Representation of social groups

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Gender
In Missing, my group and I have mainly conformed to the traditional gender roles within the Thriller genre. Females are depicted as weak, compared to males, who dominate over them. In the flashback scene (0:37-0:57), the audience automatically associate Eve as being vulnerable from Seths sadistic behaviour through the high angle shot which belittles her. The fact Seth inflicts Eve with the cuts and bruises imply that males are controlling and somewhat evil, compared to females who are depicted as pitiable victims. This is similar to the opening of Kill Bill Volume I, where males are represented as dangerous through asynchronous sound of Bills voice; making the audience believe that he is unreliable. Also, Seths identity is never revealed to the audience, as his face is always out of shot; creating the impression that he is an enigmatic and untrustworthy character. This typical representation of males portray them in a negative manner, as they are depicted as devious and menacing. Though, the fact that Eve is brave enough to run away from Seths torment, shows that females are courageous and somewhat greater than males; who gain their authority through violence and manipulation.

Gender (continued)
My group and I have to an extent challenged the stereotypical representation of women within Missing. This is shown through Eves costume, as it is unglamorous and somewhat more masculine than other Femme Fatales characters such as the eponymous Gilda. Like Lis from the Girl in the dragon tattoo, Eves practical fashion sense connotes to a sense of portability; giving her some power, and depicting females as more bold. Also, Eve has none of the trappings like traditional Femme Fatales, such as Eve from Once Upon a Time in America, and the eponymous Gilda both of whom are stuck with troublesome men, whereas Eve in Missing escapes from her situation. This is a progressive representation of Femme Fatales, as Eve is an ordinary looking girl with casual, contemporary costume; making her easily recognisable, thus, making it easier for the audience to identify and relate to her. Though, the fact that Eve is brave enough to run away from Seths torment, shows that females are courageous and somewhat greater than males; who gain their authority through violence and manipulation. Also, Eve is somewhat similar to Ree Dolly in the American low budget film Winters Bone, as not only are both characters around the same age; making the more vulnerable in a sense, buy they both have the guts to seek what they desire: in Rees case it is finding her father (Jessup), whereas Eve wants to escape Seth.

Both of the main characters (Eve and Seth) are in the age demographic of 16-21 years old. So as they are both obviously streetwise; proven by Eves understanding of where to go to escape, and Seths ability to not get noticed by Eve. This follows the stereotype that young people are somewhat menacing and tough, as depicted in contemporary crime films such as Kidulthood. Menhaj Huda, uses characters like Sam to present young males as aggressive and antisocial; depicting them as troubled group of people as we have with Seth. This reinforces the negative image received within the press; recently demonstrated through the coverage of the 2012 London riots. Also, young people between the ages of 15-21 (especially young women), are the main demographic of people who go missing. For instance, cases of young women like the teenager Milly Dowler, who went missing after a school day, have been highlighted in the media. Though, Eve out of Missing somewhat mirrors Milly Dowler, as Eve runs away and to an extent escapes from her tormenter (Seth), whereas Milly Dowler unfortunately did not. This represents young people as somewhat sensitive and vulnerable, as they are susceptible to being kidnapped or running away like Eve does.

Age

Social Class
Our Thriller opening Missing depicts social groups who are C2/D social class as unfit and/or corrupted. On one level, working classes are represented as corrupted, as Seths is a sly and predatory character; like Jason out of Essex Boys, who in the first scenes of the film is established as a violent character as he beats up a former colleague. On another level working class people are portrayed as outcasts from society. This is due to the fact that both Eve and Seth are singled out from the rest of the general public, as they are the only two characters in focus, as well as being the only main characters. Both Seth and Eve look as if they have stepped out of a dark storyline in a Soup Opera such as EastEnders, as both that and Missing have a realistic and contemporary style of Filming and Costume; attracting a more mainstream audience as well as making our Thriller seem more realistic.

Ethnicity
Both of the main characters (Eve and Seth) are white British. So, as they are either somewhat psychotic (Seth) or vulnerable (Eve), it depicts white British people as an unstable and corrupt social group. Also, the fact that Seth is a powerful character, builds on the stereotype that white people are of a higher status, compared to other ethnic minorities such as Asian people. Seths character was derived from other white antagonists, for example his sadistic behaviour was inspired by Bill from Kill Bill Volume I; representing white people as a corrupt and menacing group of people.

Disability
Although there are no characters within our Thriller opening with a physical disability, it is clear that Seth has some kind of mental health issue. As the antagonist, he is depicted as a villainous character, as he holds a vicious control over Eve; shown in the flashback where he wipes the blood off of her face, which he inflicted on her; highlighting his violent and psychotic mannerisms. This representation of people with mental health issues could be seen as offensive to some viewers, as it is portrayed in a negative fashion; implying that people with poor mental health are all corrupted and evil (which is not the case). This negative representation of mental health issues, is similarly represented in the Horror/Thriller The Shining, as the film focuses on the negative impacts of Jacks psychosis, rather than the more pitiable emotions that he may be feeling. Also, Seths face is never in shot, which gives him a lack of identity; suggesting that people with mental health problems are insignificant.

Imprv
Eve has no trappings like Eve and Gilda progressive representation ordinary looking girl + easily recognisable makes it easier for audience to identify with her