2) How does your media product represent particular social groups?

When planning and coming up with ideas for our characters, I looked into films to find inspiration for our two main characters, looking for aspects of stereotypes that I thought we could adapt to make our own. In the media today, stereotypes are commonly seen in films, as to make the audience get a strong understanding of the character. The first character I looked at was 'the stalker' (Played by Tyler):

'The Stalker', 'First Glance'

When we began brainstorming for characters we all had similar ideas about the character of 'the stalker'. We all knew that we wanted the stalker to be a girl, trying to break the stereotypes and create a more twisted story line. One of the films we drew inspiration from was 'Swimfan', looking at the character of Madison who becomes obsessed with a swimmer. 

'Stalker' Madison, 'Swimfan'

There are many similarities and differences between the ways in which the two characters are represented.

Similarities:

• Both characters portrayed in a negative light
• Sinister emotions on each character, showing the audience that the character is 'evil'
• Both characters are shown as 'having a plan' that they aim to follow
• Both seen as delusional 
• Each film preludes to the characters doing something dangerous and crazy

Differences:

• The character of 'the stalker' in 'First Glance' is stereotypically dressed in all black, to show that she is dark and twisted. Whereas in 'Swimfan' the character of Madison is dressed in clothes that break the stereotype of a stalker, as she is seen in girly clothes with long blonde hair (usually representing innocence)
• The lighting in each thriller is used differently to portray the character. As in 'First Glance' dark lighting and shadows have been used to represent death and danger. Compared to in 'Swimfan' whereas the lighting is light, making the audience question wether the character of Madison is 'bad' or 'good'. 
• The body language of each character is different. As in 'First Glance', the character of 'the stalker' is seen as insecure and reserved, as if not wanting to be noticed. Whereas in 'Swimfan' the body language of Madison is over confident and bold, showing that she is only out to get what she wants. 

Both characters show two different stanzas on the idea of 'The Stalker' and both do so by sticking to the stereotype, using the codes and conventions to portray the character in a certain light so that the audience is able to understand who the character is and what her intentions are. In both films the characters are shown as obsessed 'twisted' stalkers. 

The next character that we began to brainstorm ideas for was the character of 'The Drunk Victim' (Played by Rosetta):

'The Drunk Victim',  'First Glance'

We all had a rough idea of how we wanted the character to look and dress, and that she would be portrayed as under the influence and rough. We took inspiration from the character of Becky in 'Sin City', a prostitute who gets caught up in trouble. 

Becky, 'Sin City'

There are many similarities and differences between the ways in which the two characters are represented.

Similarities:

• Both characters are seen alone in vulnerable situations, showing the danger that is to come for each character
• The mise en scene in each film is similar to one and other, as both characters are seen wearing little and revealing clothes, representing the characters as "slags"
• The location of which the characters are seen are in desolate and dangerous places, representing both characters as 'victims'

Differences:

• The victim in First Glance is seen as under the influence and unsure as to what is going on, and out of control. Whereas in Sin City, the character of Becky is seen as in control of herself and confident, even though she is in a vulnerable situation
• In 'First Glance' the victim is seen as stereotypical girl after a night out, looking drunk and as though she has been taking drunk. Compared to in 'Sin City' where the character of Becky breaks the stereotype as even though she  is dressed in a typical way and is in a desolate area, she looks stable and in control of the situation
• The lighting in each film is different as in 'First Glance' the lighting is natural and we can distinguish who is 'the victim' and who is 'the stalker' whereas in Sin City as it is black and white we are unsure if the character of Becky is 'bad' or 'good'

Once again both characters take different views on 'the victim', as in 'First Glance', 'the victim' is portrayed in a more stereotypical way in comparison to the character of Becky in 'Sin City'. Each film does this by following and breaking the codes and conventions, making sure that the audience are able to understand and like/dislike the intentions of each character. Both characters are represented as vulnerable. 

This shows the ways in which our thriller represents particular social groups, and the way in which stereotyping and social groups have a huge impact on a film, as it is a way that the film can connect with the target audience as they are able to feel different emotions for different characters, whether they feel they can relate to a character of that they dislike a character.