The document analyzes representations of gender in the TV show Primeval through various film techniques. It discusses how cinematography, sound, editing, and mise-en-scene are used to portray male characters as strong leaders and females as vulnerable. However, it also notes some instances that break stereotypes, such as a female character who is initially depicted as confident but becomes fearful when faced with physical danger, and another woman who is shown working in a traditionally male job. The analysis focuses on how these techniques shape audience perceptions of characters and their adherence to or challenging of gender stereotypes.

1. Gender Representations in
Primeval
Lucy Sherratt

2. Cinematography
In this scene the male character is being shown as the leader and the character with
the most power. This has been represented in the shot types, his character is always
in a medium or close up shot while the other characters stay in only a medium shot.
In this scene he has the most screen time with his character being the centre of the
scene. This is also represented in the camera movement as the camera pans in an arc
around the other 4 characters as if from his view. The camera also regularly shows his
reactions while showing no other characters. This is a stereotypical representation of
the male character being the leader and having the most control. At this point in
time the audience is recognizing his role as the leader and his importance in the
situation at hand.

3. Cinematography
In this scene the female character is being represented in as vulnerable. This has been
constructed through the high angle shot that shows her being down in a weak
position. Adding to the cinematography mise-en-scene backs up the vulnerable
representation with her facial expression and costume. The costume is positioned so
that she is exposed and therefore vulnerable and her facial expression shows fear.
This is a stereotypical representation of women being weak and vulnerable in
dangerous situations. At this point the audience is supposed to feel fear for the
females safety.

4. Sound
1.41-1.44
In this scene the male character shouts “Come on!” twice at the threat. This is
representing him as being very strong and fearless. This is being shown as he repeats
his shout twice, reinforcing that he is fearless and is willing to take on the danger. This
is a stereotype of the male gender as it is reinforcing that his male character is a strong
and fearless person. In this moment the audience is supposed to feel nervous but
excited for the character as he is bringing danger upon him self but his confidence
brings confidence to the audience therefore bringing an element of excitement.

5. Sound
3.50-4.05
In this scene the female character is being represented in a strong and powerful
position. She has a lot of confidence and control over the male character with words
but looses all once there becomes a physical danger. This is shown through her
dialogue. This does not follow the stereotype of females being weak and easily
manipulated as she tries to manipulate the male into agreeing to a deal with her;
showing how strong and confident she is in the situation. In this scene the
audience are supposed to want the character to succeed in her confrontation with
the male due to her confidence.

6. Editing
In the scene between the points 1.18-1.33 there are lots of jump cuts. These all
happen in sequence with the digger and female character, Abby. This makes the scene
very fast paced and tense. It intensifies the action from the female character,
representing her as being strong. This breaks the stereotype of the female character
being weak as is shows her using the strength that she has in an intense period. This
editing brings a lot of excitement to the audience.

7. Editing
The editing at 4.28 – 4.35 is very intense and represents the male character as being
very violent. The editing of jumping between the dangers and to the female in the
vulnerable position portrays the male as being very aggressive. The sound is loud
and sounds like a fast heartbeat, that could represent the fear and danger in the
situation. This is a portrayal of the stereotype of the male as it inforces the idea of
him being powerful and aggressive, especially over the women.

8. Mise-en-scene
In this scene the character is being represented as being very strong and independent.
This is done using her costume and the location that she is in. The costume is non-
stereotypical of her gender as it is not traditionally feminine, this goes along with her
short hair. This representation breaks the stereotype of how females are represented.
In this scene she is shown working inside a digger, this represents her as being strong
and independent as it is a job that is typically associated with males. From this, this
character is deviating from the stereotypes.

9. Mise-en-scene
In this scene the female character is being represented as a stereotypical women. Her
costume and make up are very stereotypical of the female characters. Her red lipstick
especially highlights the feminine representation. Her costume is very smart and is
feminine and dainty. However in this part of the scene her dialogue is very confident
and strong which contrasts her physical representation, until she is put in physical
danger where she matches her physical appearance.