Liesbet Van-Zoonen agues that media language encodes how male an female characters act in media products. Explore how representation positions the audience in les revenants. (15 marks)
the representation of the characters determines how the audiences views them within the episode and further reinforces stereotypes created within the media. this can be seen in the representation of men, demonstrated in Simon. he is seen as an emotionless and dismissive character, he is unappreciative of Lena's effort to help him find Adele and is self orientated. this creates a superiority complex within his character that supports the patriarchal hierarchy within society. Van-Zoonen argues this hierarchy is a construct from within the media and constructed representation of how gender should act and their roles within society, Simon's actions reinforce this.
women's actions are then the opposite of this, this can be seen in Lena's actions as she helps Simon despite his lack of appreciation. this supports stereotypes of women's innate desire to nurture and seek appreciation from others. her disappointed reaction when Simon leaves puts her in a position of inferiority and demonstrates her lack of control in the situation as Simon walks away and there's nothing she can do but call him names. the audience is then positioned as sympathetic for her, however, this is only because of her being naïve, as an adult may be sympathetic towards a child, this reinforces her inferiority, even to the audience.
later Simon is seen to show emotion however, this only only through uncontrollable bursts of anger and aggression. this anger is also directed towards Adele, this shows his lack of compassion and represents the male stereotype of innate aggression. this aggression is demonstrated through him banging on the door and shouting at Adele and is further reinforced through Adele's fear of him as she cries.
Adele's reaction to Simon's aggression is uncontrollable emotion of crying and towards the end is seen to use her child to comport her. this reinforces the nurturing stereotype that is paired with women in their 30s. the inclusion of a child then portrays her a mother figure and creates sympathy in the audience.
watch the scene where the Lena takes Simon to Adele's home
representation constructed
gender, age...
stereotypical or more submissive and challenging
theories
technical codes/ media language
lena- live in the pub
- short skirt, hair down, suggesting sexuality
Simon- rude (doesn't say thank you), focused on finding Adele
- overly aggressive, shouting, banging on door
- walking in front shows dominance
- suit gives him purpose and more legitimate, he means business and is taken more serious, overall more masculine
- the shows higher class, fancy
Adèle- overly emotional, cant cope- crying on the floor
- mother, comfort her daughter when upset, mother instinct, support stereotype
- long shot of mirror- highlight how women should be obsessed with their appearance
-she is possibly in a wedding dress?- marriage- purpose- reinforcing typical femininity
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