LO3: Representation Theory

Re-presented (i.e., over + over again) people and places.

1) Gender Representations

• Stereotypical
• Challenged

2) Ethnicities

• Colonialism
• Post-colonialism

3) Character types

• Prince/princess
• Antagonist 
• Protagonist
• Heroic Protagonist
• Quest giver/setter
• Underdog/ accidental hero

4) Class

ABC1

5) Locations

6) Age

Key Terms:

Zeitgeist - "Spirit of the times"

Ideal self/partner - (Carl Rogers 1980) Is about how characters are mediated as a role mode or attractive to appeal to an audience. 

Ideology - a set of ideas which produce a partial and selective view of reality. 

Exam Questions:

6* (second question you answer. Answer the biggest questions first) Analyse (giving examples and explaining the meaning in your chosen product. Effect on audience is + why) how the production techniques (Mise en scene, Camerawork, Editing, Sound. Give a range from the different Micro Elements. Production techniques can also be called micro elements or media language.) are used to create meaning (Connotes - what it implies, Denotes - see/hear, Common meanings: Enigma, Verisimilitude, Tension, Spectacle, Empathy, Sympathy) in a media product you have studied. (12) (20 minutes)

MICRO - MACRO

6* Analyse the concept of 'representation' (in a media product you have studied. (12)   

Key theory 1: Tim O'Sullivan et al. (1998)

All representations therefore have ideologies behind them. 

• Crime doesn't pay - each antagonist is defeated 

• Karma will come back to get you - everyone associated with crime or that inflicts pain or suffering dies in the show. 

• non-hetero normative connotations and gay actors and characters.

Ideology Representation 1: Editing 

A Study in Pink 4.12-4.14. This Eyeline Match shows off another identical vial of the red and white pills this time held by a young boy in a jacket. This is meant to connote suspense and enigma because everything about this scene, but this one prop, has changed from the first instance of seeing it. This fits the codes and conventions of the crime drama genre as suspense, confusion and enigma are common themes used in the genre all used to make spectacle for the audience. This reinforces stereotypes of age and class as people who look like this boy are connoted with being a paracetamol player (Drug user.)  Him being where he is and soaking wet from the rain could be taken as a metaphor for a homeless person and therefore links in with the lack of help for homeless people and the likelihood of them becoming users. Ideology of stereotypes of age and the divide of class.

Ideology Representation 2: Editing

A Study in Pink 2:41-2.53. This use of crosscutting shows a phone call taking place between a businessperson and his secretary. This reinforces stereotypes on gender and class because a woman being in a secretarial role and a man being in a business role are both very stereotypical jobs of their genders. Aswell as the man being in a role where he would make more money than the woman. It also reinforces negative stereotypes of class and the patriarchy because it is highly stereotypical for a man of his class and job to be having an affair with his subordinate in order to have power over her and be dominant. It also connotes that this show is taking place in the present day as he is in an airport whilst she is in a skyline building, they both have relatively new mobile phones, and the man goes for a ‘cab’ which is colloquial language and fits with the zeitgeist of this generation of society. Ideology of the patriarchy

Key Theory 2: Richard Dyer (1983)

Audiences should question the representations they see in media texts

Challenged Representation 1: Editing 

A Study in Pink 1.39-2.05. In this part a conversation is happening between John Watson and his therapist. This conversation challenges multiple stereotypes on gender and on race. The first challenged stereotype Is that of men being connoted as vulnerable and talking about their emotions which by the standards of the patriarchy is not considered as masculine however if a straight white male army veteran can talk about his feelings, then so can you. Two more stereotypes that are challenged are on race and gender as John’s therapist is a Black woman. Her being a therapist not only connotes her as ABC1 and educated but also connotes her in a position of power this is particularly prudent because she is a Black person who is shown to be dominant over a white person which connotes post-colonialism.  

Challenged Representation 2: Sound

A Study in Pink “Oh don’t worry we’ve got all sorts of round here Mrs. Turner next door’s got married ones.” 14.27-14.32. This dialogue spoken by Mrs. Hudson connotes the zeitgeist of modern society and challenges stereotypes on sexual orientation. As it goes against the heteronormative stereotypes of people as she thinks that John is gay rather than straight initially. This connotes how progressive the show is as the same sex marriage act was instated in 2013 which the show predated by three years.

Key Theory 3: Laura Mulvey (1975)

Women are objectified in media texts and passive objects. Audiences are positioned to view the women from the point of view of a heterosexual male. 

Challenged Representation 1: Sound 

“The investigation is ongoing, but Detective Inspector Le Strade will take questions now.” 5.19-5.23. This dialogue Is spoken by Sgt Sally Donovan. This challenges stereotypes on gender because she is a woman who is a Sgt in the police force. Stereotypically women are connoted as subordinate and weak; however, here she is connoted as dominant and as a heroic protagonist. It also challenges gender stereotypes as she is a female who is working in a non-office or sedentary role and undoubtedly gets involved on the front lines against drugs and violence. However, it also reinforces gender stereotypes because her superior is a male, and therefore he is in a. position of power above her.  

Reinforced Representation 2: Editing 

A Study in Pink 2:41-2.53. This use of crosscutting shows a phone call taking place between a businessperson and his secretary. This reinforces stereotypes on gender and class because a woman being in a secretarial role and a man being in a business role are both very stereotypical jobs of their genders. Aswell as the man being in a role where he would make more money than the woman. It also reinforces negative stereotypes of class and the patriarchy because it is highly stereotypical for a man of his class and job to be having an affair with his subordinate in order to have power over her and be dominant. It also connotes that this show is taking place in the present day as he is in an airport whilst she is in a skyline building, they both have relatively new mobile phones, and the man goes for a ‘cab’ which is colloquial language and fits with the zeitgeist of this generation of society.  

Key Theory 4: Stuart Hall (1995), Alvarado (1987) 

Western white cultures continue to misrepresent ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies. 

e.g. non-white as 'the other', evil, barbaric, pitied, humoured. (Applies to Sherlock.)

Reinforced Representation + Challenged Representation: Mise En Scene + Sound (dialogue) 

Later in the episode, the giant crossbow is used a second time by the circus this time revealing themselves to be an Ancient Chinese crime syndicate known as the Black Lotus. In the second event the giant crossbow is turned on Sarah who is tied up in a chair and gagged unable to move out of the crosshairs unlike the escapologist before. The Black Lotus go along with this disturbed and horrific version of the act as if it is completely normal, even calling Sarah ‘a member of the audience.’ This is to psychologically mess with our protagonists and further connote the crime syndicate as evil and unhinged. The giant crossbow is used two contrasting times in separate locations and lighting types to juxtapose the two events as opposites. The first one is on a comfortable event stage with bright and warm lighting connoting the event as controlled and entertaining. This is then juxtaposed with the second event happening in a dark and dirty train tunnel, low key lighting is used to denote mystery, and death. It also promotes the house colours of the syndicate as they use black origami paper, wear black clothes, and are called The Black Lotus which connotes them as in control and dominant in the situation opposed to that of the audience I.e., our protagonists Sherlock and John. As well as this Jijon I.e., the foot soldier is killed by a bolt that if John had not moved it in time would have killed Sarah instead. This further juxtaposes the two instances as no-one was even injured the first time the crossbow is used. But the second time, someone is killed connoting how easy the Black Lotus could kill someone which further connotes them as superior and dominant. 

Earp and Katz (1999)

Men have a pathological need for control and violence

Reinforced Representation 1:

A Study in Pink 0.00-0.15. In this part we hear gunfire, explosions, screams and shouts for help which is played over a cut back to John’s time in Afghanistan. This is juxtaposed against him now in the present day trying to sleep thus connoting him as a retired army veteran. The use of this juxtaposition is meant to create spectacle for the audience as the fast-paced action takes place then as it switches completely to the present day and the action dies down it reduces the spectacle but connotes that we may return to the action later. This shows his pathological need for violence because he consciously went and fought in a war and only came back when he got injured. He now remembers it and keeps a firearm in his desk 'just in case' In reality he physically cannot leave the violence behind.

Reinforced Representation 2: