Gender Representations in Primeval

Lucy Sherratt

CinematographyIn this scene the male character is being shown as the leader and the character with the most power. This has been represented in the shot types, his character is always in a medium or close up shot while the other characters stay in only a medium shot. In this scene he has the most screen time with his character being the centre of the scene. This is also represented in the camera movement as the camera pans in an arc around the other 4 characters as if from his view. The camera also regularly shows his reactions while showing no other characters. This is a stereotypical representation of the male character being the leader and having the most control. At this point in time the audience is recognizing his role as the leader and his importance in the situation at hand.

Cinematography In this scene the female character is being represented in as vulnerable. This has been constructed through the high angle shot that shows her being down in a weak position. Adding to the cinematography mise-en-scene backs up the vulnerable representation with her facial expression and costume. The costume is positioned so that she is exposed and therefore vulnerable and her facial expression shows fear.This is a stereotypical representation of women being weak and vulnerable in dangerous situations. At this point the audience is supposed to feel fear for the females safety.

Sound1.41-1.44In this scene the male character shouts “Come on!” twice at the threat. This is representing him as being very strong and fearless. This is being shown as he repeats his shout twice, reinforcing that he is fearless and is willing to take on the danger. This is a stereotype of the male gender as it is reinforcing that his male character is a strong and fearless person. In this moment the audience is supposed to feel nervous but excited for the character as he is bringing danger upon him self but his confidence brings confidence to the audience therefore bringing an element of excitement.

Sound3.50-4.05

In this scene the female character is being represented in a strong and powerful position. She has a lot of confidence and control over the male character with words but looses all once there becomes a physical danger. This is shown through her dialogue. This does not follow the stereotype of females being weak and easily manipulated as she tries to manipulate the male into agreeing to a deal with her; showing how strong and confident she is in the situation. In this scene the audience are supposed to want the character to succeed in her confrontation with the male due to her confidence.

EditingIn the scene between the points 1.18-1.33 there are lots of jump cuts. These all happen in sequence with the digger and female character, Abby. This makes the scene very fast paced and tense. It intensifies the action from the female character, representing her as being strong. This breaks the stereotype of the female character being weak as is shows her using the strength that she has in an intense period. This editing brings a lot of excitement to the audience.

EditingThe editing at 4.28 – 4.35 is very intense and represents the male character as being very violent. The editing of jumping between the dangers and to the female in the vulnerable position portrays the male as being very aggressive. The sound is loud and sounds like a fast heartbeat, that could represent the fear and danger in the situation. This is a portrayal of the stereotype of the male as it inforces the idea of him being powerful and aggressive, especially over the women.

Mise-en-sceneIn this scene the character is being represented as being very strong and independent. This is done using her costume and the location that she is in. The costume is non-stereotypical of her gender as it is not traditionally feminine, this goes along with her short hair. This representation breaks the stereotype of how females are represented. In this scene she is shown working inside a digger, this represents her as being strong and independent as it is a job that is typically associated with males. From this, this character is deviating from the stereotypes.

Mise-en-sceneIn this scene the female character is being represented as a stereotypical women. Her costume and make up are very stereotypical of the female characters. Her red lipstick especially highlights the feminine representation. Her costume is very smart and is feminine and dainty. However in this part of the scene her dialogue is very confident and strong which contrasts her physical representation, until she is put in physical danger where she matches her physical appearance.