Representation Theory

The feminist theory looks at roles of women contradicted to men's roles within films of different genres. For example, action/adventure likely consists of a male 'hero' and a female 'damsel in distress' like figure which follows the idea of the male gaze idea which looks at the visual pleasure within certain genres. It thinks about genres portraying women as objects for male characters sexual desire. Essentially, men enjoy looking at women which creates appeal for the male audience. An ideal example of this is the James Bond films, where there is always a bond girl that is portrayed in a certain way. They are seen as a vulnerable character that usually needs to be saved. Bond acts as the 'hero' therefore, this portrays him as a masculine and dominant character who is expected to save the woman.

Specifically to our chosen genre: horror, it looks at females typically as the victims and males as the villain which supports the stereotype that women are weak, vulnerable and threatened easily. Masculinity and femininity are socially constructed which creates stereotypes of who should like what and what their role is in life. Feminism is a label that refers to a broad range of views containing one shared assumption - gender inequalities in society where historically masculine power exercised at right of women's interests and rights.

Sometimes within a horror genre there is a 'final girl' figure that is essentially the last girl standing. She is usually a virgin or has some sense of innocence about her as well as the vision of a girl who's behaviour conforms with social expectations (the 'good girl'). There is usually a suggestion that she deserves to survive and is more than likely strong and intelligent therefore, she is able to fend of trouble. This contradicts the stereotype that men should carry this role where she has a masculine personality where she has survival instincts which leads her to the end. The appearance of this girl is usually quite simple and 'normal' with normal clothes and not overly attractive however, she is referred to by the 'blonde bimbo' stereotype. The Cabin in the Woods is an example of this as the innocent virgin character is the one that survives throughout the brutal deaths of her friends.

From looking at existing examples of representation theories within films I have thought about what is effective within a film and how the character within our opening sequence should be represented. We discussed our ideas as a group and came up with the idea to use the Final Girl theory for our main character as we believe that it is the most effective way to portray the main character within the horror genre. I think that the victim should be innocent and vulnerable, as well as pure therefore she should be a virgin type character in order to emphasise these aspects. This will show purity which will juxtapose with the horror aspect of the film. Our character will have brown hair which will contradict the 'blonde bimbo' appearance. However, she will have fair skin and slightly blushed cheeks in order to represent her as adolescent and naive.