Representation of Age

Representation of Age

Levi Strauss
The contrast between two mutually exclusive concepts or things that creates conflict and drives a narrative e.g. good/evil, day/night, male/female, presence/absence, old/young.

Stereotypes of the Elderly
- Grumpy - Conservative, Stubborn and are resistant to change. ("Good Ol' Days")

- Cheeky - Seen as having a second childhood, living life to the fullest because of their age.

- Helpless - The elderly are seen as a burden to society. Older people are also represented as pitied, dependent or an economic burden – helpless and dependent on other younger members of society or family.

Positives and Negatives of Age

Waterloo Road - Essay Plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX1a_hfwhCo

Sound

- Hectic audio

- Sounds of screaming from the teenagers, relates to a stereotype of immaturity. Also shouts for help from other teenagers which counteracts the immature stereotype as they're acting in an adult manor.

Editing

- Fast Paced

Mise-En-Scene

- Majority of Characters are teenagers. When faced with a serious situation they all behaved with an authoritative attitude. Sensible behaviour. 

- Certain teenagers act selfish to protect themselves.

- Props such as wet paper towels, metal bars etc.

Cinematography

- Large amount of close-up shots to show the emotions of the characters. 

- A few establishing shots of the fire and the school during explosions. 

Waterloo Road Essay

Within the TV Programme of Waterloo Road, there is a range of ages represented both stereotypically and counter-stereotypically from teenagers to adults. They are represented in a certain way through Mise-En-Scene, Sound, Editing and Cinematography.

There were many aspects to the Mise-En-Scene that added to the verisimilitude of the scene and also represented stereotypes of all ages. The majority of the characters were secondary school teenagers and there were both stereotypes and counter-stereotypes within the scene. For example: There was a clear stereotype of an immature and irresponsible teenager with the majority of the young females represented. This is evident with the teenage pregnancy from one teenager and also from the actions of others during the fire. Despite this, there was also a clear counter-stereotype to this with the female who was trapped in the toilet. Instead of acting immature, like the other teenagers, she acted calm and made sure she called for help in a calm fashion that shows the counter-stereotype of the other teenagers who panicked. This shows a binary opposite in the stereotypes and counter-stereotypes of the female teenagers - This links to Levi Strauss’ theory of Binary Opposites. The male teenagers also show a clear stereotype and counter-stereotype. An example of this would be the teenager who called for help when his friend was having an asthma attack. Furthermore, one male teenager played a hero role in the scene when he went to save the young girl who was trapped. Another male teenager saved a teachers live by dragging her out of the burning building alone. This counteracts Ann Gould’s categorisation of the Nihilistic teenager as both males teens saved the lives of two females. This shows responsible attitude and is a counter-stereotype of a young, irresponsible teenager. Also, the other teenager who helped the trapped teenagers escape and also helped save a teacher’s life through his responsible attitude. The use of certain props from certain teenagers also counteracts the stereotypes of teenagers as dumb and immature. When a teenaged girl was alone in the toilets, she used props of wet paper towels to block the fire coming into the room that she was trapped in. This shows a level of intelligence that many people of an older age may think certain teenagers don’t have. All of these aspects of the scene counteract the stereotypical representation of youth in the media, as the majority of the teenagers are acting responsible. There are however a few odd teenagers who prove the stereotypes of youth with the teenage pregnancy presented in the scene.

Waterloo Road Essay

Within the TV Programme of Waterloo Road, there is a range of ages represented both stereotypically and counter-stereotypically from teenagers to adults. They are represented in a certain way through Mise-En-Scene, Sound, Editing and Cinematography.

There were many aspects to the Mise-En-Scene that added to the verisimilitude of the scene and also represented stereotypes of all ages. The majority of the characters were secondary school teenagers and there were both stereotypes and counter-stereotypes within the scene. For example: There was a clear stereotype of an immature and irresponsible teenager with the majority of the young females represented. This is evident with the teenage pregnancy from one teenager and also from the actions of others during the fire. Despite this, there was also a clear counter-stereotype to this with the female who was trapped in the toilet. Instead of acting immature, like the other teenagers, she acted calm and made sure she called for help in a calm fashion that shows the counter-stereotype of the other teenagers who panicked. This shows a binary opposite in the stereotypes and counter-stereotypes of the female teenagers - This links to Levi Strauss’ theory of Binary Opposites. The male teenagers also show a clear stereotype and counter-stereotype. An example of this would be the teenager who called for help when his friend was having an asthma attack. Furthermore, one male teenager played a hero role in the scene when he went to save the young girl who was trapped. Another male teenager saved a teachers live by dragging her out of the burning building alone. This counteracts Ann Gould’s categorisation of the Nihilistic teenager as both males teens saved the lives of two females. This shows responsible attitude and is a counter-stereotype of a young, irresponsible teenager. Also, the other teenager who helped the trapped teenagers escape and also helped save a teacher’s life through his responsible attitude. The use of certain props from certain teenagers also counteracts the stereotypes of teenagers as dumb and immature. When a teenaged girl was alone in the toilets, she used props of wet paper towels to block the fire coming into the room that she was trapped in. This shows a level of intelligence that many people of an older age may think certain teenagers don’t have. All of these aspects of the scene counteract the stereotypical representation of youth in the media, as the majority of the teenagers are acting responsible. There are however a few odd teenagers who prove the stereotypes of youth with the teenage pregnancy presented in the scene.

The sound within the fire scene is very hectic as there was a lot going on in terms of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. For example: The diegetic sounds of screaming from the majority of teenagers added to the verisimilitude of the scene. The dialogue of the adults conversing also added to the verisimilitude and emotion behind the scene. Both of these things add to stereotypes of both ages of adults and teenagers. The sounds of screaming from the teenagers prove some theories about the immature stereotypical teenager. The way the adults were reacting also showed a stereotypical adult as they were acting in a clam manor and acting responsibly. A lot of the dialogue revealed a lot about the characters and also linked them to the stereotypical representation of age and both gender combined.

Narrative Theory - Part 1

Narrative Theory

Narrative - a spoken or written account of connected events; a story.

Todorov's Narrative Theory

Todorov's theory, created in 1969, states that there is a key pattern that a narrative follows. There are 5 key parts to a narrative. These parts are:

1. The Equilibrium - The beginning of the story will display a happy start where the majority of the characters are content and everything is as it should be.
2. The Disruption - The second part features an issue arising. This will disrupt the happiness. 
3. Realisation - This part of the plot shows the realisation of the chaos.
4. Restored Order - The fourth of the part of the plot shows the protagonists attempting to restore the peace and delimitate the problem.
5. New Equilibrium - The final part shows the problem being resolved and a new equilibrium begins where life is as normal.

Maleficent

Equilibrium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzYLGiIV5fk

The opening scenes of Maleficent show a happy equilibrium in a magical kingdom. The atmosphere is very cheerful and the land is very much like a fairytale. 

Disruption - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZJS99fPN7M

A royal family live close to her kingdom. Maleficent entrusts a young boy from the family who then takes her wings. Therefore, the main disruption to Maleficent is that her wings were taken by the False Hero. The distruption for the family however is that Maleficent cast a curse on their baby daughter as revenge for taking her wings.

Realisation

The realisation is that simply, Maleficent woke up to find her wings are gone. She then goes on a quest to find and retrieve her wings to return to her normal fairy state but to also try to break her own curse because of her love for the girl as she grew older. The realisation for the family however is that their daughter will fall into a "death-like sleep" and they need to try to resolve this.

Restore Order - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNy7T0uJxLE

She finds her wings and restores order to herself. She then causes a disruption by fighting the family and the kingdom for her revenge.

The restoration of order for the family and for Maleficent is actually restored by Maleficent's sidekick, who brings Aurora back to life. 

New Equilibrium - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XazZ6qo3oOk

For Maleficent, her equilibrium is resorted when she defeats the family and her kingdom becomes hers to rule once again. Aurora wakes up.

Propp's Narrative Theory - Character Types

Captain America & Iron Man vs. Loki - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcdqMhhzNN4

Breaking Bad - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhesaQXLuRY

Sherlock and Watson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uIY2SdU49c

Binary Opposites - A binary opposition is a pair of related terms or concepts that are opposite in meaning. Binary opposition is the system by which, in language and thought, two theoretical opposites are strictly defined and set off against one another. A Protagonist and Antagonist is a perfect example of Binary Opposites. 

Protagonist (The Hero) - The leading character or one of the major characters in a play, film, etc.

Their Characteristics Include: 

- Bravery

- Leadership

- Curiosity

The Protagonists may also show some type of venerability at some point within the film. This is usually done so that the audience can connect easier to the main characters. 

Example: Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)

Antagonist (The Villain) - A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. 

Their Characteristics Include: 

- Selfishness

- Determination

- Ruthlessness

The Antagonist may also show venerability towards the end of the film or play to again, connect with the audience. 

Example: Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Anti-Hero - A major character, usually the protagonist, who lacks conventional nobility of mind, and who struggles for values not deemed universally admirable.

Their Characteristics Include:

- Easily Corrupted

- Seems Innocent

- Relatable

Example: Walter (Breaking Bad) 

The helper (Foil) - Assists the hero with their quest, often referred to as their 'sidekick'. A foil is any character whose personal qualities contrast with the protagonist. By providing this contrast, we get to know more about the other character.

Their Characteristics Include:

- Comedic or Serious

- Either Extremely Intelligent or Unintelligent

- Loyal

Example: Watson (Sherlock)

The dispatcher - Is the character who sends that hero on their mission or quest.

The princess - Needs assistance from the hero, usually because they are in some form of danger, typically the princess is the victim within the narrative. 

The donor - Gives the hero an object or a piece of information that helps them prepare for what is to come. 

False hero - May appear good but has an ulterior motive, or attempts to take credit for the hero's actions. 

Class and Status

Class - Your 'ranking' within society. Assign or regard as belonging to a particular category.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VxkltwS9g0

Working/Lower Class - Work extreme amounts in professions that are common to us now-a-days. Low income.

Middle Class - Usually the leaders/owners of the large businesses. Large income.

Upper Class - Maybe be a owner of a business but usually don't have to work. Born into a life of wealth. (Batman.)

Status - relative social or professional position; standing.

Analysing a TV Drama

Working class

Presented in the stereotypical context of traditional working class communities such Eastenders and Corrie, Shameless

Community values often praised but do not reflect reality

Working class communities have declined with the collapse of traditional industries such as coal mining

Often presented in the context of trouble, undesirable welfare scroungers, unable to cope with their delinquent children.

Representations of the working class

Newman (2006) argues that there are very few situation comedies, television or drama which focuses on the everyday lives of working class who constitute a significant section of society,

Newman argues that when in the media working class are often depicted in a very non positive light dumb buffoons (Homer Simpson) and immature machos (Phil Mitchell),

Butsch (1992) – working class portrayed as flawed individuals (benefit cheats, etc)

The middle class.

Presented as educated and successful as well as able to cope with problems,

Over represented in the media due to their lifestyle,

Representation fits in with the hegemonic ideology of the dominant class in society,

Representation justifies the existing class structure and inequalities by suggesting people need to become more competent and successful in order to cope with life.

Representations of the middle class

Overrepresented on TV in dramas, soap operas, and situation comedies,

Substantial percentage of newspapers and magazines are aimed at the middle classes such as a Daily Mail and the Daily Telegraph which focuses on their consumptions and taste,

Content of newspapers expresses the concerns of the middle classes with regards to the declining moral standards along with their pride for their British identity and heritage.

Upper class

Mainly represented through the coverage of the monarchy,

Seen as well bred and cultured,

Represented through their accents, estates, and a taste for shooting and hunting,

Usually represented in costume and period drama.

Representations of the upper class and wealth

Neo-marxist believe that the mass media representations of social class tend to be celebrate hierarchy and wealth,

UK mass media never portrays the upper class in a critical light,

Upper classes usually portrayed in an eccentric or nostalgic way. 

Media & Celebrities

      Newman (2006)

      Argues that the tabloid media dedicate a great deal of their content to examining the lives of another section of the wealthy elite,

      This dedication invites the audiences to admire the achievements of these celebrities

      Media over focuses on consumer items such as luxury cars, costly holiday spots and fashion accessories.

Fishtank

         The film Fish Tank presents the main protagonist as an Underclass young girl through many aspects of the film. For example: Throughout the film she is seen in attire that is commonly associated with the Underclass. Many other things like her living conditions also connote to this.

Downton Abby

The TV Drama Downton Abbey is a great example of the representation of Class and Status within Society. The TV Drama is set between 1912 and 1925. The family presented within the show are shown a high-class status. We can tell that the family are upper class due to the denotations in the Mise en Scene, the use of sound and also the use of camera and editing.

The family are of an Upper class background and we can tell this through the following: The main setting for Downton Abbey is in the countryside where a large royal manor is built for the family to live in. Middle class or Working classes wouldn’t usually live in a large mansion like the family of Downton Abbey are. Their surroundings also connote an upper class background. There are many expensive items within the house: like a China Tea set, for example. These types of things are seen within both Long and Medium shots. The family’s clothing further proves their class status as it’s made from materials, such as silk, that wouldn’t be associated with the middle or lower class during that time as they are very expensive and have connotations of royalty behind them. Another thing to link to their social class is the family’s manor of speech. They all seem to speak in a formal register with a stereotypical posh accent. Their body language is also very ‘posh’ as the family stand with a straight posture. Nairn’s Theory of the Royal Family links to the stereotypical representations of ‘posh’ people as the family are like the working/middle class but are also very different in their lifestyle.

The relationship between the family and their servants’ separates the two different classes represented in the show. The servants are lower class workers. These workers tend to stereotypically be spoken to in a inhumane way. The upper class family look down upon the working class. Some of the characters treat the servants with respect by using polite language however. This again links to Nairn’s theory of the royals being the same as the working class as we’re all human. The clothing of the servants also separates the classes as the servants wear more ragged clothing than the upper class.

         Many other conventions connote the class system within the TV Drama like the use of cameras and editing. When the Medium/Lower Class are shown living their lives and doing the family’s work, the scenes are very fast passed. The scenes when the royals are being shown however are slower and clam. This connotes the importance of class as the upper class are getting more attention within the Drama rather than the Middle and Lower classes. Within the scenes, the characters of a lower status than the royals are usually framed so that they’re to the sides of the scenes or so that they’re hardly in the scene at all. This also connotes the implied importance of the different classes as the Upper Class is getting more screen time. Furthermore, the camera angles differ depending on the characters that are within the scene. For example, if the characters are of a higher class, the camera would usually be in a medium-long shot position. This may be to show their importance and also their surroundings, which contain many wealthy objects. It also emphasises their class because of the things that we see around them. If the lower class were in frame, they would be with the upper class in a corner of the frame or the camera angles would be medium shots to just show what they’re doing, which is usually the royals work. This connotes the importance of the different classes further.

The sounds within the scenes also differ depending on the classes of the characters present. For Example: If a royal is in frame, the music, if any, would be a stereotypically royal piece of music, usually from and orchestra. However, if a lower class character is in frame there isn’t usually any music, only sound effects of things like pots and pans. This connotes both the importance and the roles of the different classes within society.

Overall, the different classes and statuses are established using the Mise-En-Scene, the Sounds, the Editing and the use of Camera Angles. 

Shameless - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOg9RNVFAXA

         The TV Drama Shameless is another example of class representation. As opposed to Downton Abby, Shameless focuses on a full working class environment where everyone is of the same class and nobody is outcast as much as they are in Downton Abby. Shameless is set in a Council Estate within Manchester.

Throughout the episode watched, there is a range of different camera angles used to portray and present a range of different things. There were a few establishing shots used within the episode to establish the settings and environment around the characters. Furthermore, there were a range of other camera angles used to depict different emotions and reactions within the characters. For example: Close-Up shots were used in the Pub scene to establish the adult male’s emotions and reactions. Other Camera Angles such as the Long Shots were used to allow the audience to capture a better idea of the character’s appearance and surroundings. From this we can establish some elements of the Mise-En-Scene, like the setting and the verisimilitude of the characterisation. This includes the clothing, body language and attitude. A lot of the clothing hints towards the working class representation. The clothing consists of stereotypical ‘Chav’ Clothing. This is where Lawler’s theory comes into play. Lawler’s theory (2005) states: “Chav is used as a term of disgust and contempt. Argues that the media use the discriminatory and offensive language to vilify what they depict as a peasant underclass symbolized by stereotypical forms of appearance.” This links perfectly to the entire Mise-En-Scene of Shameless as the appearance and attitude of the characters is that of a ‘Peasant lifestyle.’

The sound of the scenes within shameless vary depending on the scene’s location and what’s happening within the scene itself. For example: Within the home scene, you can hear background noise like pots and pans clanging. This adds to the verisimilitude of the scene and crates a connection to the audience in terms of escapism. The dialogue throughout the entire episode includes some vulgar language that is not language you would expect to hear from some of the characters. From this we can gain a better understanding of the story and background of the characters and possibly gain a better connection to the characters. Furthermore, depending on the scene and tone of the scene, there may or may not be atmospheric music to link to the mood of the scene. For example, during the pub scene, music began to start as one of the characters realised something important in their life. The music was used to make sure the audience knew that that is an important part of the story.

The Mise-En-Scene of the scenes allows the audience to determine specific things within the story of the show. For example, during the home scene, we can see an older sibling taking care of the younger siblings with no parents around. From this we gain information about their culture and lifestyles. The audience may compare this to their lifestyle in a positive or in a negative way. Either identifying with the characters or shaming them because of the way they live. In another scene, an underage male is seen getting alcoholic drinks for an older man at a public bar. This also informs audience about their culture and how a people don’t care very much about the younger generation and their health. However, this could be questioned with the home scene as the sister quickly helps her younger sister with an outfit for her drama class so that she doesn’t get in trouble. Where the characters live also tells us a lot about the characters and their background. For example: The characters live in a council estate which is stereotypically known as a dirty area to live in and also is associated with certain cultures that abuse deadly substances. With this in mind, we can use Lawler’s theory once again to gain a full understanding of the characters and their background.