LUTHER

ESSAY

REPRESENTATION

OF GENDER
Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of
gender using camera shots, angles, movements, compositions, editing,
sound and Mise en scene.
The clip from Luther is able to show a number of way in which the representation of gender is
shown. Using camera shots, angles, movements, compositions, editing, sound and Mise en
scene, we are able to pick out a number of key factors which portray these representations.
To begin, camera work is used as a way to show Luthers dominance in the beginning of the clip
when the two characters are on the bridge. The camera shot shows an over the shoulder shot
looking down at the woman Alice. This is a way to represent Luthers dominance, as a man,
over Alice, the woman.
The dialogue between the two characters in the beginning is also a way that the representation
of gender can be understood. When Alice talks about her dog, Luthers character shows little
sympathy stating that burning her dog is protocol. This shows how Luther is attempting to
maintain his dominance and remain professional. This agrees with the stereotype that male
heroes typically lack emotion and have a more serious and professional attitude. This quote
also suggests that Alice has been suspect to the law and therefore suggest that Alice has
villainous characteristics and is not so caring, and innocent as females are typically
represented. On the other hand, female stereotypes are also represented when Alice replies
saying- He was only a dog! and they burnt my dog. This statement reflexes feminine
stereotypes that women are much more emotional and caring than men are. Therefore, the two
characters are representing their gender stereotypes in a clear and effective way.
The dominance of Luther, which is not shown on the other hand by Alice is a clear indication of
the gender stereotypes, that men and seen to be much stronger and dominant than women.
This can also be in the physique of the two characters, both of which display aspects of the
gender gaze. Luther is a strong, built man. This appeals to the Female Gaze as Well-built men
are one feature that women stereotypically find attractive. On the other hand, the Male Gaze is
also represented in the clip. Audiences will see the character of Alice as a beautiful, slim
woman, with seductive feature. This of which is seen as attractive by men.
The fact Luther went to interrogate Alice alone agrees with the Masculine representation that
males feel that they have no need to rely on others and act as the Lone Hero. This could be a
way that the clip attempts to portray that males try to represent their dominance of women.
Mise en Scene is used in order to show the representation of gender. In particular the clothing
and make-up that the two characters in the scene wear. Luthers shirt, tie and jacket, show the
audience his professionalism in the clip. This can give details that Luther is serious about him
work. The character of Alice is also dressed in smart work clothing to meet the formality of her
job as a research scientist. The fact that Alice is wearing make-up is a clear indication that she
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Media - 12W

is conforming to her gender role. This is because it is believed that females are infatuated with
beauty and feel in order to look a certain way, make-up is required. The red lipstick may be a
representation of seduction.
The facial expressions of the Alice throughout the clip are able to represent the countertype of
women being loving, kind and sweet. The first shot in the clip shows a close up of Alice. Her
facial expression shows signs of mischief to the audience from the start, therefore immediately
telling the audience that she is up to no good. This goes against the stereotypical views of a
female character, showing connotations of a suspicious, evil and villainous woman. As appose
to the typical connotations of women being kind, innocent and caring individuals. Later on in the
clip and mid-shot shows Alice calling Luther a liar. Her facial expression clearly shows a sign
on certainty. This statement is broad and her facial emotion and body language shows a form of
authority that she knows Luther has visited her to investigate. This show that Alice is much
smarted that Luther thinks and not gullible. This gives her the upper hand in the scene, which
would be seen as opposite to the gender stereotype that men are seen as dominant over
women. This switch is clear as we seen Luther become much more hesitant and nervous when
speaking. This switch in dominance is assisted by the inclusion of the non-diegetic sound effect
used as Alice speaks about the black hole.
There are forms of Countertypes within the clip also. The main one that is clear in the clip is
shown using editing. During the end of the clip, Alice begins to gain control over the
conversation and makes Luther uneasy, talking about his wife. This is shown when Alice says:
Why does your wife turn her face from you John? The camera then cut to a close up shot
of Luthers face, where his facial expression changes from happy and in control to shocked and
out of control of the situation. In this situation, roles reverse and it is now Alice that become the
dominant individual and Luther the inferior one. Again, a countertype is portrayed as it is now
Alice with the upper hand and the dominant one, whereas stereotypically, Luther would be the
dominant character in the clip because he is a man.
After further dialogue, the proximity between the two characters become much closer. The
scene cuts from Alice making her way closer to Luther followed by a cut to another close up of
Luther where we can clearly see him swallow. This is a sign of nervousness, as Alice is able to
use her feminine seduction against Luther. This part of the extract illustrates the stereotypical
representation of gender in that Alice uses seduction, which is seen as a female characteristic to
seduce men. Nevertheless, Alice also presents a countertype in that she gains control of the
situation. This is a countertype because stereotypically, women are seen as inferior to men.
However, on this occasion, Luther is in this position.
Overall, this Luther clip is able to display a number of different connotations which involve
gender and the way it is represented through the characters of Luther and Alice. The clip
provides this insight in a number of ways including the use of Camera Shots, Camera Angles
and Movements, Editing, Sound and Mise en Scene.

Max Sunnar
Media - 12W

Max Sunnar
Media - 12W