British Film and Genre - Gender Rep Essay Plan

Section B - British Film and Genre


Sample Question Essay Plan

"How is gender represented in the horror or comedy films you have studied for this topic?"







INTRODUCTION

• Refer to the question and discuss gender representation in horror generally.
• Discuss differences between British and American horror.
• Mention the key texts - including director and year.
• Dominant ideology with specific regard to gender representation.

SHAUN OF THE DEAD

• Speak about the general representation of gender in SOTD.  Refer to dominant ideology and horror conventions.
• Typical of horror because dominant ideology conformed to as men are the dominant characters BUT women are shown to be stronger frequently so there is some argument on this.
• Shaun and Ed seen as quite weak and 'wimpy'.  Eg behaviour around Pete, throwing the rubbish weapons.
• Shaun and Ed are seen as 'losers' only interested in the pub or drugs, playing games.
• Women frequently seen in active roles NOT passive as in classic horror films (Liz with weapon).
• Women seen as more mature and responsible (but not as humorous maybe?) - Barbara treating Shaun as a child, Liz being the one who wants Shaun to give up smoking, stop drinking, go to gym etc.
• Yvonne (Shaun's friend) does everything the right way and brings in the military.
• Shaun sometimes seen as a hero (the bag of nuts catching scene).
• Overall - Men seen as weak, foolish, silly and women strong and responsible BUT still men are needed to 'save the day' at the end.  Shaun becomes more responsible and mature and saves Liz (though not anybody else it must be said!).

THE DESCENT

• Goes against dominant ideology and general horror conventions (particularly American examples).  Lack of male characters.  All characters are strong females.
• Strongest characters are however the more 'masculine' ones.
• Women seen as non-stereotypical characters.  They are more rounded and have interests other than just men or shopping.  Not 'bitchy' stereotypes.
• They fight back.  Not waiting for somebody else to help them or save them.  They are resourceful.
• Ultimately however they all die.  Does this affect their representation?

THE WICKER MAN

• Sergeant Howie begins the film as a conventional dominant male character.  He is in full uniform, flies a plane and has a very commanding presence.  He orders people around (on the megaphone - Dinghy!).
• This is steadily undermined throughout the film leading to his complete emasculation at the end when he is imprisoned and burned alive inside the wicker man.
• Howie has many encounters with women who often get the better of him in some way - the teacher, Willow the barmaid and her seductive dance, the little girl.  At the end of the film the women in white are instrumental in his capture and sacrifice.
• The little girl is used to trick him - it could be argued that it is his very masculinity and urge to protect and defend females that lead to his downfall.
• Lord Summerisle is portrayed as a very strong and authoritative character.  He leads the island's people and commands them.  He is seen wearing women's clothes and a wig at the end of the film however.  The female gender is seen as stronger than male by this point arguably.

CONCLUSION

• Refer to the question.  Gender rep is different in all texts.
• Personal response/engagement.
• Speak about the genre and also refer to British and American film.
• Sum up.