The aim and objective of this slide is to critically asses how Representation is used within the media, How this is presented in my three researched films and how I can link it back to my film
DEFINITION
Representation refers to the construction in any medium (especially the mass media) of aspects of ‘reality’ such as people, places, objects, events, cultural identities and other abstract concepts. Such representations may be in speech or writing as well as still or moving pictures.
DEFINITION
Representation refers to the construction in any medium (especially the mass media) of aspects of ‘reality’ such as people, places, objects, events, cultural identities and other abstract concepts. Such representations may be in speech or writing as well as still or moving pictures.
EXPLANATION
The way in which something is Represented is a key element in this section. Systems of representation are 'the means by which the concerns of ideologies are frames; such systems position their subjects'. By using Semiotics we can discuss the process of representation. All media texts are representations of reality, although reality can never be re produced as we can only represent reality and not give a transparent reflexion of pre-existing reality. However, it is important to realise that without use of the media, our perception of reality would be restricted. For example, if we didn't have the news, we would be unable to understand and realise what problems or situations are occurring in other countries and not just in our own. How far do we accept Media representations? The influence of the media has an extreme impact on todays society, therefor we rely heavily on it to produce us with information but it is impossible to give an objective view as they show us one version of reality, not reality itself. Another theory of this would be The Hyperdermic Needle Model, this suggests that the information from a text passes into the mass consciousness of the audience unmediated. It assumes that the audience are passive and heterogenous. An example of this would be how Propaganda was used by The British Army to Interpellate Men into joining the army, because the propaganda was everywhere people started to believe it and therefor conformed to it.
The way in which something is Represented is a key element in this section. Systems of representation are 'the means by which the concerns of ideologies are frames; such systems position their subjects'. By using Semiotics we can discuss the process of representation. All media texts are representations of reality, although reality can never be re produced as we can only represent reality and not give a transparent reflexion of pre-existing reality. However, it is important to realise that without use of the media, our perception of reality would be restricted. For example, if we didn't have the news, we would be unable to understand and realise what problems or situations are occurring in other countries and not just in our own. How far do we accept Media representations? The influence of the media has an extreme impact on todays society, therefor we rely heavily on it to produce us with information but it is impossible to give an objective view as they show us one version of reality, not reality itself. Another theory of this would be The Hyperdermic Needle Model, this suggests that the information from a text passes into the mass consciousness of the audience unmediated. It assumes that the audience are passive and heterogenous. An example of this would be how Propaganda was used by The British Army to Interpellate Men into joining the army, because the propaganda was everywhere people started to believe it and therefor conformed to it.
Natural Born Killers
I love Mallory Scene
In the film the two main characters are both presented as lovers, serial killers and outcasts who both grew up as victims of traumatic child abuse. Their disturbing backgrounds give Mickey and Mallory the opportunity to rebel against society, they are both representations of characters who have been influenced by violence in the media. The representation is made to seem 'true' and 'natural' with the use of themes. Abuse and Domestic violence are two main themes within this scene. This links back to my film as I am interested in taking a social realist approach, applying themes such as Abuse and neglect. This film, attempts to stimulate debate about violence and the different levels of realism. This becomes clear to the audience when in the scene I Love Mallory, Mickey is represented as violent and aggressive towards Mallory showing signs of domestic abuse. They are represented in a 1950s sit com style, which was based on a show called 'I Love Lucy'. The canned laughter played over the abusive scene exadurates the characters neglect and emphasises its awfulness but also provides a commentary on how TV representation of dysfunctional family life and sexual abuse passes for entertainment. The representation is targeted at audiences from the age of 17-30. It becomes problematic when the circular theme of violence is presented which therefore presents us with a negative representation of the characters. The film reflects a reality but over exaggerates it therefore it appears to be constructed.
I love Mallory Scene
In the film the two main characters are both presented as lovers, serial killers and outcasts who both grew up as victims of traumatic child abuse. Their disturbing backgrounds give Mickey and Mallory the opportunity to rebel against society, they are both representations of characters who have been influenced by violence in the media. The representation is made to seem 'true' and 'natural' with the use of themes. Abuse and Domestic violence are two main themes within this scene. This links back to my film as I am interested in taking a social realist approach, applying themes such as Abuse and neglect. This film, attempts to stimulate debate about violence and the different levels of realism. This becomes clear to the audience when in the scene I Love Mallory, Mickey is represented as violent and aggressive towards Mallory showing signs of domestic abuse. They are represented in a 1950s sit com style, which was based on a show called 'I Love Lucy'. The canned laughter played over the abusive scene exadurates the characters neglect and emphasises its awfulness but also provides a commentary on how TV representation of dysfunctional family life and sexual abuse passes for entertainment. The representation is targeted at audiences from the age of 17-30. It becomes problematic when the circular theme of violence is presented which therefore presents us with a negative representation of the characters. The film reflects a reality but over exaggerates it therefore it appears to be constructed.
Here is an Article about the Representation of 'Natural Born killers' That I found online whilst researching the film.
This is England
Shop Scene
Here, in this scene the working class are being represented by Shane Meadows. Through use of language and camera shots it is a negative representation as the characters appear to be violent,rude and racist. The camera shots used suggest power as the camera is tilted at a higher angle when presenting the main characters which suggest power and authority over the shop keeper who does not have control. The representation mirrors a reality, is made to seem natural and true and conforms to an ideology as it represents the youth of working class Northern England in the 80s who were part of the violent, racist group 'The Skinheads' under the 'Thaterism' Society. Skinheads first emerged in Britain during the 60's, they were mostly working class youth who had a specific look; tight straight jeans, work boots and braces. During the early 60's there were many attacks launched on South Asian immigrant families which then continued on through the 70's and 80's, this is projected in this scene as the shop keeper is racially abused and his shop is vandalised.
Shop Scene
Here, in this scene the working class are being represented by Shane Meadows. Through use of language and camera shots it is a negative representation as the characters appear to be violent,rude and racist. The camera shots used suggest power as the camera is tilted at a higher angle when presenting the main characters which suggest power and authority over the shop keeper who does not have control. The representation mirrors a reality, is made to seem natural and true and conforms to an ideology as it represents the youth of working class Northern England in the 80s who were part of the violent, racist group 'The Skinheads' under the 'Thaterism' Society. Skinheads first emerged in Britain during the 60's, they were mostly working class youth who had a specific look; tight straight jeans, work boots and braces. During the early 60's there were many attacks launched on South Asian immigrant families which then continued on through the 70's and 80's, this is projected in this scene as the shop keeper is racially abused and his shop is vandalised.
Fridge
Working class are being represented by Peter Mullen in Fridge. They mirror a society as it is taken from the social realism genre aiming to present a true or natural representation, it is a negative representation as they are presented as violent, homeless, poor, aggressive and rude characters. The representation is targeted at an audience aged 16-40, this presents us with a large target audience and enables Mullen to present his film to a broad group of people, mostly interested in the Independent Spirit Film market as Hollywood audiences would not find his film appealing as he uses different techniques and approaches film making differently to the Hollywood Film Co. The middle - upper class are being left out of the representation. The representation supports an ideology, it follows the standard stereotype of what a working class area would be like and is presented as problematic as each of the characters seem to be stuck in a circle or loop in society unable to break away, they are unable to work, or move out from the estate - this is shown through the ages of the characters as there are some very young characters growing up in the estate and also some old characters growing old, this shows that they are stuck from young to old.
Working class are being represented by Peter Mullen in Fridge. They mirror a society as it is taken from the social realism genre aiming to present a true or natural representation, it is a negative representation as they are presented as violent, homeless, poor, aggressive and rude characters. The representation is targeted at an audience aged 16-40, this presents us with a large target audience and enables Mullen to present his film to a broad group of people, mostly interested in the Independent Spirit Film market as Hollywood audiences would not find his film appealing as he uses different techniques and approaches film making differently to the Hollywood Film Co. The middle - upper class are being left out of the representation. The representation supports an ideology, it follows the standard stereotype of what a working class area would be like and is presented as problematic as each of the characters seem to be stuck in a circle or loop in society unable to break away, they are unable to work, or move out from the estate - this is shown through the ages of the characters as there are some very young characters growing up in the estate and also some old characters growing old, this shows that they are stuck from young to old.