Representation

Representation is a term which refers to the way media present a perspective of what they show, as opposed to a complete and rounded view. For example, in an action film, men, particularly the protagonist, are represented in particular ways. They tend to be active, violent and unreflective, for example. Of course, representation varies from film to film and there are always exceptions.

For more detailed treatments of representation, follow the links below:

[|Media Representation]

[|The Art and Politics of Representation in Film]


 * Film as CONSTRUCTED REALITY** (Link to TOK)

As you know, the world that film depicts is not the real world. It is someone (or a group of people's) interpretation, or representation, of the world. As a result, a film communicates the values of the people who made it and their beliefs about the world.

Consider character motivation. If Luke Skywalker is motivated at the beginning of Star Wars IV: A New Hope, by his restlessness and desire for adventure as well as his desire for the mysterious woman in the message he is shown by R2D2, this reflects a belief that teenagers are curious, restless and motivated by sex.

It is important not to over-simplify, however. George Lucas might not believe this about //all// teenagers, but it is clearly something he feels his audience will find plausible. Thus films also reflect social and cultural norms. Additionally, it reflects Lucas's beliefs about the culture and expectations of his audience.


 * The influence of construction**

Because film constructs a reality but usually attempts to hide this fact (it tries to be 'realistic'), it can have a powerful effect an audience that is not paying attention to this construction. It can influence and reinforce our beliefs about the way the world is, as well as influencing our reactions to kinds of people, situations or institutions.