1. Question 2:
How does your media product represent different social
groups?
My preliminary task represents the stereo-typical ideas associated to a mental
institution. The plain white, padded walls, with a character ‘securely’ strapped
into a wheel chair, these conform to the typical codes and conventions of a
thriller film since it sets a feeling of fear to the audience.
However by the only characters being shown are female. this makes the
audience want to know the reasons for this characters behaviour. We have
not portrayed the female character in a stereotypical way. As in caring and
maternal, however as evil and unnatural.
The nurses representation is some what real to the ‘norm’, she acts caringly
and tries her hardest to calm the character down… she is the stereotypical
character within the scene. This however is not a traditional film, it is a
psychological thriller. The twist within the story line throws the audience off
course representing both characters in a vulnerable position.
The main task however gives a clear representation of the young female
social group. Through high camera angles and dark lighting, they child looks
vulnerable, similar to all children. The idea that she has nobody to protect her
adds to the sense of mystery in the film, conforms with the typical codes and
conventions of thriller films, as well as demonstrating the generalised idea that
young girls cannot defend themselves from older, more powerful characters.
The male character looks scary and represents the teenagers that very often
get caught for such acts of violence. This is because the character wears
tracksuit like clothing, as well as a balaclava to cover his face, these clothing
items are associated with the young male generation. Hence these little
details of props and costume give an indication of the social groups being
represented in the main production.