Evaluation2

How does your media product represent particular social

groups?

Male antagonist – represented negatively men are residually seen as strong regressive

Young male protagonist – represented positively victim is stereotypically female (emergent ideology); this storyline is progressive (Scream – 1996 – Wes Craven)

Binary opposition (antagonist and protagonist) is achieved by the way the characters are portrayed.

-The antagonist is wearing a mask (Saw – 2004 – James Wan), seems to be controlling the character the audience has been introduced to (who has shown emotion; we feel sympathy)

- His colour scheme is associated with darkness and alarm (red background, black and white suit and black writing).

- The use of sound (creepy children’s song) makes the antagonist look increasingly sinister.(The Woman In Black – 2012 – James Watkins)

Binary opposition

Binary opposition The protagonist is seen as the ‘goodie’ as the audience sees him getting confused and reacting (scared) to the happenings such as:

- his hand being cut

- the flashback

- creepy pictures (numbers) being left around the house (vulnerable and being victimised in his own home).

Binary opposition - The lighting is light compared to the antagonist’s dark lighting; lighter light is associated with purity and goodness. The High-Key lighting was inspired by Brick as a sense of foreboding was still introduced effectively but in light lighting.

- The audience is also positioned with Alex (the protagonist) with the close-up shots from the beginning and the POV shots (28 Days Later – 2002 – Danny Boyle).

- We also see Alex’s face (character exposition); he is more relatable compared to the masked antagonist (emotions are relatable).

Binary opposition

- Alex’s face is the establishing shot; we are instantly positioned with him.

- The reaction shots also emphasise what Alex is feeling (the audience feel empathy) (Paranormal Activity – 2007 – Oren Peli)