Representation, Commando

As part of exploring Representation gender wise (Masculinity and Feminity) we watched Commando, an action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.


As a group we watched the introductory sequence to Arnold's character and were asked to make notes on the characteristics of Commando.  But before doing this we were asked to write a list of presumptions about Commando's role as a father. We were informed that he was a single parent and an ex member of the army/secret agent force.
My presumed list/list we made after watching the sequence contained things such as;
-Brave
-Daring
-Follows Schedules
-Hard Working
-Role Model
-Nurturing
-Wise
etc.......


We then went on to talk about Frued and Phallic symbols.
Frued and Phallic symbol's- Objects of which may represent the males 'Penis'/ size of the males 'Penis'. As a group we then went on to discuss the front cover of the film, we made a short list of notes about how the cover may have representational values to Frued or Phallic symbols. We came up with the size of his muscles, his facial expressions and the size of the gun he was holding.




We then went then on to talk about  his powerful status and all things that connoted with power,
I came up with
-Intimidating
-Stoic
-Intelligent
-Rich
-Rugged
-Determined
-Attractive
-Vein


After watching the piece  we realised that commando was quite contrasting the points we made above. We discovered his kind nature and loving attitude to his daughter, this was so much so that it was slightly un-comfortable to watch. Due to only being the two of them living together it was almost like watching the relationship between a husband and a wife rather than father and daughter. 
 We expected everything we seen in his physical appearance, his muscle and hard exterior, he looks very intimidating and rugged. And supposedly attractive in the days of which it was released, of course times have changed and Commando is not the typical man of lust.
:)

7 Key Areas of Representation.

Representation Key Areas.
-Gender
-Age
-Ethnicity
-Sexuality
-Class and Status
-Physical ability and Disabilities
-Regional Identity

Gatekeeping.

Gatekeeper's- They are the people who are part of the decision making process in the construction of media   of media texts.


(Who do I consider to be Gatekeepers?)
-  BBC Commissioners
-  Law Makers
-  Directors
-  Producers
-  Editor
-  Audience  

Facial Expression.

Marjorie Ferguson. (1980's)
Ferguson managed to identify 4 different types of facial expression on the front cover on British Woman's Magazines.


Chocolate Box.
+ Half/Full smile
+ Lips together/Slightly parted
+ Teeth barely visible
+ Full/Three quarters of face to the camera 
Invitational.
+ Emphasis on the eyes
+ Mouth shut with hint of a smile
+ Head to one side or looking back to the camera
Super-Smiler
+ Full face
+ Wide open, toothy smile
+ Head thrusts forward to chin thrown back
+ Hair often wind blown
Romantic or Sexual
+ Includes male/female 'two somes'
+ Dreamy
+ Heavy Lidded
+ Overtly Sensual


Trevor Millum. (1990's)


Seductive.
+ Similar to cool/Level
+ Eyes less wide 
+ Expression is less reserved but still confident
+Milder
Carefree
+ Nymph like
+ Active
+ Healthy
+ Vibrant
+ Outdoor Girl
+ Often Smiling/Grinning
Practical
+ Concentrating
+ Enagaged in business in hand
+ Mouth Closed
+ Eyes object directed
+ Sometimes a slight frown
+ Hair often tied back or short style
Comic
+ Deliberately ridiculous
+ Exaggerated
+ Acting the fool
+ Pulling Faces
Catalogue
+ A neutral look of a dummy, artificial, wax like
+ Features may be in any position but most likely to be with eyes open wide and smiling
+ Looks remain vacant and empty with personality removed


:)