Representation Exam

To what extent does your thriller conform to traditional structures of representation?

Introduction

Our thriller mainly conforms to the traditional structures of representation, this is provided through the analysis of my thriller and looking at different theories which the thriller is based upon. Our thriller opening sequence is a has a traditional typical thriller theme style which is apparent through the use of dark lighting, intense soundtrack, suits, a vulnerable woman and a sense of unknown.

Marxism

Our thriller strongly conforms to this theory, our thriller shows how the adult male social group is dominant over women. Identity is also constructed through the use of men in suits holding briefcases to enhance and show their power and authority. In contrast the vulnerable woman is shown to be in a typical dress that a woman would wear which builds and constructs her identity throughout. The male identity of the main character is constructed throughout showing him to be the most in control and powerful over all the other characters. This is also enhanced by the use of him being in the centre of the camera. The men also all behave/dress in a typical and similar way, the same for the only woman in the video. This conforms to Micheal Maffesoli’s theory.

Feminism

Our thriller also conforms to O’Sullivan et al’s theory, the main women is feminised and seen to be the typical vulnerable woman in the video. This is reflected in the language of the video, the woman does not speak showing her inability and weakness to talk in a are where there are predominantly males. Also the woman is assumed to be weak by the use of her being kidnapped to show her weakness and incapability to fight back. This is shown by the woman being objectified by the camera and voyerism is clear throughout through the use of chains and kidnapping. The video also shows that the predominant point of view is masculine - Laura Maulvey

Post Modernism

Our thriller does not conform to the idea of representations being blurred (Julian Mcdoughall). Our thriller clearly shows the clear definition between the two sexes. This video does relate to real life situations but this is more exercised and overdramatic, our thriller also follows traditional ideas of a typical thriller. This includes the villian, victim and a basic storyline. Also our video doesn't show hyperreality as it is very relatable and happens on a daily basis all over the world (Baudrillard).

Our thinner does not challenge the typical thriller idea, it uses men and women, where men are more dominant, low lighting, intense soundtrack and the typical men in suits and women in clothing that would create male gaze.

Stereotypes

Our thriller does show how the stereotypes are portrayed and defined throughout the video. Our video uses the process from O’Sullivan et al’s theory. As the thriller opening progresses the characters become more known and provides us with the woman being a typical sexual object who has been kidnapped by the assertive, powerful male. Our thriller also links to Martin Barker’s theory as the woman in our video is interpreted as vulnerable and weak. His theory provides the idea that women are stereotyped and misinterpreted in the real world as their are many women who are more dominant and powerful over men. She is also shown to be a sexual object by the way she is typically dressed in a tight fitted dress.

Conclusion

To conclude overall my thriller does strongly conform to the theories of representation throughout my video. This is created by basing our thriller upon other thrillers we have researched which all follow the “traditional” ways of making a thriller. This therefore was what we based our ideas upon which has made our thriller traditional and doesn't challenge the idea of what a thriller is. My thriller also strongly links to nearly all of the theories which shows that many of these theories apply to most if not all thrillers in some way.