Section A

Question 1:

How do the two texts use narrative techniques to draw the attention of an audience? (8marks)

Firstly, both texts attract the audiences to their narrative through the use of music. In Educating Yorkshire, the parallel music throughout Mushy speech is significant in creating a content atmosphere for the audiences, as it highlights that he has overcome his speech impediment. As a result, the cut away shots of the different characters crying during his speech would further draw the audiences, as some may feel emotionally engaged in the narrative. To add, Educating Yorkshire is a documentary drama and Mushy’s process has been overly simplified as the spectators do not the whole procedure. Although the audiences do not see the bigger process, his transition to be able to speak could make the audiences feel engaged with the narrative, as they may feel happiness for the student. As a result, it could be suggested that Mr Burton fits in Prop’s character type theory as the helper and therefore Mushy is the hero because of his accomplishment.

Similar to Educating Yorkshire, Waterloo road also uses music to draw the attention of audiences. The panning shot of the car arriving alongside with the contrapuntal music is effective in appealing the spectators in the narrative, as it could foreshadow conflict. This is because, the female teacher states a “mystery newcomer” and therefore the upbeat contrapuntal music, could be a sign of conflict. Referring to Barthes enigma code, it is evident that the medium close up shot of Gabriella’s lips further draws the attention of the audiences as they would want be keen to know who she is. Likewise, the panning shot of the car is a key example of an action code, as after the teacher’s exchange of dialogue the audiences would acknowledge that the arrival of the new student is not going to be pleasant.

Significantly, Todorov’s narrative structure is established in both of the texts which would further make the spectators drawn into the storyline. For example, in Education Yorkshire the equilibrium is shown by Mushy not being able to speaker, followed by Mr Burton helping him highlights the disequilibrium, and lastly the new equilibrium is presented through the student overcoming his difficulties. Whereas, in Waterloo Road there is no equilibrium as it is a drama series and therefore the company would to intrigue the audiences by ending with a cliff-hanger. As a result, this establishes that both texts uses narrative techniques in different ways to draw the attention of the audiences.

Question 2

How do the two Media texts offer contrasting representations of school life? You may also refer to other media texts to support your answer?

Significantly, Educating Yorkshire shows a positive representation of school life through the Mushy’s accomplishments. During the speech scene, the reaction shots of the students and teachers are effective on the audiences in making them feel happiness for Mushy. As a result, this establishes that school can be an inspirational community by teachers make a positive impact on students’ lives through their support. The fact that teachers are shown crying, subverts the mainstream representation of them being serious by not showing any emotions. As a result, this establishes that Educating Yorkshire shows an honest portrayal of school, unlike Waterloo Road which is fiction. To add, the Channel 4 documentary television programme ‘Educating Essex’ also positively represented school life by showing the teachers passion to help their students succeed.

Moreover, Educating Yorkshire represents school as a caring community for teenagers. This is made evident through Mr Burton’s determination to help Mushy overcome his speech impediment which positively portrays school life. As a result, this could be beneficial for the audiences in showing that school life can change student’s lifestyle through the support of their teachers. The fact that Educating Yorkshire was awarded as the best documentary series at the National Television Award shows the positive outcomes of school life based on Mushy’s achievement.

However, Waterloo Road presents a stereotypical portrayal of school life through the student’s behaviour. For example, once Gabriella kisses the boy the students react in a predictable, shocked manner, which shows a traditional representation of school life. Referring to Perkin’s theory, this conveys that stereotypes are not always false as teachers gossiping at the beginning of the extract and the kiss are common issues in school life. To analyse further, Gabrielle is represented as an assertive, middle class, teenager, which challenges the hegemonic femininity of girls being unconfident and introverted. This is made evident through her confidence to approach the boy and kiss him in front of her parents and the school. In relation to Butler, it could be suggested that the female character is subverting the gender performance for women through her dauntless personality. Nevertheless, Gabriella’s uniform could fit into Mulvey’s male gaze theory as she is represented as being attractive by wearing a short skirt and top. Thus this would appeal to the heterosexual male spectators, also known as the “white eye” by Hall. As a result, this shows that Waterloo Road represents an alternative portrayal of school life compared to Educating Yorkshire, by not highlighting any positive factors.

Similar to Waterloo Road, the opening of the British drama film ‘Kidulthood’ also represents school life stereotypically by showing issues such as bullying, drug use, relationships ect. This highlights that Waterloo Road reinforces the mainstream representation of school by focusing on teenage issues such as the kiss which foreshadows conflict with the other characters, rather than positive aspects which is shown in Educating Yorkshire.  Furthermore, the murder of a teacher in Leeds was stabbed by at 15 year old student in her class, undoubtedly represents school life negatively. This is because it would make audiences assume that students are becoming uncontrollable and therefore schools may no longer be perceived as safe community for children.

Question 3

How has social media changed the way audiences watch television? You should refer to other media products to support your answer.

Firstly, it could be argued that social media has changed the way audiences watch television as they can now become more connected with the programmes. Through Twitter and Facebook, users can interact with their favourite programmes by posting up messages or creating fan pages to keep them up to date with the latest news. For example, fans of Waterloo Road used Twitter to save the show from being axed by hash tagging “@SaveWR” which went viral. Significantly, this establishes that social media has empowered audiences as they can actively generate their own content and therefore this has changed the way audiences watch television because they are interacting more. This highlights the concept of ‘watercooler TV’ as people can now discuss a programme through Twitter or Facebook whilst it is being broadcast. Likewise, in some episodes of the ITV2 show ‘Celebrity Juice’ viewers can interact with the programme by tweeting the answer to a question given by the presenter Keith Lemon. As a result, this reinforces the idea that social media has changed the way audiences watch television as they can engage with the programme more through social networking sites, which would not be possible through traditional forms of media.

Furthermore, spoilers are another way in which social media has changed the way audiences watch television. This is because, spoilers are now available online which may decrease the spectator’s pleasure of watching television as they are unlikely to be shocked by the issue. For example, on Facebook users who like the Hollyoaks page receive spoilers about upcoming events through teaser trailers or photos. Although this may appeal to some spectators, it does also change the way audiences watch television as they can read the comments about the storyline and receive further information which could make them less intrigued to watch the programme.

Moreover, social media has taken over television as some people are watching television less. According to The Telegraph (2012), 65% of 16-24 year olds preferred social media over television as their leisure activity. As a result, TV companies have become aware of this change and therefore they have worked on ways of engaging young people online with TV programmes. For instance, ‘The Million Pound Drop’ was one of Channel 4’s successful online game with caused 11 million play online, rather than watching the show. Significantly, this conveys that social media has changed the way audiences watch television, as they are are engaging with the programme online. 

Critical investigation learner response

1) Feedback
Level: 4

WWW: Wow! This is seriously impressive and already at level 4. Research is a huge strength and clear argument is maintained throughout.

EBI: 

• In places, your written English needs a little work - a second draft should clear this up.
• The new/digital media section perhaps needs linking to film - it rather stands alone at present.
• The Dark Knight Rises section needs a bit of work,  particularly at the start of the paragraph.

2) The grade I am aiming to for in my second draft is an A.

3) The things that I will do in my second draft to achieve this grade will be:

• Read my work over carefully to make sure there is no grammar mistakes and to use more critical vocabulary. This is because, it would help me get full marks if I use sophisticated language throughout my essay.
• To link my new/digital media with film, as that is the industry I am focusing on. To help me with this, I could find tweets on whether there should be more strong female characters in Hollywood films. This is because, it would relate to my argument on how the development of digital media (social networking sites) has giving women but also men, the opportunity to express their views on female characters in film.
• I need to change the beginning sentence of my Dark Knight Rises paragraph, because it does not link to my essay question. By doing this, I need to write a clear topic sentence which shows that my paragraph is going to focus on how the female characters subvert the traditional stereotypes. 
• In my Anne Hathaway paragraph (subverting the traditional female stereotypes), I need to make a clear link to my essay question.  This is because, I have focused on the way she is represented during the bar scene but I have not made made explicit reference how the character is challenging the female stereotypes.
• To research further on different perspectives about the ways females are represented in Hollywood films and whether they reinforce or subvert the stereotypes.
• To include up to date social/economical issues which link my topic, as I did not include enough in my first draft. For instance, I can research on whether women are earning more or less than men compared to previous years, or if they are still facing inequality in society.

4) The information I want to take away from the BFI Library trip are:

• Further information on Feminist beliefs on the film industry and how it has changed from previous years.
• Find out information about new theorists/academics that focus on the issue of female representations in films.
• To learn more about the future of females in Hollywood films, as it would help me with my section in my essay.

Schedule for filming.

Week Beginning: 27^th January

Tuesday 28^th January:  Complete final planning for storyboard and shot list.

Thursday 30^th January:  Organise dates for shooting, decided which scenes to shoot, finalise everything.

Friday 31^st January:  Book camera to film.

Saturday 1^st January:  Begin filming the first scenes. (Outdoor)

Week Beginning: 3^rd February

Monday 3^rd February: Ask music department if we can film in the drama studio and to check if a room would be free to film.

Tuesday 4^th February: Film office scene.

Thursday 6^th February: Carry on filming the office scene during media lesson. If necessarily, film after school.

Friday 7^th February:  Filming the first Studio Scene after school.

Saturday 8^th February:  Split screen scene (Anita’s House) and shoot last scene of the music video (if we have time)

Tuesday 11th February:  Film Studio scene.

Thursday 13^th February: look through the entire scene we have filmed and to decide whether we have to film some shots again.  

MEST4: Production ideas

Group:

Anita and Gagan

Ideas:

All of our critical investigation essay focuses on the representation on gender and therefore we decided to create a music video, which focuses on a female character subverting the traditional stereotypes. Although, Anita and Gagan are focusing on music video in their essays and I am focusing on film, our production will contain a narrative and highlight a modern representation of female. The narrative will focuses on a female who is not happy in her relationship based on the way her partner is treating her. The female character will be positively portrayed as independent and fearless, which would be effective in highlighting the message that women are no longer submissive to men. As Anita is focusing on the representation of males in music videos in her essay, we thought it be a good idea to dominantly represent the male character as having typical characteristics from the beginning, but towards the end we will portray him subverting the masculine stereotype. Significantly, this would highlight a switch in gender roles as the female character would also be taking on masculine traits such as boxing.

We decided to use the song 'Roar' by Katy Perry for our production, as it clearly highlights a liberal message to the female audience of women no longer being subordinate to men in modern society. The primary audience for our production are females between the age demographic of 16-28 year old , which would be beneficial for them to identify with the character. Thus, this would encourage them to become independent and not to be afraid of taking on masculine traits, which stereotypically goes against the female domain. Ultimately, the aim of our production is to highlight a message to the audience that women are no longer submissive to men in contemporary society and therefore they are more than capable of being independent.

Criticial Investigation Plan

Migrain - higlighted in blue
Wider context - highlighted in pink  (Social, Political, Historical, Economical)

To what extent do the female characters in SALT and The Dark Knight Rises challenge the traditional female stereotypes.

Introduction

• "They no longer need protection; they are no longer victims or hostages or prizes" p63

•  "These images reflect the fact that women are challenging the male monopoly on power and aggression, a shift that broad ramifications of how gender is constructed"

Quotes used from: Sherrie A. Inness: Action Chicks - New Images of Tough Women in Pop Culture (2004)

Section 1A   (170 words)

First historical text - Rear Window

• In this paragraph I will be focusing the opening scene of film Rear Window which objectifies the female characters Miss Torso. 
• This will be followed by the textual analysis - linking to Mulvey theory of the Male Gaze and the pleasures the male audience would get out from watching this scene.  (for example, scopophilia)
• In a separate paragraph I will link this scene to Feminism issues/debates and briefly include what the roles of women were in the 50's and how it is projected in this film.
• I will end the paragraph by comparing my primary text (SALT) with Rear Windows and refer back to my essay question. (This historical example establishes that the representation of Miss Torso reinforces the traditional female stereotypes - going against my argument) (R,M,I,A) (S,H,)

Theories/ Key Words

• Mulvey - Male Gaze
• Dominate ideologies
• Patriarchy
• Narrative pleasures
• Reinforcing stereotypes
• Primary audience - males
• Dominate Representation

Quotes to use

• "Watching a limber young woman cleaning seems like a very stereotypical sight for the male gaze" https://my.vanderbilt.edu/wgs272/2013/01/rear-window-and-gender-roles/

• "Pressures on girls and women came from all angles.  To look normal and acceptable to men, and to be the women that could keep the home well for their future husbands" http://history-and-film.tripod.com/roles.html
• "The audience is absorbed into a voyeuristic situation within the screen scene and diegesis which parodies his own in the cinema"  http://crea.uparis10.fr/faaam/IMG/pdf/FAAAM_Modleski_sur_Hitchcock_handout_.pdf

•  "Pleasure in looking has been split between active/male and passive/female" p62  Laura Mulvey: Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema (1975)

• "..repeated images of women were considered to be objectionable distortions that would have a negative impact on the female spectator" http://best-movies-articles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/background-of-feminist-film-theory.html

• Pressures on girls and women came from all angles.  To look normal and acceptable to men, and to be the women that could keep the home well for their future husbands.  http://history-and-film.tripod.com/roles.html

• "the eroticisation of women on the screen comes about through the way in which film assumes the spectator to be a white male and encourages his voyeurism, through specific camera and narrative techniques. http://filmstudz.tumblr.com/

Section 1B  (170 words)
Second historical text - Mulan

• Rear Window and Mulan are both represent the female characters differently.
• Textual analysis in a separate paragraph: Focusing on the transformation scene of Mulan - subverting the cultural expectations of women in China.
• Link to historical issues in China about the expectations of women in the 90's.
• Finally, compare Mulan to my primary text SALT

(R,M,I)  (H,P)

Quotes

• "An unwed girl will bring dishonor to her family and is to be looked down on by many" http://lauratobin.webs.com/mulan.htm
• "She is classed as a tomboy as she doesn't fit the stereotypical feminine traits." http://brontebailey.wordpress.com/disney-princesses/mulan/
• "She gains respect off of hundreds of men, showing that women are as equal as men and sometimes better" http://brontebailey.wordpress.com/disney-princesses/mulan/

Theories/ Key words 

• Liberal values
• Challenging the female stereotypes
• Levis Strauss binary oppositions - masculine vs feminine (Society expectations of women in the 90's was to be feminine, however the character of Mulan challenges this dominate expectations by embracing her masculinity. 
• Propp narrative roles
• Perkins - Stereotypes are not always negative, establish elements of the truth.
• Alternative representation

Section 2 (400words)
Primary Text - SALT  (agreeing with my critical investigation question)

• Institutional information.
• Separate paragraph on textual analysis - Escape Scene
• Separate paragraph on issues/debates - linking back to my question.

Quotes

• "We made a point not to use her sexuality or her femininity in the film in ways that is usually done in films, especially in this kind of genre," explain Jolie" 
• Jolie was pleased that the "gender change did not turn on the character's sexiness" http://sofiaecho.com/2010/07/30/939975_angelina-jolie-adds-spice-to-salt

• "Taskers points out that the evolution of women's action roles needs to be studied because it reflects the change of real women's roles in society" p6 Sherrie A. Inness: Action Chicks - New Images of Tough Women in Pop Culture (2004)

• “This year heroines of prime time and the big screen are muscular and trained in martial arts and they have no compunctions about slapping, immolating, and kicking their way through life”

Theories/ Key Words.

• Levis Strauss - Binary Oppositions
• Barthes - Action Codes
• Stuart Hall - Dominate Reading of Jolie's character
• Todorov narrative structure - this scene establishes the disequilibrium 
• Liberal Values
• Subverting social boundaries
• A Feminist Icon
• Generic conventions
• Alternative representation

(R,M,I,G,A) (S)

Section 3 (200 words)
Issues and Debates

• Focusing on the issues - Media technology and development on feminism & regulation and censorship. (Refer to everyday sexism website)
• Referring to guardian articles and Miss Representation documentary.
• Separate paragraph How this issue has changed women's lifestyle. S,P

Quotes

• "The rise of female action heroine was a sign of the different role available to women in real life" pg6 Sherrie A. Inness: Action Chicks - New Images of Tough Women in Pop Culture (2004)

• "No more page 3 is now backed by the Girl Guides Unison, the National Union of Teachers, the Association of Teachers and Lectures, and the National Union of Head Teachers" http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-womens-blog-with-jane-martinson/2013/aug/23/online-activism-page-3-campaign

• In the media there is "so much negatively towards women and their weight and how they look. It's just a representation of the pressure we feel to conform to men's ideas" (Miss Representation - Documentary)

• "The real shock came in FHM's revelation that it receives more than 1,200 submissions of women topless or in lingerie every single week"  http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/sep/13/comment.pressandpublishing

• "We should challenge the traditional views of masculinity and femininity, and sexuality by causing a gender trouble" P147 David Gauntlett Meids, Gender and Identity An Introduction  (2008)

• "Her Everyday Sexism Project has proved so successful that it was rolled out to 17 countries on its first anniversary this year, tens of thousands of women worldwide writing about the street harassment, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and body-shaming they encounter" 

• Everyday Sexism currently has more than 108,000 followers on Twitter  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/fourth-wave-feminism-rebel-women

Section 4 (300 words)
Secondary text - The Dark Knight Rises

• Textual Analysis 1 - Anne Hathaway (200)   - 
• Linking to issues/debates/referring to the question.
• Textual Analysis 2 - Marion Cottilard (150)  
•  Linking to issues/referring to the question

Quotes 

• "She sees her role as almost modern day, feminist Robin Hood" ttp://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all
• Catwoman’s case in ‘The Dark Knight Rises,’ she uses female stereotypes like emotional weakness and vulnerability to cleverly manipulate her way out of dangerous situations http://screencrush.com/female-superhero-movie/
• "She spends her time using men as playthings in her scheme to better her life"  http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/34622682/the-dark-knight-rises-why-anne-hathaway-s-catwoman-is-the-best-one-yet?page=all

Theories/Key Words

Levis Strauss - Binary oppositions

Female Fattale

Stuart Hall - Dominate Reading

Todorov - Narrative Structure

Propp - Character Roles

Barthes - Action Codes

Matriarchy

Section 5 (200)
This section will focus on the female characters in SALT and The Dark Knight Rises reinforcing the traditional stereotypes.

• Clothing/appearance of  Jolie's, Hathaway and Cottilard characters.
• separate paragraph: Impact it has on the audience - linking to my issues and debates.

Quotes 

• "No matter what a women does, no matter what her achievements are, their values still depends on how they look" 0:05:35 - 0:05:39   (Miss Representation - Documentary)

• "Representation and stereotypes serve to reinforce the dominate ideological views" p143 Nick Lacey - Image and Representation Key Concepts in Media Studies (1998)

• "Men act and women appear. Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looking at" quotes by John Berger P65 . Media Magazine: December 2010 Issue 34: The Change issue

• "Females were five time as likely as males to be shown in sexually revealing clothing" P14 
•  P13 http://www.seejane.org/downloads/GDIGM_Gender_Stereotypes.pdf

• "Tough women are still expected to be feminine, attractive and heterosexual appealing" pg14 Sherrie A. Inness: Action Chicks - New Images of Tough Women in Pop Culture (2004)

• "At the beginning of the film, Evelyn is represented as highly feminine http://purpleprosearchive.wordpress.com/2011/04/17/salt-2010/

• "Sexualisation of culture is identified as a context that reinforces gender inequality by designating women as sexually available and objectified... P373 Milkshake, Lady Lumps and Growing up to want Boobies: How the sexualisation of popculture limits girls horizons

• "Smelik notes that such fixed and endlessly repeated images of women were considered to be objectionable distortions that would have a negative impact on the female spectator" http://best-movies-articles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/background-of-feminist-film-theory.htmhttp://media.litmuse.net/bibliography/richard-dyer-the-role-of-stereotypes

Theories to use

• Mulvey Male Gaze
• Dyer - stereotypes are a projection of the real world.
• Dominate ideologies
• Narrative pleasures
• Genre expectations - reinforce the boundaries between men and women
• mis-en-scene - referring to the appearances of the female characters.

Section 5 (120)

Future of this Feminism

• "Feminist societies have popped up at university everywhere including Durham, Liverpool and Kings College London" http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/technology/jackrivlin/100010138/warning-if-you-upset-todays-ferocious-online-feminists-prepare-for-a-flood-of-abuse/

• Ikamara Larasi, 24, started heading a campaign to address racist and sexist stereotypes in music videos, just as students began banning summer hit Blurred Lines on many UK campuses, in response to its sexist lyrics. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/10/fourth-wave-feminism-rebel-women
• As Yvonne Tasker states: The evolution of women’s role needs to be studied because it reflects the change of real women’s roles in society”. 

Conclusion (227)

• Sum up my argument
• How this issue will effect the audience

Quotes

• "Feminine film theorists also encouraged women filmmakers to create alternative film aesthetics"  http://best-movies-articles.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/background-of-feminist-film-theory.htm

• "Watching televised gender portrayals has an effect on individuals' real-world gender-based attitudes, beliefs and behaviours" P1 http://syndicatemizzou.org/resources/behm-morawitz/Mean_Girls.pdf

• "Cultural stereotypes still persist as to women's maternal role" P79 Kat Banyard: The Equality Illusion The Truth about Men and Women Today  (2010)

• "Female characters have slowly but steadily evolved beyond the universal hostage, victims or conquest archetype and became the heroine of their own action"
• http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/01/the-rise-of-the-female-led-action-film/251678/

• "Heroines all share in common portrayals as kick ass women who can physically power their way out of dangerous situations using any combination of weaponry and martial arts, all the while maintaining traditional signs of femininity Sherrie A. Inness: Action Chicks - New Images of Tough Women in Pop Culture

Historical Textual Analysis - Mulan (1998)

First Scene - Reflection

The film Mulan follows a linear narrative which focuses on a young girl who secretly takes her father's position in the war in order to keep him safe. Even though 'Mulan' is a Disney film which primarily targets children/teenagers between the age demographic 2-17year olds, it could be argued that this animation establishes a switch in gender roles. Throughout the film the audience would acknowledge that the female character is alternatively represented as a tomboy which challenges the dominate expectations of women in China during the time. This is conveyed at the beginning of the film after Mulan ruins her meeting with the matchmaker. The medium shot of the female character looking at her reflection in the mirror and gradually wiping off one side of the makeup, is significant in highlighting that she does not fit the ideal type of a women. One could justify that the split of makeup is symbolic is conveying Mulan's internal struggle to be feminine in order to make her family proud of her. On the other hand, a stronger interpretation of this could be that the makeup represent the traditional expectations of women in society to get married to the right suitor. Thus, the makeup could act as a mask for the female character to hide her true identity as being masculine, which establishes the conflict between China’s attitudes on gender roles. As a result, the audience may sympathise with the character through her discontented emotions as in China "an unwed girl will being dishonor to her family as is to be looked down on by many" which is what Mulan has to face.

Significantly, through Mulan’s dialogue she reveals, “Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me? Why is my reflection someone I don’t know?. Again, this highlights Mulan’s internal conflict of how women should traditionally look and behave which is contrasts with her true characteristics. Thus, it could be argued that the character of Mulan (voice over by Ming-Na Wen) does challenge the traditional female stereotypes, especially China, as her true personality rejects femininity. Notably, the parallel music further emphasises on Mulan distressed emotions as it creates melancholy atmosphere which would increase the audience’s sympathy for the character. Similarly, the transition to the medium shot of Mulan sitting outside on the bench alone and looking upset could highlight that the conflict she is experiencing as she would never fit into her social acceptable gender role. As the film was set in China, it can be argued that the character of Mulan does challenges the cultural boundaries of what is expected and what is not expected of women during the time period. This is because, she does not conform to the traditional norms and values of how females should behave or look in society especially if they are going to get married.

Second scene - Transformation

This scene is significant in showing the female character 'Mulan' subverting the traditional stereotypes of women during the time period in China. Initially, the scene begins with the dramatic parallel music to establish that Mulan is going against society's norms of women fighting in the war as she wants to protect her father. One could justify that this presents an alternative representation of the female character  being fearless as she is aware of the consequences that she must face if she gets caught being a man in disguised. Thus, this conveys that Mulan is challenging China's cultural expectations of women as Mulan is not represented in being passive, instead she is risking her life by impersonating as a male solider. Notably, the medium shot of Mulan chopping off her hair with a sword and changing her outfit to a warrior uniform is significant in establishing that she is challenging the boundaries of gender. This is because the different transitions conveys that the character of Mulan is rejecting her femininity by transforming herself to look like a male. Thus, this also subverts the stereotypical representation of Disney female characters looking glamorous and being dependent on the males, as Mulan is actively willing to battle in the war which establishes a dominate representation of her bravery.

 According to liberal feminists, Mulan's transformation could represent female empowerment as she is going against China's traditional beliefs on the way women should behave. Thus, Mulan's courageous actions could be a reflection on the positive changes of the position of women in contemporary society. This is because, women are now independent, gaining a higher social status compared to men and are going against their female domain. As a result, this link to Levis-Strauss binary opposition concept between Mulan's actions and society's expectations on the role of women during the time period in China, as she is subverting the traditional stereotype through her fearless actions. Furthermore, the low angle of the female character entering the stable to get the hoarse is effective in representing her as being powerful and her physical appearance also presents her looking masculine. Thus, this presents Mulan as a modern female as she is subverting the stereotypes of females looking innocent and glamours. Effectively, the setting and the low key lighting creates eerie atmosphere for the audience and therefore this could reflect Mulan's dramatic decision as she leaves her home.

Additionally, Mulan is similar to my primary text as both of the female characters behave masculine in order fulfill their goals. Both of the females characters are alternatively represented which subverts the traditional female stereotypes through their artful and courageous actions, thus presenting them physically stronger than the male characters. Notably, even though both of the films genres are different the issue on whether the female characters subvert or reinforce the traditional stereotype is clearly established. This issue in society has changed over the years as women are now subverting the female expectations by challenging the boundaries of gender roles. For instance, in contemporary society women are now taking on sports which are stereotypically part of the male domain such as boxing, football and wrestling. Notably, majority of women are no longer financially dependent on their husbands and are putting their career first than marriage. An example of this would be the BBC1 programme 'Apprentice' which highlights that women are equally capable of earning more than males and therefore the concept of gender cannot prevent them from achieving a higher social status to men. Moreover, as Mulan was set in China, the role of women now has drastically changed since the 90's. There has been an rapid increase in divorce rates which establishes that women want to be more independent and rights have to introduced to prevent female oppression. Evidently, this issue is significant amongst both of the film genres as it is still relevant in contemporary society. Thus, the positive representation of both of the female characters is beneficial for the female audience to identify with them and as a result, this may encourage the audience not to be afraid to embrace their masculinity.

















http://sc2220.wikifoundry.com/page/Mulan+Analysis
http://brontebailey.wordpress.com/disney-princesses/mulan/

Historical Text - Rear Window

Rear Window Opening Sequence 

'Rear Window' is another example of establishing the traditional female stereotypes. Initially, the cinematography at the beginning of the extract is useful presenting the neighbourhood. This is established through the camera movement of a pan across the flats which is effective in giving the audience gives the audience an insight of the individuals daily routines through the medium shots of the different windows. The examples of this would the medium shots of a man getting ready in his bedroom, followed by two couples waking up by hearing their alarm through the non-dietetic sound.

Significantly, the camera movement of a pan focuses on another window which is of a young women. 'Miss Torso'. The medium shot focuses on the  female character putting on her clothes and then begins cleaning lingerie. Her revealing clothing whilst cleaning is crucial in portraying her as a part of Mulvey 'male gaze' theory. This is because, she is represented in looking appealing and seductive which would make her be 'gazed' at by the male audience. Also, the domestic work of cleaning reinforces the traditional stereotypes of women domestic chores in society. Thus, this dominate representation of the character follows the stereotypical conventions of a women looking glamorous as well as carrying out their expected domestic tasks.

According to Feminist Mulvey,  female characters being 'gazed' at by the male audience results to sexual objectification in film through an illusion narrative. This is  because, through the perspective of the male audiences they would  perceive the female character as their own sexual object and therefore this portrays females as being passive. By creating a distance between the heterosexual male audience and the female characters, according to Mulvey this would help females to from being perceived sexually objectified.

In relation to my primary text (SALT) and one of my secondary text (The Dark Knight Rises), the female characters are alternatively represented throughout both of the films which is a contrast to how 'Miss Torso' is dominantly portrayed. Hathaway's, Cottilard and Jolie's characters all subvert the traditional female stereotypes as they are alternatively represented in being fearless and not passives. One could argue, that the female characters in Salt and Dark Knight Rises reflect the changes in the roles of women in contemporary society and therefore this is effective in allowing the female audience to identify with the characters. Throughout the years we have seen a major shift in gender roles  in films as more women are taking on active role. This is issue is established in many genres, especially in action films where the female characters are represented as being equally or more powerful than the male characters. For example, in SALT Jolie's character is portrayed as being a masculine and a heroine which subverts the female stereotypes in films in previous years. Similarly, in The Dark Knight Rises Hathaway character uses old traditional stereotypes to manipulate men and is alternatively represented as being dauntless. Whereas, Cottilard plays the female antagonist, thus highlighting that the roles of females in films are changing which could be a reflection of the positive changes for women in society. The continuous battles to achieve equality over the years from Feminist  has led to made changes for women in society, such through laws and as a result this has positively impacted women lives.  For example, some women no longer financially depend on their male counterpart and others are gaining higher social status to men.Thus, this shows a contrast between Rear Window and The Dark Knight Rises and Salt shows a shift in the roles of the female characters. 

Furthermore, Rear Window was produced in the 50's where gender roles were not equal in society. Society expectations of men was to carry out the breadwinner role and therefore they were primarily responsible for financially providing for their family. Whereas, women were expected to take on the expressive role which conveys that they were responsible for looking after the kids and her husband and being a full time housewife. Significantly, this establishes that women were inferior to their male counterparts as they became dependent on them and could not make any finance decisions in the household. Additionally, the media also portrayed these traditional roles of women through advertisements, magazines and films. "Pressures on girls and women came from all angles.  To look normal and acceptable to men, and to be the women that could keep the home well for their future husbands". Effectively the traditional roles of women is reflected in Rear Window as 'Miss Torso' is carrying out the domestic tasks or cleaning but also looking glamorous to appeal to the male audience.