1. Chelsea Howsin
AS Media: How is sexuality represented in True Blood?
Terminology
Examples
Explanation/Analysis
Through the use of mise-en-sceneLafayette is presented as feminine.Lafayette is
wearing a hair wrap, a vest, earrings and make-upwhich symbolise womanhood.Also
these symbols convey the conventional stereotype that homosexual males are more
in touch with their feminine side than heterosexual males. The setting islocated in a
kitchen and kitchen appliancespropsare used by Lafayette,again playing on the
stereotypes of heterosexual females, that women should cook and be in the kitchen.
A medium shot is used when Lafayette is dry humping the draw, while Lafayette
carries out the action, the viewer hears the diegetic sound of Lafayette thrusting
against the draw. The type of shot with the diegetic sound humourises the clip,
which conveys humour but can be interpreted in 2 different ways, homosexual males
just want to have fun ( a laugh) or this image of hiding. The sensual image of the shot
is hidden suggesting that homosexuals hide their sexuality.
1

2. Chelsea Howsin
AS Media: How is sexuality represented in True Blood?
Furthermore, later in the shot when the waitress places the burger on the counter
for Lafayette to take back,the costumeLafayette was wearing has change. He is
wearing similar items but the colour of the items has change from burgundy
redwhich can be seen as a sassy, sexy, fun colour presenting him at first in a fun and
humorous way. And now is wearing a black vest top maybe becoming more of a dark
and sombre character. This perspective of his character is later shown.
An eye line match is used to show the audience who Lafayette is looking
at.Lafayette’s solemn and dark side begins to surface when one of the customers
says “the burger may have aids.” When this dialogue is used, Lafayette’s character
switches and changed his tone of voice and becomes angry and says “what did they
say.”Highlighting the idea that homosexual people get offended when their sexuality
is commented on.
2

3. Chelsea Howsin
AS Media: How is sexuality represented in True Blood?
Furthermore cross cutting isused when Lafayette is punching the men in the face,
constructing this fast, quick and snappy pacesurfacing Lafayette’s masculine and
powerful side. The director removes the 4th wall, removing the concept of good and
bad. Suggesting there is no normal sexuality in a modern world.
Also a lot of other the shoulder shots are used throughout the clip,referring to reality
that homosexual people are always looked at.
3