LO3: Representation

Mise-En-Scene, Camerawork, editing and Sound are the evidence used to back up the agree-disagree argument

FLASHCARD ALL

Definition:

How the media shows us things about society - But this is through careful medication. 

Representations -  Think people and places

Key theory 1: Tim O’Sullivan et al. (1998)

For representation to work, there was to be a shared recognition of people and places. All representations therefore have ideologies behind them.

Ideology refers to a set of ideas which produces a partial and selective view of reality.

e.g. representations are based on ideologies.    -   Good vs Evil

Ideologies are belief systems in society that people be-----

Linked to Midsommar: Cults are very good at targeting emotionally vulnerable people. Core message of the film. Mise-En-Scene gestures shows changing emotions across the film with Dani being seen to be smiling at the end despite Christian being killed. This signifies that the cult has drained her emotionally making her susceptible to manipulation and she has lost all sense of humanity. The effect on the audience is that they are shocked by the power of cults and will be more aware of real cults in their day to day life. Furthermore, the ending is quite open to interpretation which leaves the audience to discuss their interpretations of the ending. 

Key theory 2: Richard Dyer (1983)

Audiences should question the representations they see in media texts. 

What does the representations imply? Is it typical of the world or deviant? Is it stereotypical or atypical? 

Summarised: How representations are stereotypical or challenged

Midsommar examples: Stereotypes or challenged stereotypes 

Dani is portrayed as very emotional while Christian is portrayed as being uncaring which fits the sterotype of woman being emotional and men being unemotional. Midsommar uses Mise-En-Scene to connote this by using gestures of Dani crying a lot while Christian is silent and unsupporting. Furthermore, the film also suppresses her emotions, whether through gestures or editing by cutting the shot being she can "let it out". 

The villains are portrayed as kind and welcoming initially and do not have the demeanor of a typical villain. This does not fit the typical stereotype of villains being obviously evil. Midsommar uses Mise-En-Scene to connote this by dressing the cult in white clothing of which the colour has connotations of holiness.  The effect on the audience is that they will not realise they are villains immediately and therefore will trust the cult initially only that trust will be betrayed later in the film

Key theory 3: Laura Mulvey (1975)

Woman are objectified in the media - This is called the male gaze 

Means that woman are sexualised in media.   

Heavily links to costumes - Mise-En-Scene 

Midsommer challenges this theory by having powerful female members of the cult denoted to be  wearing white gowns that are not sexualised clothing in order to avoid creating the impression of these characters being subordinate. Furthermore, all the members of the cult, regardless of gender, are wearing similar costumes. For example, the cult member who orders the child to be sacrifised is shown as powerful and controlling and they have used costume design to avoid weakening this impression. The effect on the audience is that they are scared of the antagonist because they are portrayed as manipulative dangerous.

In contrary, the younger members of the cult wear flower gowns which whist not being sexualised clothing, do conform to the theory because they are stereotypically feminine clothing. This creates the impression that these younger members of the cult are meant to be more sympathetic than the older cult members which is connoted with Mise-En-Scene with gestures when the younger cult members comfort Dani [FINISH]

Key theory 4: Stuart Hall (1995) , Alvarado (1987)

Western cultures continue to misrepresent ethnic minorities as in the media due to underlying racist tendencies - Shown as evil, barbaric, pitied, humorous 

Connie is pitied when she is maniplulated and murdered. Body is seen to be rotting, shows that she wasn't respected, just thrown to the side. Same with Josh's body. 

Minority groups are misrepresented 

Key theory 5: Earp and Katz (1999

Men are often represented as having tendencies of pathological control and violence

Christian 

Midsommar conforms to this theory by having the character of Christian being portrayed as controlling in his relationship with Dani. Diegetic sound supports this with dialogue when Christian is on the phone with Dani at the start of the film and he states "She [Dani's sister] acts like this because you let her" which connotes him blaming Dani for her sisters behaviour. The effect on the audience is that they will feel distain towards Christian.