Representation Analysis

Media representation is the way in which the media chooses to portray certain groups, communities, ideas, or topics from a particular perspective. With representation, the media tries to display the perceived reality of people, places, events, and cultural identities but they may not always be accurately depicted.

Representation Today

Over the past few years, representation for women in media has increased, but statistics show that its still not equal to the amount of male representation. Not to mention, sometimes these groups are misrepresented because of stereotypical beliefs.

However, women aren't the only group that is being underrepresented in media. Other groups include:

• the LGBT community 
• people of color 
• people with disabilities
• ranges of body types/sizes 

Although representation of minorities is slowly increasing, not all are being represented. This practice has to change because some people may feel excluded when they don't see someone they can relate to or someone who looks like them in the media. 

Tide Commercial

This ad features what seems like a very feminine woman shown through the colors she wears and attitude she has, speaking to her "tomboy" daughter who prefers wearing "hoodies and cargo shorts". The opposing attire creates a large contrast between these two characters. In media, little girls are often portrayed a cute, feminine manner. However, this ad challenges these stereotypical beliefs which works to immediately catch the attention of the audience because they see an atypical representation of a little girl. It also creates a bit of a humourous tone in the ad because of the mom's feelings towards her daughter's clothing preferences.

(Click this link to view the ad: https://criticalmediaproject.org/tide-ad/ )

H&M Commercial

This H&M ad is aimed towards defying all stereotypical views of different minorities. The producers did this by displaying the characters in attire different from the standard. It challenges the idea that men shouldn't wear pink, or people shouldn't wear hats indoors and other rules of fashion that have been imposed on our society. This ad works to make all viewers feel included because of the representation of all minorities and underrepresented groups including the elderly, women ,and people of color. This is a positive thing because H&M is a popular clothing brand that has great influence on younger generations. Everyone has unique tastes/likings in clothing, and nowadays people are choosing to represent who they are by what they wear. Many no longer try to mirror the typical view of their gender, race, age or ethnicity.

(Click this link to view the ad: https://criticalmediaproject.org/hm-close-the-loop-ad/)

Genre Analysis

Romance 

A Little Intro 

The romance genre in film typically targets a female audience from the ages 13-18 years old. This is because the films usually focus on the female character which makes it relatable to the target audience. Romance films usually follow a typical set of characteristics such as:

Genre Characteristics

- the film includes a "love-at-first-sight" moment

- the search for love is the main focus of the film

- the two main characters are better looking than the rest of the cast

- the film follows the journey of courtship, dating, or marriage

- the female character is shy or down to earth

- the male character is outgoing and popular but falls for the shy girl

- the main characters face different sorts of obstacles that threaten the relationship which include:

 One character has or develops a physical illness:

                            

                 In the movie A Walk a Remember the woman that the man falls for is diagnosed with Leukemia. This film follows the same love story that all typical romance films do, but takes a twist in giving the female character an illness that makes the movie unique from the rest. Similarly to other films, it pulls on the heart strings of the audience, but has an even greater effect. The film introduces both characters in a classic manner and follows their love story from their first meeting up until their final goodbye. 

                                          

       In the Fault in our Stars both characters                     In Five Feet Apart both characters have

                           have cancer.                                                               cystic fibrosis.

There are differences in social status between the characters:

                   

          Titanic features two characters of very different social classes which plays a critical role 

in the relationship between them. The woman is of a high social class while the man is of lower class. They end up on the same ship because of a lucky coincidence. This coincidental meeting between both characters happens in many romantic films because it gives the audience the desire for the protagonists to end up together since their encounter was a lucky chance. 

                                   Differences in race/ethnicities or challenges because of families:

In this film The Sun is Also a Star, the main characters are of different ethnicities. Although this isn't a major challenge in the film, there is a scene in which the differences between them are addressed by a family member and it greatly affects the female character. The words of this family member creates a barrier between the two protagonists that is later broken, but it does hurt the protagonist.  

However, there are films that choose to divert from this path but it is a risky decision to do so because the audience may not like this change and therefore not enjoy the movie. 

Institutional conventions

These are the characteristics that are often seen in romance movies because it's what the audience wants. Institutional characteristics are used mainly to market the movie to its audience. One of the things seen most often in romance movies are good looking male actors. Since Hollywood knows that a movie with a popular male actor will gain the most attention, they tend to use these actors often. 

Leonardo DiCaprio

                 

                    The Great Gatsby (2013)                                                       Titanic (1997)

As previously shown, Hollywood has been doing this for years, but the use of the same male actors in romance movies is still seen now. Another example is:

Noah Centineo

                                             

            The Perfect Date (2019)                                               To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Good looking actors are not the only convention that appeals to the audience. Happy endings is another characteristic seen most often in romance movies. When people choose to watch a romance movies, an optimistic ending is expected. Therefore, directors often choose to include this ending to satisfy the viewer, but there are rare occasions in which a romance movie does not include the expected happy ending. 

Conclusion

Romance films can fall under many sub-genres such as romantic comedies or romantic dramas, but they all seem to have the same characteristics or a common theme. This allows the viewer to feel in control of what they are choosing to watch because they know what to expect. Romantic films promise a detailed, and sometimes intricate love story with a happy ending and that's why they are a safe bet. Go ahead and leave your thoughts of romance films down below. Feel free to include any recommendations of this particular genre you may have!!

Welcome!

Hello All! My name is Camille Campos and I'm a junior at Cypress Bay High. I'm currently taking a class in which I study media and learn how to analyze films. This blog will consist of everything I've learned throughout the year that will hopefully interest you as well. My goal for this blog is further expand your knowledge on media and more. Feel free to leave any suggestions below!!