The document provides guidance for writing an essay analyzing the representation of women in music videos through mise-en-scene elements. It outlines focusing on body language, clothing, props, and settings and how they impact representations of women. Students are instructed to use technical film language when appropriate and discuss relevant theories like the male gaze, patriarchy, and feminism. The document also provides examples of how to structure body paragraphs with a point, evidence, and explanation and reminds students to include relevant screenshots and properly proofread their essay.

1. Mise en Scene: Body Language
• How does the characters body language
impact upon their representations/what are
the connotations of what they are wearing?
Points to remember
• Remember the focus of your essay is to comment on the representation
of women so make your comments centre on this.
• You must use technical language where possible (shot sizes/camera
movements/sound & edit terminology)
• You must use media language (such as connotes and signifies) and
reference to any relevant theory (Male Gaze, Patriarchy, Feminism, etc.)
as much as possible

2. Mise en Scene: Clothing Analysis
• How does what the characters are wearing
impact upon their representations/what are
the connotations of what they are wearing?
Points to remember
• Remember the focus of your essay is to comment on the representation
of women so make your comments centre on this.
• You must use technical language where possible (shot sizes/camera
movements/sound & edit terminology)
• You must use media language (such as connotes and signifies) and
reference to any relevant theory (Male Gaze, Patriarchy, Feminism, etc.)
as much as possible

3. Mise en Scene: Props
• Are there any props being used that impact
upon the representation of the characters?
Points to remember
• Remember the focus of your essay is to comment on the representation
of women so make your comments centre on this.
• You must use technical language where possible (shot sizes/camera
movements/sound & edit terminology)
• You must use media language (such as connotes and signifies) and
reference to any relevant theory (Male Gaze, Patriarchy, Feminism, etc.)
as much as possible

4. Mise en Scene: Settings
• How do the settings the characters are in impact
upon the representation of the characters?
Points to remember
• Remember the focus of your essay is to comment on the representation
of women so make your comments centre on this.
• You must use technical language where possible (shot sizes/camera
movements/sound & edit terminology)
• You must use media language (such as connotes and signifies) and
reference to any relevant theory (Male Gaze, Patriarchy, Feminism, etc.)
as much as possible

5. Diegetic Sound: Lyrics
• How do the lyrics that are used impact upon
the representation of the characters?
Points to remember
• Shape your response using Point, Evidence, Explain and aim to have at
least two PEE paragraphs about lyrics per artist
• Remember the focus of your essay is to comment on the representation
of women so make your comments centre on this.
• You must use technical language where possible (shot sizes/camera
movements/sound & edit terminology)
• You must use media language (such as connotes and signifies) and
reference to any relevant theory (Male Gaze, Patriarchy, Feminism, etc.)
as much as possible

6. Lyrics Paragraph Example
Point: The lyrics in Beyoncé's ‘Run the World’
stands up for women’s rights.
Evidence: This is shown in the quote “Disrespect
us, no they won't Boy, don't even try to touch
this”.
Explain: This clearly shows that Beyoncé insists
that women should not be disrespected and can
be linked with feminism as it connotes that
women should not be victimised in society and
have equal rights.

7. Conclusion
• Summarise how each video represents
women
Points to remember
• Refer back to your introduction
• Make a summative comment on the overall representation of women
• Comment on the positive and negative effects the videos will have on
society.
• Attempt to relate to the Uses and Gratifications / Cultivation Theory (long
term effects of television

8. Screen Shots
You must have screen shots within your
essay that link to the paragraphs in you have
written.
You should aim for at least:
• 2 based on clothing / props
• 2 based on body language
• 2 based on setting / lighting

9. This medium close-up links to the ideas of feminism as Pink is
dressed like Rosie the Riveter who empowered women to work
during the war. The high-key lighting on Pink’s facial expression and
tensed muscles connote strength which can be considered to
challenge the stereotype of the female gender.

10. This medium shot represents Pink as being part of a gang
subculture which can be considered quite a masculine trait. The
clothes she is wearing further suggests she is challenging the
female stereotype and the beer bottle prop signifies a rebellious
edge which doesn’t traditionally signify feminine behaviour.

11. Proof Reading
Go through your entire essay and check you
have all of the following:
• Comments on body language
• Comments on Clothing and Props
• Comments on Setting and Lighting
• Comments on Lyrics
• Use of technical language (Camera, Sound,
Editing terms)
• Use of media language and theory (see next
slide)

12. Key Words
Dominates
Male’s pleasure
Submissive
Provocative
Sexual objects
Theories
Patriarchy
Male gaze
Feminism
Sexism
Propp’s character types
Stereotyping
(Archetype/Countertype)
Technical Areas
Camera movements
Shot sizes
Editing (pace and transitions)
Diegetic sound
Non-Diegetic sound
Media Language
Connotes
Signifies
Anchors (supports)
Ideology
Demographic
Binary Oppositions