Representation Research

 Media representation, such as of movies or television shows, is based on a social understanding that exists beforehand, and this understanding most of the time leads to stereotypes. A stereotype denotes an overly simplified, rigid, and generally unjust idea about the characteristics of a certain group, e.g., teachers are strict or villains are angry. The task that is assigned to us is to assess whether a film supports this simplistic view or negative representation or challenges it by revealing a complicated, realistic character or a positive representation. For instance, a thriller could either present the police as utterly incompetent which is a stereotype or as exceptionally skilled people facing enormous challenges. The character’s attire, mode of communication, and part in the plot all play a role in the final message that is conveyed about that group.

Then again, the representation of places by the media has a significant impact on the meaning of the settings. Like a big city is a common representation as a place full of opportunities, excitement, and risks, whereas a Small Town is usually portrayed as either safe and welcoming or, on the contrary, as isolated and harboring secretly evil beings. The audience is to a certain extent led by these representations. A dark forest is a place of the unknown and danger, thus the media's setting is automatically creating suspense in the case of your thriller film. Besides, a messy apartment reflects the idea that the character is either disorganized or struggling.

Media at last displays thoughts, which are mostly the case with such abstract concepts like "good versus evil," "justice," or "success." The depicted way of the media gives an idea of the message. As an example, the meaning of "Justice" in a crime thriller might be visualized by a clear, lit courtroom indicating transparency and truth, whereas the concept of "Corruption" could be shown by gloomy, obscure offices or individuals dressed in lavish, chic attire implying hidden motives and control. To represent is to analyze all these factors and, thus, see the message of the society, culture, and power the creators want to convey.