The document discusses representations of gender in disaster films. It notes that male characters are often portrayed as stronger, more intelligent leaders who sacrifice themselves heroically. Female characters are sometimes sexualized but can also be depicted as normal characters. It also discusses how the "male gaze" can objectify women on screen and how characters like Joel from The Last of Us and Eli from The Book of Eli follow conventions of gritty, troubled male protagonists in disaster films through their appearance and role as survivors who protect others and sustain injuries.

1. Character Representations

2. Male Representations In Disaster
• Male characters are perceived to be more superior within
this genre of film. They commonly take on the lead role
(Antagonist) as they are shown as stronger, more intelligent
and have a higher natural instinct to survive.
• This is illustrated through the use of leadership and
commonly a heroic act or sacrifice/injury. A common
convention is that the group within the disaster film is
predominantly male, this leads to clashes and adds to the
suspense of the film/movie.
• The use of a muscular male character and regular
characters alongside him allows for all audience members
to align with a character. This therefore shows us a
common stereotype.

3. Female Representations In Disaster
• Female characters are commonly sexualised in the horror
genre. However, within Disaster films they are commonly
represented as normal everyday characters and not
sexualised to the same extent. A good example is in the
movie “2012” in which the female character is a normal
working mother. However, in “The Book Of Eli” Mila Kunis’
character is sexualised for one scene in which she
attempts to persuade the protagonist not to leave.
• Another common movie stereotype is the use of costume
for female characters. Female characters wear tight
clothing to show off their figure and thus sexualising them.
This however is not specific to female roles. Male
characters wear tight clothing within this genre to show off
their body e.g. Dwayne Johnson in “San Andreas”.

4. Male Gaze
• This is the way in which men look at women, and
then how women see themselves. People view
cinema from a male heterosexual point of view
and that is why female characters are often
sexualised in cinema.
• Examples of this are when the camera lingers on
the curves of the female body. This objectifies
women, thus the women experience the movie’s
narrative by identifying with the males view.

5. Joel (The Last Of Us)
• Joel is a gritty and determined character who will
stop at nothing to complete his goal. He is
represented in this manner through the use of his
appearance: dirty chequered shirt, ripped jeans, a
large back pack and sturdy working boots.
• He is represented as the protagonist throughout
the trailer as he is seen helping people and
protecting a little girl. This follows the convention
of disaster films with a morally challenged
protagonist driving the narrative forward.
• Finally, the use of his rough, survivalist nature
follows another convention of disaster films which
is the stereotyping of characters. The characters
within a disaster film fit into common stereotypes
so people can align with them. Joel follows the
convention of there always being one survivalist
within the group of survivors.
Large BackpackWork Boots
Ripped,
Dirty Jeans
Chequered,
Plain Rustic
Shirt
Rough, Untrimmed,
Gritty Appearance Weapon
Gas Mask

6. Eli (Book Of Eli)
Eli is a quiet character within
the trailer and only speaks
when it is entirely necessary.
This reinforces the
stereotype that he is
troubled and that he is a
survivalist (Male character
role). Additionally, he is
harsh and focuses on
survival which is a key
character type within
disaster, he takes control
and leads.
This leadership is shown
throughout the film as he
regularly saves peoples lives
and is thus the protagonist.
Finally, toward the end of
the film we see him sustain
an injury which looks fatal,
yet again fulfilling another
disaster movie stereotype.