2. Stereotypes
In our final media product stereotypes are used however some are challenged, this is
due to the ideology of the film which focuses on male strength. For example the main
character, Max Carter being presented as strong, determined and slightly aggressive,
this would be following the stereotype of a male. Max’s strength is conveyed through
the training scene which consists of a series of medium long shots, medium close ups
and close ups, showing Max intensely training. These shots work with the diegetic
sound of Max’s fists hitting the punch bag. His aggression is shown in the close up
shot of his fist clenching which conveys anger and frustration. Max is however
presented as strong in a different way when he walks away from confrontation which
is where the male stereotype is challenged in our media product.
The character Amy Jones isn’t presented as a typical female as she attempts to
aggravate Max by shouting abuse at him and using expletives, shown in a medium
close up, which isn’t a stereotype of a woman. However, she was dressed in typical
female clothes and Max was wearing sports clothes which fit the stereotype of an
athletic male. The difference in the clothes Max and Amy wear conveys their
difference in personality.
3. Finally, the boxing trainer in our media film, Mia Smith, is female and trains
Max. Typically boxing trainers are shown in films to be male, for example the
trainer in ‘Southpaw’ is male. The typical female stereotype is domestic,
feminine, dependant and gentle. This is in contrast to how Mia is presented
in our media product. These female stereotypes are challenged through Mia
as she is conveyed as strong and athletic through her sports clothes and
stern expressions in the training scene, shown in a medium long shot with
Max.
Overall, our media product uses stereotypes to present particular social
groups. Using a mixture of stereotypes in both male and female characters
allowed us to present characters in certain ways. Additionally, the challenged
stereotypes created variation and interest for the audience.
