LO3: representation theory

Representation Theory

re-presented - over and over again (people & places)

• Gender Representation (stereotypes)
• Ethnicities
• character types (damsel, antagonist, heroic protagonist, underdog, accidental hero)
• class status (rich vs poor)
• location (zeitgeist - "spirit of the time" when props and costumes etc fit the theme of the time/era)

key theory to include in essays:

Carl Rogers (1980)

Ideal self/ Ideal partner (How characters are mediated as a role model or attractive to appeal to an audience)

Exam question examples:

Q6)  analyse how the production techniques are used to create meaning in a media product you have studied. (12)    MICRO - MACRO

Q6)  analyse the concept of 'representation' in a media product you have studied. (12)

Final question - answer first as its the biggest question in the paper (40 mins)

Q6/Q7 - always the second question you answer because its a high mark question (20 mins)

Definitions:

Analyse - Give examples and explain the meaning/effect on the audience and why?

Production techniques/Media language/Micro elements - mise en scene, camerawork, editing, sound

Creates meaning - connotes, connotations, denotes, denotation, conveys, portrays, implies, represents, enigma, verisimilitude, tension, empathy, spectacle.

Key theory 1 - Tim O'Sullivan et al. (1998)

For representations to work, there has to to be a shared recognition of people and places. All representations therefore have ideologies behind them.

Ideology - A set of views and beliefs that we all recognise. (religion)

Ideology's in my product:

• vengeance  
• Force for good
• Justice

Proof from essays:

Mise En Scene Essay - "the narrative of The Batman is a man with a traumatic past who seeks to protect his town of Gotham City in hopes of removing some of the evil from the world."

Key theory 2: Richard Dyer (1983)

Audiences should question the representations they see in media texts (Implies)

Mise En Scene Essay - "Selina Kyle aka ‘Catwoman’ who wears a costume which is a very tight-fitting latex outfit."

A very stereotypical outfit for a female costume however also challenges stereotypes as she is part of an ethnic minority and a female whilst being a heroic protagonist.

Key theory 4: Stuart Hall (1995), Alvarado (1987)

Western/white cultures continue to misrepresent ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies. (the other, evil, barbaric, pitied, humoured)

Key theory 5: Earp and Katz (1999)

Men have a pathological need for control and violence. (patriarchy - Male dominated society).

Could also argue against as I have a powerful violent woman (post feminist).

Ideal self / Partner - Carl Rogers (1930)