Representation

 

Representation is how reality is being constructed for the audience. This two shot with a camera pan is designed to appeal to the target audience. Every single thing included in the frame of the shot is there for a reason - to create meaning for the audience.

• Why are they dressed in identical outfits? What might this suggest about the characters?
• What can you infer from some of the items they are wearing - particularly their accessories and hairstyles?
• Look at their ethnicity. Is this important for the film's message?
• Why are they looking directly at the camera (using direct mode of address)?
• Comment on their facial expressions and pose. What does it suggest about their characters?
• Where is this set and how do you know? Comment on cultural references about countries or urban/rural settings and what that suggests about the narrative.
• Look at the props and comment on connotations of how they are sitting on the red car for example. What kind of car is it and how might this suit the target audience appeal?
• Where is the audience positioned (are they involved in the narrative behind the film or are they simply watching the action from a distance) in this shot and the film as a whole?

 

Task: You need to find five shots from the film and annotate the following:

• mise en scene - lighting, props, colour - everything included in the frame is important and you need to suggest why the director has used the shot to create a message for the audience (here comment on connotations and what you infer from the director's decisions)
• how the characters are being styled - what do they suggest about reality in terms of social demographic groups, fashion and the message behind the film?
• target audience - how is representation used to appeal to a certain demographic group?