudest, most overpowering sound in the clip (louder than Merlin’s sounds). Overall, the woman is made to seem the most authorative in this scene through the use of sound and foley.

When the lady in the purple dress enters the room, the loud non-diegetic music that was previously playing stops. Having the music stop in time with her entrance emphasises her importance and could suggest how the upper-class are more important than those in the lower-class. This is done because by removing the music, all distractions are taken away and the audience's focus is on the woman and her conversation with Merlin. It also shows how someone of a higher class can cause disruption to a situation so easily- like the woman caused a disruption to the scene.

MISE en SCENE

In this film clip, the lighting and use of colour is important when assessing the representations of class and status. When inside the castle where all of the autocracy live, the lighting is dull and the colours are bleak which shows how the life of the wealthy are boring and uneventful even though they are privileged. This contrasts with the bright light and bold use of colours which are shown outside. By doing this, it represents the poorer part of the country in a good light, making their lives seem more adventurous and interesting. 

In the castle courtyard, the setting is very grey and dull, but also very clean. The only people in this shot are people in expensive clothes and of a higher class/more importance. This contradicts the shot of the outside market where everything is a brown/dirty colour and where knights stand out in front of the lower class who are in rags or loose clothes. The grey setting in the courtyard carries the connotation of the higher class being boring and having to follow certain standards, whereas the market is much busier and there is a lot more happening in the scene. This could imply that there is more freedom in this area for the lower class. The clothing/props of the characters also match the setting that they are in, a grey/lighter colour in the castle courtyard, highlighting the upper class and the brown and darker colours (uglier) in the market area, highlighting the lower class and showing a clear difference between the two.

The women is seen as rich and powerful. This is shown to use with the use of her purple dress in contrast to Merlin’s dirty, dark clothes. The women’s dress is seen in a rich material that looks new and clean. This dress would make the audience believe she has money and power as her dress looks well-made and new. This is a contrast for the audience for Merlin’s clothes which is dark clothes and look clean and used. His clothes don’t fit him which furthers the point that he his lower class to this women. The audience would pick up the contrast of the women’s dress fitting well compared to Merlin’s clothes which fall of him. This portrays to the audience that merlin is more stereotypically lower class compared to the women who is seen to have a higher status due to the quality of her clothes compare to his.

The actor playing the poor character is scrawny and youthful looking which shows us how he cannot afford a well-balanced diet to grow and develop properly. His baggy clothes help emphasise his lack of figure and wealth, as someone with money would be able to buy tailored clothing. The rich character is the polar opposite of the poor one, as he has a muscular build and a straight posture with tight fitting clothes and even armour. It allows the audience to really see the stark contrast between the rich and poor when they are standing next to each other, and also subtly shows how the rich have a higher social status over the poor.

 

Task 5

Presentation1 from katiedunning17

Task 7

Task 7 - Audience and cinema going statistics

What days to audiences go to the cinema?
The most common day for young people to go to the cinema is on Friday nights, this is because it's the beginning of the weekend and most people have had a full week of work or school and therefore want some time to schedule in leisure activities before the weekend or part time jobs on Saturdays.

What are the most popular genres?
 Action was the most popular genre among UK Cinema goers taking 30% of box office, the top earning action film was Spectre. With animation 2nd and Drama third.
What was the top film in each of these genres?
Top Action film of 2016 was Rouge one, top Animation film was Finding Dorey, Comedy was Deadpool however this also link into the genre of action.

How do audiences hear about films?
Audiences hear about films through many different ways, for example a big method of advertisement is social media by posting tweets and teaser trailers on social media networks they are quickly distributed and viewed by thousands. The main actresses and actors in the film may also post on their personal social media pages which fans can then talk about and build hype and excitement around the new film.  Other ways are through trailers seen at the being of other films in the cinema. Posters and TV advertisement also allows the audience to hear about films.

Do audiences prefer US, UK or other nationality films?
The most popular nationality that produce films is the US.

Do audiences like 3D films?
3D films have been a discussion of much debate stating that audiences either love or hate the 3D film experience. Most people would rather see a film in 2D however when it comes to big blockbuster action audiences do like to see it in 3D .

What other ways to audiences watch film aside from the cinema?
Audiences watch films via DVD and Blueray as well as online websites and Catch up and iplayer programmes on TV.

Who do audiences go to the cinema with?
Audiences usually attend the cinema with friends and family which also are interested in that particular film they are watching.

Task 4 Independent film Task

The falling from katiedunning17

Representation of Disability

Coming down the mountain Essay Answer 

The landscape shot of David and Ben walking to the bus stop shows David ahead whilst Ben follows behind trying to keep up. This wide angle shot allows us to view both characters abled and disabled in the same setting doing the same thing.  By placing the disabled character of Ben behind David it almost has connotations and representations that perhaps disabled people are 'behind'/not as good as able people. This is because in the frame David is leading Ben which could suggest Ben is incapable of making decisions and doesn't have the ability to lead himself. Overall portraying the idea that disabled people rely on others for guidance and help in their everyday lives.
In a sequence of shots when David is talking to his friend, Ben is seen in the lower third of the camera angle which shows that he's not important enough to have the camera fully focusing on him. This shot makes the viewer sympathise with Ben as we almost feel as if we are his character in the background who feels left out and confused by whats happening around him. By placing Ben in the lower third of the shot it makes him appear vulnerable and thats what happening around him is overwhelming for him take in. The camera shots also switch between him and David when David is shown the camera is looking up at him and is focused which makes us feel that David is superior to Ben who is shown to be looking down upon. This could overall represent how Disabled people are looked down upon and considered unsuperior and un important, portraying a negative and perhaps stereotypical view of disabled people. However this camera work also puts the viewer in the place of Ben allowing us to emphasis and see what life is like from him eyes, which could be considered empowering to disabled people as we get an insight to their lives and could therefore reflect on our own and the way we judge others.
In the opening clip we can see both characters are divided by the different styles of the same room they share. Ben  the disabled boy has a colourful half of the room with toys and posters, the layout is also very messy and unorganised, which heavily juxtaposes David's side of the room which consists of darker colours with his belongings neat and organised. The contrast in different styles and objects could also represent the contrast in characters and how both boys are very different from one another. Ben's side of the room looks more childish which could show how he needs bright colours and toys to keep him entertained which suggests that Ben is mentally younger than David who has no toys and no vivid colours on his half of the room. From the use of opposite colours and props it highlights the difference between Ben who is disabled and David who is he's abled brother.
When Ben is shown at the bus stop in a series of clips he is always seen with some sort of toys, such as slinky, a squidgy toy to keep him entertained and amused whilst waiting. This represents how he has not matured and has a child's mind which is also a stereotypical view of the disabled. We know Ben is mentally younger as in the clips David his brother who is the same age is seen with no toys and is able to sit still and wait patiently.
Sound also plays a vital role in the representation of disability. When Ben is by himself on the bus, there is sympathetic/emotional sad music in the background which makes us feel sorry for Ben as his brother has left him in this isolated and overwhelming situation. The use of this music allows the viewer to connect with Ben and understand perhaps how he is feeling which is vulnerable and uncomfortable. This portrays that the everyday things we take part in can be difficult and dealt with differently for disabled people allowing us to position ourselves in Ben shoes and deal with his situation. As well as the sympathetic music, the conversations and laughing around Ben have had an echo effect put on and have been increased in volume to impact and add to the overwhelming situation. This also puts us in the place of Ben and makes us feel confused and disorientated as well as overpowered by the people around leaving us feeling vulnerable and exposed. Overall portraying the the difficulties that disabled people face in their everyday lives.
In one shot there has been an edited image of a guns aim from Davids point of view focusing on Ben, the use of this editing suggests that David dislikes his brother and see's him as a potential target or an obstacle within his way, which leads him to envision a life without Ben and how much easier it would be for him if Ben didn't exist. This portrays disabled people as weak, and on a bigger scale a target for things like bullying and discrimination. It could also represent the idea of 'survival of the fittest' which could highlight how David who sees himself as better than Ben e.g the fittest. Whereas Ben is seen as week and therefore David is targeting him. This represents Disabled people as weak and that they can't defend for themselves, as the edited image of the aim shows Ben vulnerable and clueless to what's going on.

Task 3

Jurassic world[184] from katiedunning17