Media issue/debate: Gender stereotypes
Media Representations
Who is being represented? In what way? By whom?
- The main representation that is being made in this film is gender and there are different ways that this has been portrayed in the film. Men that are overly masculine and also men that are sensitive. However you have the representation of females subverted in this film where the main character is brave confident as she steps in for her sister which is seen to be a very protective trait.
- There is also the representation of children as they are seen as vulnerable and fearful. Which is emphasised by the fact that Primrose (Katniss' sister) is entered for the hunger games for the first time and is terrified of being picked. And also you have Rue who is said to be 'shadowing' Katniss during the preparation of the hunger games. Which puts emphasis on the fact that the younger generation in the film are in constant need of an older figure to protect them.
Why is the subject being represented in this way?
- The main character Katniss Everdeen is represented in this way as it shapes the rest of the narrative. She is seen as a brave, confident and skilful but also caring an sensitive towards her family and the people she cares about.
Is the representation fair and accurate?
- This representation of women and men are accurate as it shows the different attributes within a gender and that there is no one specific and conventional way of portraying gender.
What opportunities exist for self-representation by the subject?
- There is some opportunities for the representation of men in the film as there are different kinds of portrayals. You have the overly masculine and confident character - Cato. Then there is the sensitive and caring character - Cinna. Then there is also the fearful character that doubts himself - Peeta
- There are no opportunities for self-representation for younger kids in this film as they have been portrayed as weak and there hasn't been a child in the film that steps out of that portrayal.
Media Languages and Forms
What are the denotative and connotative levels of meaning?
- There is not a lot of colour, only one character in this scene is seen to be wearing vibrant clothing. The rest of the characters are wearing white. This could connote that there is a difference in hierarchy between the characters.
- There are uniformed guards that are dressed in white. However they still portray a dominance over the civilians that are dressed in white but casual-sophisticated clothing.
What is the significance of the text’s connotations?
- The significance of this meaning is to show that there is a division between the people and that there is a sense of different hierarchies. This also hints from the beginning that there will be differences as the men and women are separated.
What are the non-verbal structures of meaning in the text (e.g. gesture, facial expression, positional communication, clothing, props etc)?
- The spokeswoman is wearing vibrant pink coloured clothing that also look more full and she is also accessorised accordingly to match her outfit which shows that she is very feminine and superior compared to the other characters who are wearing very minimal simple clothing that doesn't have any vibrant colours.
What is the significance of mise-en-scene/sets/settings (CLAMPS)?
- there is a significance in the mise-en-scene where the setting has a sombre feel to it which adds to the atmosphere and tension that is being created. Also, despite all the white the lighting seems to be very dim which is created by the surroundings of the characters which include the buildings that are dark and small almost claustrophobic like which adds to the tension. Make up is seen only on the spokeswoman and the rest of the women are not wearing any which shows that she is more richer and can afford those luxuries and is able to flaunt them to the rest of the civilians in district 12.
What work is being done by the sound track/commentary/language of the text?
- In this scene there is not much sound and only the sound of the spokeswoman speaking through the microphone and the other main characters. This could have been done to emphasise the tension being built up to the tribute selection.
What are the dominant images and iconography, and what is their relevance to the major themes of the text?
- A dominant image you can see is the fact that men and woman are separated which relates to the theme of the representation of gender and how they are not considered equal. This is also emphasised when the spokeswoman says "As usual, ladies first" which is conventional phrase that men say when being a gentleman. However, this could also be seen as a hint at the fact that The gender stereotypes will be reversed in the film as later on in the scene you see Katniss Volunteer which shows her being brave and stepping up in place of her sister.
What sound and visual techniques are used to convey meaning (e.g. camera positioning, editing; the ways that images and sounds are combined to convey meaning)?
- There are a lot of close ups on the characters face to emphasise their emotions and allow the audience to see exactly how they are feeling. There are low angle shots to emphasise the spokeswoman's superiority over the rest and high angle shots to show that she is above them. There is also a close up of Primrose tucking her shirt in from the back which highlights the fact that even at a time like this she has to make sure she looks presentable.
Narrative
How is the narrative organised and structured?
- The whole film is portrayed overall in a linear narrative except for one or two flashbacks to give quick background information to the audience. This is done due to the fact that it was an on-going film series and therefore one event led to another until the final film finale.
How is the audience positioned in relation to the narrative?
- The audience is positioned in a way to receive information from the film and put together pieces in the film as there are many indications at the beginning of the film as to suggest what the main focus of the film is leading up to.
How are characters delineated? What is their narrative function? How are heroes and villains created?
- The characters are delineated by
The narrative function of Katniss is to subvert the typical role of a female and play the lead role in the film. She is portrayed as a heroine and seen as the one that brings a change in their world.
Heroes and villains are created in the film by having the audience question who really is the villain. There are some portrayals of negative characters however they can also be seen as the victims in the film as all the tributes have to go through the same horrible trials. In the end, we are sure that the superiors in the Capitol are the ones to blame and are the villains most specifically President Snow.
What techniques of identification and alienation are employed?
- Techniques that show alienation are through the clothing that the characters wear. To show the difference in hierarchy you see everyone in District 12 dressed in the same monotonous pale white clothing and the spokeswoman comes dressed in bright pink clothing and make up to match with it. This is done to emphasise the lavish life of the spokeswoman and the dull life of the civilian in District 12. The audience are sutured within the film using close up of the characters Katniss and Primrose to show their affection for each other and their closeness which is used as a technique to emphasise the identification the audience could have towards the characters.
What is the role of such features as sound, music, iconography, genre, mise-en-scene, editing etc within the narrative?
- In the first couple of scenes in the depths of District 12 There isn't much non-diegetic sound to ad to the scene. There is only diegetic sound to be heard which could indicate the fact that there isn't a sense of life in the District and due to the fact that it is the first beginning scenes there may be a lot more emphasis on what the characters are saying to get a feel for the storyline that distracting sound in the background that could draw the attention away from what is being said. There is also a use of slow paced editing that could emphasise the fact that life in the district is very dull and slow. There is nothing to look forward to especially the annual hunger games. However, when the tributes have been selected and are taken away to the Capitol. The editing pace starts to quicken as it shows the excitement and buzz that is being created in the atmosphere. The setting in the first scenes also ad to the sombre effect as there is a lot of dark colours used and the atmosphere is given a sort of grey undertone. Whereas, in the Capitol there is a lot of vibrant colours and light which highlights the difference between the two.
What are the major themes of the narrative? What values/ideologies does it embody?
- The major themes in the narrative I think is issues with social class. They put emphasis on how each District is dress and that they wear it with pride to make it seem like it is a good thing where in fact the richer are in a way mocking them as it is a one time thing and that it is also for their entertainment.
Genre
To which genre does the text belong?
- Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
What are the major generic conventions within the text?
- In the film we can see that there is a lot of close up used on things like the weapons and Medium long shots- long shots to get in movement on when the characters are fighting or when there is a running scene. This could be seen to emphasise action codes within the film the highlight the fact that it is an Adventure and Sci-fi film. This makes it easier for the audience to identify the genre and get an idea of what to expect within the film and for conventions later on in the film that could also be a part of the genre conventions.
What are the major iconographic features of the text?
- In the film some Iconography that we see are things like monochromatic clothing. We see that there are uniformed soldiers that are not common to what we see as soldiers. The usage of colour is conventional of the genre - there is a lot of white and grey used in the first scenes.
What are the major generic themes?
- Some generic themes that we see is the effects of hierarchy
To what extent are the characters generically determined?
- The characters in this film are generically determined most of the time in this film as you have the main hero that is seen to save the day - in this case the heroine as Katniss Everdeen is a strong female lead character. Then there is also the princess which would be her sister Primrose that is seen to be in need of help hence why Katniss volunteers as tribute in order to save her from the troubles that lie ahead. There is also the doner/helper that is there to support the lead character. In the film there are a few characters that offer Katniss their help for example Gale who is seen throughout the first couple of scenes and could be considered as a friend or a love interest which would give him a motive behind helping her.
To what extent are the audience’s generic expectations of the text fulfilled or cheated by the text? Does the text conform to the characteristics of the genre, or does it treat them playfully or ironically?
- I think that the audience's expectations of the text are fulfilled to a greater extent as it is Sci-fi so there are multiple indications of problems within the film and that it is a dystopian future. A conventional aspect of Sci-fi films. However, it is also classed as an Adventure film and this is indicated towards the main parts of the film where they are being promoted within the Capitol up to the point of which they enter the arena and begin the hunger games.
Does the text feature a star, a director, a writer etc who is strongly associated with the genre? What meanings and associations do they have?
- The main star of the film Jennifer Lawrence is very strongly associated with the science fiction genre. She played the role of Mystique in the well known film series X-men. Where it heavily focuses on genetic mutation and a dystopian world. Which are key conventions of a science fiction films. In both Hunger games and X-men she plays a role that indicates that she is a strong female character that usually doesn't need the assistance of other people.
Media Institutions
What is the institutional source of the text?
-Lionsgate films and Color force
In what ways has the text been influenced or shaped by the institution which produced it?
- There were some changes made within the text in order to allow more screen time for certain characters specifically Seneca Crane where the screenplay expanded the character to allow several developments to be shown directly to the audience and more interaction between Seneca Crane and Coriolanus Snow. Lionsgate Films is well known to support the production of Sci-fi film such as Twilight and Divergent
Is the source a public service or commercial institution? What difference does this make to the text?
- Lionsgate Films is a commercial institution as it focuses on entertainment for the public. This doesn't make much difference to the film as it means that it is contributing to what the institution is based on.
Who owns and controls the institution concerned and does this matter?
- Lions Gate Entertainment Corporation (LGEC) are in control of Lionsgate films which was formally known as Cinépix. This matters because in the late 90's/early 2000's Liongate films were began producing and distributing films that were too controversial for the major American studios. This could link to the fact that Hunger Games is a film that is open to interpretation and different views. Also because of the fact that typical stereotypes are subverted could link to the idea that films that are produced by Lionsgate are not always sticking to the norms.
How has the text been distributed?
- It was first distributed in Europe on the 21 March and then it was released in America on the 23. Japan was the last to release it months late on the 28 September.
Media Values and Ideology
What are the major values, ideologies and assumptions underpinning the text or naturalised within it?
- Some major ideologies that the text includes is that women can be independent and successful and that friendship is important. However there is still the dominant ideology that there needs to be some kind of romantic involvement within the film. Another ideology that can be considered is the fight between good and evil - Katniss against Snow
What criteria have been used for selecting the content presented?
- ?
How does the text fit into the current political landscape?
- We are seeing more dominant female political leaders in the current political situation. For example Hilary Clinton was running for President which highlight the fact that females are stepping up for the more dominant jobs and not settling for whatever they can. This indicates towards the change in society which is also evident throughout the Hunger Games film series
Does the text promote a particular political viewpoint - either explicitly or implicitly?
- I think that this film promotes the idea of communism as the capitol is a destructive leadership that is controlling the different sectors and not taking their interests into considerations. Implicitly you see the idea of feminism being implemented within the film.
Media Audiences
To whom is the text addressed? What is the target audience? (Demographics, Psychographics)
- I believe that the text is addressed to a young audience specifically between the age range of 12-18year olds however it may also draw in audiences who go above that age range. I also think that Hunger Games is aimed more toward the female demographic as it has a female lead that's is young and around the age range of the target audience. Despite the main target audience being young adult females the text does target Males audiences due to the other characters that surround the main character and also with the genre of the film being sci-fi action based. In terms of psychographics this would target more towards the Aspirers and Explorers due to the fact that Aspirers are seen to be Materialistic and look more towards image and appearance which is an aspect of the film that is focused on in the early stages of the events. and the fact that Explorers have high energy and look for challenges which is something that the film takes into consideration as the entire Hunger Game event is a challenge that Katniss has to overcome which would be well fit for that target audience.
What assumptions about the audience’s characteristics are implicit within the text?
- Some assumptions that can be made about the audience's characteristics is that they are active young adults that enjoy action packed films that include drama based narratives. This is implicitly shown by the fact that the contestants are young adults within the same age range as the target audience. Another characteristic that may be implicit is the fact that their daily life is filled with struggles and that it is encouraged to see the better side of things and also the audience like to try and enjoy whenever they can. In the text there are also characteristics that suggest that they are strong willed and like to focus o their goal.
What are the probable and possible audience readings of the text?
- Some audiences can see this as a positive message to spreading light to the inequality between genders and may also appreciate the fact that the film has a female lead. They can see it as a way
What are the audience pleasures, uses or gratifications? (Refer to theory).
- one uses and gratification that can be used is Identification. This is due to the fact that they characters are relatable to the target audience and the fact that they are the same age range will show some obvious similarities in lifestyle and therefore the audience will be able to identify with them more. Due to the personal identity with the characters in the text, the audience can also develop a personal relationship with the characters as well. In this way the audience will be more involved with the text as they want to see how the narrative develops around that specific character. In this case it would be Katniss Everdeen and how she overcomes the challenges that are thrown at her and seeing whether she is able to succeed which is also a way to raise enigma codes. This is a way to keep the audience interested in the text as it is a step towards an establishment of a fanbase that support different characters within the film and therefore it is a way for them to interact with the film more. This also leads on to the fact that there is a use of diversion. This is important for the target audience as there are action codes within the film that creates a buzz within the audience and the more niche fanbases. This is a way to get the audience hooked on what is happening in the film. The fact that there are fast paced action scenes and violence appeals to the both males and females as it creates a sense of adrenalin and excitement for what is about to happen.
How do you, as an audience member, read and evaluate the text? To what extent is your reading and evaluation influenced by your age, gender, background etc?
- From my perspective I see the film as a way to encourage females to stand up and show their strength and that their voice is as important as it is for males. I see it as a way to show that females are not weak and that we are capable to be seen as a dominant figure. I think the film portrays that very well due to the fact that there is a variety of characters and personalities within the film and how they interact with each other is also very interesting to see. One specific scene is when the contestants are training and Cato who is seen as very masculine and arrogant is making fun out of Peeta for his lack in skill and then you see Katniss encourage Peeta to show of his strength which then comes as a shock for Cato. Here you see how the different characters are and how the main lead female character is supporting the secondary character in the film. I fell like my reading is influenced by my age and gender as I have grown up in a more open minded society and understanding the discrimination between genders I have been able to appreciate subverted gender roles within films and smaller things that contribute to a different and better society and one that highlights and encourage change.
Secondary research
REVIEWS
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/9146761/The-Hunger-Games-review.html
- This review gives an overall summary of the film and what it is about. They also compared the film to twilight and how they both are focused around the female protagonist. It also goes into the fact that Hunger games as a whole is formed on classical and contemporary sources such as The Running Man and Theasus and the Minotaur.
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/mar/22/the-hunger-games-review
- In this article they talk about how similar the pre-hunger games is similar to reality shows. The fact that the people in the reality show make alliances with other showstars in order to prolong their time on screen, which is what they do in the pre-hunger games scene where they grouped together to try and show conflict also when they were in the arena in order to kill of the weaker ones. There is also comparisons of Twilight in this as well in the sense that they say that there is a clear Team Edward vs Jacob conflict and that also in the hunger games you see that there is a more subtle version of that where it is Peeta vs Gale.
- The Hunger Games is partly an entertaining throwback to satirical pictures such as Norman Jewison's Rollerball (1975) and Sidney Lumet's Network (1976),
- It could also have been inspired by Kinji Fukasaku's Japanese nightmare Battle Royale (2000) and Daniel Minahan's excellent and underrated satire Series 7: The Contenders (2001)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/reviews
- The movie doesnt accurately represent the book as it was more for commercial benefits and made an R rated book into a PG13 film. Completely ignoring the basis of the fact that it wasnt a book made for the fact that it has potential romance but in fact because it was showcasing the awful political system in which children had to fight to the death in order to ensure their survival.
REPRESENTATION
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/nov/30/hunger-games-mockingjay-part-two-women-femininity
- The role of a women in the film as portrayed by Katniss Everdeen is shown to be a lot more subverted as she takes up a more manly role in the film in the sense that she is the one that takes care of the family and sticks up for the family in a very protective manner as she is inclined to as her father is n longer present. Also she rejects typical female traits such as wearing fashionable and feminine clothing as she has to wear them because she has to and not because she wants and also the fact that her relationship was a front which highlight that relationships are not her priority.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/laura-m-bell/hunger-games-gender-stereotypes_b_6185320.html - This article talks about how The Hunger Games is challenging stereotypes by empowering boys. Which an interesting way to look at the subversion of gender stereotypes as I wasn't looking at it from this perspective. This is a book that is female dominated and therefore appeals to girls than boys. However, the fact boys are also reading the book shows that they are being empowered to read things that are typically more girly since girls are not judged for doing things that boys do but boys are. This encourages them to step out of this stereotype.
- Divergent, the latest YA actioner with a teen girl protagonist, drew crowds which were 41% male, similar to The Hunger Games (39%) and quite a departure from Twilight (25%)
https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/aug/12/why-hunger-games-killer-katniss-is-a-great-female-role-model
- This article talks about how Katniss is a role model for young girls. This is because of the fact that she is complex as a character. She sees emotion as a weakness but then later on in the film she realises that empathy/love doesn’t have to mean weakness but can also bring strength. She is the symbol of rebellion for the districts and she inspires a revolution during a time where the people are suffering. She is a strong female lead/heroine and every aspect of her has an opportunity for the audience to identify with her and also have a personal relationship with them.
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