Textual Analysis: Question Prep

Analyse how mise-en-scene elements contributed to the construction of stereotypes in a media product you have studied (15 marks)

Plan:

Mise-en-scene:

• Lighting
• Costume
• Setting/Location
• Makeup
• Props
• Characters - Facial expressions and body language

Stereotypes:

Gang culture:

• Negative representation: conforms to the stereotype because in the sequence...
• Where are they?
• What they wear?

Old vs Young:

• Levi-Strauss - 'Binary Opposition'
• Young are stereotypically strong/fit 
• Old are stereotypically weak/incapable
• This is challenged in the sequence because...

Answer:

In the 'bathroom scene' from The Worlds End there is conflict between young and old characters. This competiton proves Levi-Strauss' theory: 'Binary Oppostion'. Based off of sterotypes, young indivuals tend to be strong and fit, whereas older indivuals are usually percieved as incapable and weak. However, this was challenged in the sequence because despite the younger characters appearing as a greater threat, they were defeated by the older characters. 

On the subject of stereotypes, the younger characters in the scene are dressed in hoodies and tracksuits, etc. This depicts gang culture, as the clothing they wear is a representation of what a gang member would typically wear. This is a negative representation as gang culture tends to connote crime and aggressive behaviour. This makes the audience instantly assume that these characters are dangerous and that there will be a possible confliction between the opposing characters.