How does your media product represent particular social groups?

In our film, we looked at the stereotypical representations of gender. We show both genders, male and female in our film however the male is represented as a more dominant character because this is a stereotypical opinion, males having the more powerful role. In most films, we see males as often the criminals, the ones that the plot is based around in sinister type films. Here is an example of films with powerful male protagonists.

As our film is a thriller, we show 2 males off to kidnap a young women making the female seem intimedated and helpless which is the stereotypical opinion of females. They often play the innocent role however they are usually the ones in trouble, in the centre of the situation which is the case in our thriller. In our casting, we have portrayed the male as being a powerful and controlling by choosing tall characters which gives the feel of them towering over the girl, reinforcing their intimidating role. We also portrayed this in our camera angles, and the posture of the subjects walking.

This shot is taken from a lower level, as the characters approach and walk pass, their scale increases. Also their expression is very stirn and determin reflecting the fact that they are on a mission and they are in control.

This shot shows their posture whilst walking. We can see this more by the protagonist on the right, his step seems firm and his posture is quite masculin, reflecting a stereotypical appearance of a male criminal - tough and confident.

Not only did we look at the stereotypical male profile, we also included stereotypical female qualities. For example, we show the young women leaving her house for a night out which is often what younger females of that age do, party and have nights out. Most woman are very conscious of their appearance and care about the way they look, I have portrayed this by showing a shot of the girl putting on her makeup.

Ethnicity is also relevant when analysis this opening. The main characters are of different races - black and white. They are working together in order to carry out a kidnap. This challenges the ethnical stereotype as it is unusual to see these two different races working together. Also it is usually more likely to be someone from a darker ethnicity playing the part of the criminal, mainly because this is the stereotypical opinion. However by including both races in our opening it shows that this isn't always the case.