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.
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.
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,)
"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
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.
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"
"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)
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)
"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"
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/
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
"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)
"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
"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"
"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
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 aswitch in gender roles. Throughout the film the audience would acknowledge that the
female character isalternatively
represented as a tomboy which challenges thedominate
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. Themedium
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 notfit 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 emotionsas 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 theaudience’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.
'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.
This extract
from the film focuses on the female character Selina Kyle who subverts thetraditional
female stereotypethrough
her courageous behaviour in order to serve justice. Thesettingtakes place in an isolated bar
with only males inside where Selina Kyle is taken in order to provide themale characterwith proof of finger prints. One could
argue, that it is significant that Selina Kyle is surrounded by all men holding
guns as itportraysher
being fearless which is established through herbody
language. For example, at the beginning of the extract she walks confidently
into the bar without feeling no fear and behaves sarcastically towards the male
character revealing, "I like having someone who opens doors for me". Hathway's character body language and her very first dialogue in this extract
is effective in highlighting a female character who subverts the traditional
expectations of women being passive. This is because, Selina is
alternatively represented as being courageous who does not fear of the
consequences of her actions as she is aware that her life is in risk. Thus, Anne Hathaway character represents female empowerment.
Furthermore,
an over the shoulder shot is used between the two characters on going
conversation which is effective in establishing tension. Using
Todorov narrative structure, this gradually builds to the disequilibrium as they the audience would be aware that
conflict is going to occur between both of the characters especially through
her angry facial expression of the female character. Additionally, this is made evident
through the use of medium shot when Selina states, "It would of been a lot
easier if you given what I asked for". This represents her as being
fearless as she is challenging the position of the males in asserting her
power. Effectively, low key lighting is used on the female character face when
she reveals this dialogue which could highlight her mysterious and artful
personality. As a result, she cleverly manipulates the male character to make
sure that she gets caught by the police thus, highlighting her active role
which goes against the stereotype of female characters.
Additionally,
the atmosphere completely changes once the action begins with the use of
non-diegetic parallel sound to establish the dramatic and fast pace of the
scene. The continuous use of medium long shots of Selina
Kyle fighting the males is significant in establishing that she is not inferior. Using Levis-Strauss theory of binary
oppositions, this is significant in conveying a switch in gender roles as one
female is beating a couple of men by herself and therefore represents Selina
as being inferior and the males characters as being superior. Notably, one
could argue that the fact that Selina shoots a male character is significant in
reinforcing her alternative representation of the traditional female
stereotype. This is because; in previous films a prop of a gun would be
associated with males as it would establish their power. Whereas, in this case
Hathway character uses the prop of a gun kill the males which reinforces her
bravery and therefore she represents a female heroine. Notably, the iconography
of the gun is symbolic in establishing the genre of the film which is an action
thriller. Likewise, using Barthes action code theory, the extract includes the
props of guns and the police cars which all creates a chaotic atmosphere
therefore, linking to the film's sub-genre elements which relate to action and
thriller. The fast pace editing is significant for this action sequence as the
scene establishes the hectic and thrilling atmosphere for the audience making
the audience gripped into the narrative. The use of the different transitions
in this action sequence is significant in showing the fast pace action between
Selina and the male characters as she is eager not to be caught by the police
which is made established through the long shot of the door which she looks at
twice.
Hathway character is perceived as being
stronger compared to the male characters which goes against the expectations of female appearance in films. Through of a tracking and tilt shot of Selina's quick actions of her punching
the male character and rolling over the table whilst keeping hold of him is
vital in showing the audience that she is equally as strong as men. This is highlight that Hathaway’s character challenging the traditional
stereotype of females being passive as she is taking an active role. Effectively, this establishing a positive representation of women.
Moreover,
Selina Kyle cleverly uses her femininity and old fashion stereotypes to make sure that she does
not get caught by the police. This is effective in conveying to the audience that she
fearless as well as smart as she uses "stereotypes like emotional weakness
and vulnerability to cleverly manipulate her way out of dangerous
situations".. Likewise, the use of the
tracking shot of Selina actions, as walks out the bar calmly and quickly is
effective in presenting her as being sly based on the fact that she did not get
caught. Thus, this establishes that she takes on active role.
However, in
this extract she wears a black tight fitted short dress with red lipstick which
is effective in establishing her femininity in looking seductive for the male
audience. Another interpretation of this could be that Selina Kyle seductive
clothing in this scene is significant for the male audience as she is being portrayed
as part of Mulvey Male Gaze. This is because, she is represented in being
seductive through her clothing which would appeal to the heterosexual male
audience. Thus, this makes Selina a 'eye candy' to appease the male gaze
as she dressed seductively whilst fighting which could make the male audience
perceive her more sexually appealing.
Notably, using Stuart Hall reception theory, the dominate reading for this extract would be that Hathway character subverts the traditional stereotypes through her manipulative and brave actions. Also, in a website the female character is refereed to "a women that most of the contemporary audience can truly relation to". This is because, the extract conveys a positive representation of the character being fearless which would suggest that female characters are equally capable of being powerful like males characters in film. Thus, some individuals' may aspire to be like Anne Hathaway character as she is strong minded and fearless.
To some
extent, Christopher Noel does portray Hathway character traditionally through her
seductive clothing which presents her to be 'gazed' at by males; however, to a
greater extent she subverts the stereotype through her actions. This could
suggest that female characters are beginning to become equally and even more
superior to the male characters and therefore Hathway character subverts this
female expectations of females being passive in society.
2.
This extract also shows the character
Selina Kyle challenging the traditional female stereotype which is
established at the beginning of the film. The audience are introduced the
primarily female character Selina Kyle who works as a waitress for the Wayne's
Foundation dinner party. Significantly, a medium shot of Selina Kyle
is used while she looks at photographs with the mysterious parallel sound
included as well which is effective in making the audience curious about the
character's role. In relation to Barthes theory, enigma codes could be
associated in this scene as the female character is represented in looking
suspicious and making the audience intrigued into the narrative in wanting to
know more about Hathway character.
However, the audience are revealed to
Hathway character true personality when she admits stealing the necklace. Her
facial expression of a smirk which is established through a medium shot and the
fact that her tone of voice changes as she simply states "oops" would
be effective on the audience. This is because, it would change the audience's
views on the character from the very moment they were introduced to her as they
may have assumed that she was innocent. Selina Kyle does not fear of
the consequences that she has been caught stealing as through the tracking shot
she confidently walks towards Bruce Wayne and kicks his walking stick. Thus,
this presents an alternative representation of the female character as she is
not presented as being innocent and passive therefore going against the
traditional expectations of females. Likewise, Selina Kyle's artful actions are
established through the tilt up camera movement as she fearless back flips out
of the window which reinforces her alternative representation. Effectively,
this challenges the traditional female stereotype as Hathaway character goes
against the dominate ideologies of women in society being passive.
The tracking shot of the female character entering into a car and uses her femininity to
charm the male is effective in establishing that she uses the female
stereotypes to get her out of dangerous situations. Effectively, this could
suggest that the female character represents the matriarchy ideologies in
society as she challenges the dominate expectations of women. Thus Hathway character promotes the positive values to the female audience. Thus, using the Uses and
Gratifications theory, the audience are likely to use this text for diversion,
personal identity and personal relationship.
SALT
First extract: 30:04 - 35:15
This extract from the film focuses on
Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) escaping from the FBI in order to save her husband
which establishes the character challenging the female stereotype. The female
character clothing is significant in this scene as she changes into wearing a
hate, long brown coat and trousers. This is because, her clothing represents
her as being masculine as she is covering up her femininity which is a contrast
to what she wears previously in the film. Thus, this challenges the stereotypical
views on female clothing in films. Notably, the tracking shot which focuses on
Evelyn fast pace action is effective in conveying her active role as she
is determined to to escape from the FBI in order to accomplish her goal to find
her husband. Thus, this presents an alternative representation of the female
character as she is not passive and weak. Furthermore, the parallel sound for
this action sequence is successful in producing a dramatic atmosphere thus,
making the audience gripped to the narrative. Similarly, the continuous
transitions and the over lapping dialogue from the police then to Evelyn is
effective in create a chaotic scene for the audience as they would assume that
the character is going to be shot. Thus, this links to Todorov narrative
structure as it establishes the disequilibrium between the character and the
police force.
Significantly, the audience would
acknowledge Jolie character represents female empowerment as she is strong
minded and constantly does not give up. This is made evident through the point
of view shot when Salt see's the truck and fearlessly jumps on it which
reinforces her masculine actions. Similarly, her masculine actions is further
exposed through the bird’s eye view as she jumps on to another truck to save herself
establishes a subvert in the stereotypical representation of women as Salt is
positively portrayed as being physically strong and not weak. In relation to
Barthes theory, actions codes are highlighted in this extract of guns and
police cars which clearly establishes the film's genre for the audience.
Moreover, it is is vital that Jolie
character pushes a man off his motorbike and uses it to escape as it coveys she
is asserting her physical power and therefore going against the female
stereotypes. The tracking shot and the transitions of Salt riding the motorbike
whilst the police chase her are effective in highlighting an alternative
representation of the character. This is because, she went through great
lengths to escape from the police and succeeds at the end as she does not get
caught. Thus, using Stuart Hall's reception theory, the preferred reading of
Jolie character is that she subverts the dominate ideologies on females in
films as being inferior and passive. To a great extent, Salt challenges the
female stereotypes through her fearless actions which depicts that female
characters in films are no longer the "victims or hostages or prizes"
as they now portrayed being equally as strong as males.
2. Second extract: 81:45 -
From the beginning of the extract, a
medium shot and tilt shot is used to focus on the Jolie character as she walks
up the stairs looking at the male character suspiciously. Jolie's character's
clothing is significant in this specific extract as she is been
represented as a male through the short boyish hair, shirt, trousers etc.
Thus, is presents a alternative ideology to the audience of how females are
stereotypically portrayed in films in looking seductive with long hair and
wearing feminine clothing as the character Salt challenges these
expectations. Effectively, the medium shot of Salt's handcuffs alongside with
the parallel music is significant in foreshadowing a conflict as through the
dramatic music the audience would be aware that something bad is going to
occur. Thus, this successful in keeping the audience gripped on to the
narrative as they would want to know what the character is about to do.
Moreover, Jolie character is clearly
portrayed in being physically powerful which subverts the dominate stereotypes
of women being inferior in films. For instance, the slow motion effect
alongside with the tilt up shot of Salt (Jolie character) jumping into the air
and ties her handcuffs around the male character's throat is effective in
establishing her masculine actions. This is then followed by a a transition of
a medium shot of Salt's face covered in blood as she continuously pulls on the
male character's throat which is significant in representing her as a powerful
action figure. This is because, through her masculine actions, the audience
would acknowledge that Salt's subverts the female stereotypes in films by being
fearless and asserting her masculine actions therefore, she is positively represented.
3. Third extract: 77.59 - 79:59
In this extract Salt tries to save the country before the bombs explode which establishes her masculine actions as she tried to kill the male character and therefore goes against the traditional female stereotypes. The medium shot of Salt using a gun is significant in conveying a alternative representation of the female character as she is challenging the boundaries of female expectations. This is because, the iconography of a gun is symbolic as it represents danger and is stereotypically associated with male characters in action films. However, one could argue that the the fact Jolie's character is using a gun could convey that she is rejecting her femininity as she is represented in being masculine. Thus, this is effective in establishes that she is challenging the traditional female stereotypes as she is not using her sexuality to get something.
Notably, the dramatic parallel sound is effective in creating a tense atmosphere for the audience and therefore keeping them hooked on to the action sequence. As the scene progresses, the different transitions of the characters's shooting one another creates a chaotic scene for the audience's which clearly links to the film's genre. Most significantly, the medium long shots of Jolie's character fighting the male character is vital in conveying that she is challenging the boundaries of the social expectations of females. Thus, this establishes a alternative representation of the character as she is asserting her physical power which goes against the female stereotypes as she is not passive and is equally as strong as the male character. Using Katz and Blulmer uses and gratification theory the audience may read this text based on diversion and personal identity. This is because, the dramatic action sequence makes the narrative more thrilling for the audience and therefore it allows them to feel entertained. Whereas, the alternative representation of Jolie's character could make some of the female audience identity with the character's bravery and therefore this may empower the audience to go against their female domain and to challenge boundaries between the sexes.
Links to my issue and debates:
Postmodernism and its critiques, Representation & Stereotypes, Audience theories, Liberal Pluralism,
Media Technology and the digital revolution.
Liberal Feminist would argue that these alternative representation of the female characters establishes that women are capable of doing what males do. Thus, this shows a progress towards gender equality as the female characters are no longer represented as being passive. This links to Liberal Pluralism beliefs as the representation of the female characters could be a reflection of contemporary society. This is because, women are challenging the dominate ideologies of the ruling class as they are no longer restricted and are now independent.
Both of the female characters from SALT and The Dark Knight Rises subvert the traditional stereotypes of females in society as they challenge the boundaries between men and women through their fearless actions. Thus, it can be argued that Hathway and Jolie characters represent female empowerment.
According to Postmodernist, they would argue that the female characters are enjoying being masucline and challenging the boundaires.
