Evaluation Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The main focus of representation in our opening sequence was Gender Representation. We designed our characters around how we wanted them to be represented to our audience.

Our main character, Blake, is portrayed in a way that both conforms and breaks away from stereotypes. There is a sense of bravado about him, especially when he starts talking somewhat threateningly to Jen saying "I will do everything in my power to find these people". He also seems quite unintimidated by the location he's in, despite the possible threat of the thugs. This fit in line more with the stereotype of the alpha-male being the protagonist of an action film, such as James Bond.

We also decided to include some other features to the character to make him more three-dimensional and also more sympathisable to the audience. He is shown to only be doing what he is doing in order to save his beloved fiancée. Furthermore he is visibly shaken by the killing of the two thugs and stands in shock as Jen walks away. Blake is also shown to be of a middle class background, as evidenced by the juxtaposition of his formal clothing in comparison to the thugs, making him seem quite out of place.

The costumes of our protagonist and
others greatly contrasted

On the other hand Jen is very much a challenge to the way women are usually portrayed in action films. She is neither a woman who is needed to be saved, or a love interest for the protagonist. In 'Drive' the two women who women who had main roles in the film were Irene and Blanche, one was protected protected by the main character, while other deceived him into a trap.

We decided that Jen should be portrayed as a strong, independent character and this is done through different ways. Firstly her costume is a lot more suited to the setting, her leather jacket makes her look tough and fit in with the thugs. Secondly she shoots the thugs without hesitation and does not seem to be that affected by having shot them, making her seem a lot more stronger than Blake in comparison. Lastly, during the exchange between Blake and Jen, she very much dominates the conversation; she is in a position of power, as she has the information that Blake needs, but doesn't give this info away for nothing - she wants to know why she should help him in the first place, perhaps connoting that she only looks out for herself, rather than relying on and helping others.