Media 2012 Representation paper

Media 2012 Representation paper

1. Question 1

   • Visual codes
     • Winter's bone has dark, grey/blue lighting which makes it seem cold and scary which as a result builds tension and mystery as we can't see the characters/forest clearly
     • Grey/plain coloured clothing makes the post serious and mysterious in a way that it removes anything that can be associated with happiness
     • Low lighting builds mystery as half of Liam Neeson's face is covered up, along with a blurred background which builds tension and mystery as we can't see whats in the background
       • Stern look on protagonists face makes the film serious and intimidating in a way which builds tension and mystery as we don't know why he's serious
   • Layout
     • Winter's bone has a bold title almost in the middle, which makes it eye catching but doesn't distract you from the rest of the poster.
       • Has the protagonist's face at the top in the hopes that you would recognise the actor and watch it because of that. Makes the face stand out but also relates to the thriller genre because she looks shocked.
     • Unknown has the title near the bottom with the actor in the foreground standing over it, makes him seem intimidating and relates to it being an action film
       • Largest picture in the foreground is of Liam Neeson who may persuade us to see the film as he is known for being in action films, therefore we instantly recognise him and want to watch the film
   • Design
     • Font for winter's bone is white/ice themed which relates to the word "winter" and matches the general theme of the trailer
       • Features various awards that stand out on the side of the poster with a quote which will persuade us to want to see the film
     • The bar across the middle shows parts of the film which is something that we see if we look closer (don't initially see it) which could persuade us to see the film
       • Gun near the bottom, we don't initially see it until we look closer so its almost like a hidden hint
   • Genre
     • The scared look on the actors face for winter's bone makes me believe its a thriller film due to the fear
       • The dark colour scheme and the lack of visibility for the characters at the bottom makes the film seem like a mystery due to the fact that we can't see them
         • The gun at the bottom of the screen shows that intimidating aspect that makes me believe that it is an action film
           • An actor that is well known for appearing in action films is featured which makes us think this is an action film instantly

2. Question 2a

   • Winter's bone's primary audience will be fans of mystery/thriller films (which tends to be males) due to the visual codes that relate to this genre
     • Secondary audience will be female fans of this genre, this is because of the female protagonist which may attract them to this film

3. Question 2b

   • The weapons featured on this cover will attract fans of action, along with the darker colour scheme which builds tension and instantly makes us relate it to action/mystery
     • Fans of Liam Neeson as he is very recognisable. He stands out on the cover and therefore instantly attracts fans of his/fans of his films to watch this

4. Question 2c

   • The Junk Food Kids documentary
     • Puts the blame clearly on parents, which some may agree with the sources as they take a dominant position where they accept the sources provided by the doctors and instantly agree that its the parent's fault
       • Oppositional readings may take place where people instantly disagree with the view. They may blame childhood obesity on the food that children eat instead of the parents
         • May have a negotiated reading, where they agree partly with the doctors/visual codes that the parents are to blame, however they may have their own personal view created by their own experience that causes them to have a mixed opinion on the documentary

5. Question 3- Representation of Gender

   • This Girl Can advertisements
     • Represents females as courageous and hard working on the basis that they aren't afraid of how they look whilst exercising
       • Uses normal people as the actors which makes it normal for all women to exercise (means it isn't just a thing for like actors/models etc)
         • Removes stereotypes of women being weak/needing someone to look after them
           • Fast paced trailer persuades people to join in, as its aimed at women maybe it represents women that view the trailer as self conscious?
   • GQ Magazine- Clint Eastwood
     • Features Clint Eastwood sitting angrily (meets the stereotype of males being serious)
       • Clint Eastwood is known for his western movies. The hard-labour style clothes relate to the stereotype of men doing jobs like construction and manual labour
         • "Men of the year issue" Clint Eastwood is a stereotypical male. Shows that people are trying to remove the stereotypes of females yet they still enforce the stereotypes of males.
         • Looks fairly strong/stern. Stereotype of all men being strong and angry