Thursday, 6 May 2021

Representations of gender in the TV industry

To what extent do representations of gender reflect the socioeconomic context of the TV shows you have studied? Make reference to Humans and Les Revenants 

Knee Jerk reaction

The representations of gender in both Les Revenants and Humans strongly reflect the times in which we live in, to allow the audience to identify with themes and characters

Plan

Modern slavery

Gilroy - representation of ethnic minorities: hierarchies 

Baudrillard  - 'what is reality and what is simulation?' - Anita is a hyperrreal representation of a woman

Judith Butler - Performativity of Anita!

Lizbet Van Zoonen - male gaze - les revenants subverts? Julie's jumper??? Humans supports!!!

Anita/Laura binary opposition

Breakfast plan

Brothel scene MES of lingerie and lighting

Pub scene

The sex scene 

Lighting (red)

Costume (stereotypical)

Close up (Anita's hypperreal face)

Objectification

Setting (modern day London)

Allegory

Narrative: Todorov: disruption of equilibrium

Content - Lena walks Simon back from the pub

  • By walking Simon home, Lena is challenging both gender stereotypes as well as hegemonic patriarchal values
  • Low key lighting is symbolic of a mysterious atmosphere
  • Subway, concrete, night, deserted, all functions as a proairetic code for imminent danger, yet Lena confidently gets out of this situation, subverting the stereotype of helpless women in horror narratives
  • Atmospheric diegetic sound of dog barking is also a proairetic code for danger
  • Lexis of 'dickhead': deliberately offensive to men
  • Dull, grey, concrete MES symbolises, a working class setting? Relatable to the target audience, for this scene teenagers
  • Narrative 
  • Simon subverts stereotypical representations of men by resisting Lena's advances
  • Simon's suit creates a binary opposition between Lena's informal costume, reinforcing gender stereotypes
  • The representation of gender in Les Revenants is confusing and complicated, which allows the show to appeal to a modern audience. This means the show can effectively appeal to a range of niche audiences