1. REPRESENTATION CLASS DISCUSSION ANSWERS
PAST PAPER 2017 QUESTION 1 A) B)
STAR WARS

2. a) Describe representations which create and or challenge stereotypes in media content you have studied. (6)
Rey as the FEMALE hero
Rey is seen to challenge the stereotype of the hero. It is unconventional to see a woman as the strong lead. Typically, men are seen to take on the main hero role in a film. We can tell Rey is the hero because she defeats the villain at the end (Kylo Ren) and protects BB8 from the First Order.
Kylo Ren as the villain
Kylo Ren is a stereotypical villain. He portrays this stereotype by…

3. a) Describe representations which create and or challenge stereotypes in media content you have studied. (6)
Han Solo as the ‘every man’ Captain Phasma as a villain (female) first female stormtrooper, tough. Finn as ????? Masculine but sensitive

4. b) Explain in detail how language features have been used to create and or challenge stereotypes. (6)
Rey as the female hero
Challenges the stereotype because
The costume she wears is combat ready. This shows she is ready to defend herself and can look after herself. This goes against stereotypes of women in film as she is seen to be tough and ready for a fight.
Rey is also seen to use weapons such as a staff and a lightsaber. Han Solo gives her a gun. She says, “I can look after myself.” Han Solo replies, “I know that’s why I’m giving it to you.” This shows that she is capable in combat and that she is prepared to fight. She doesn’t need any help.
Rey can ‘use the force’ she is also seen to be stronger than Kylo Ren. This challenges the stereotype of women as they are not often seen to be stronger than men in film.
Other Ideas: Lead in film. Pilot of the Millennium Falcon, skilled, clever. “Stop taking my hand”. Caring and emotional- stereotype. Bilingual shows intelligence. Her costume shows her covered- respectable. The way the costume is made shows she is combat ready. they live on Jakku, this is meant to represent the poorer people in society. Rey is low class (D). Shows that heroes are good and normal people. Mixed ethnicity and backgrounds.

5. b) Explain in detail how language features have been used to create and or challenge stereotypes. (6)
Kylo Ren as a stereotypical villain
Lighting in the scene when Kylo was about to kill Han Solo. The lighting on KR is red and this symbolises anger, danger and hatred which means he is dangerous to be around. This is typical of a villain as they induce fear to everyone.
KR costume is black which represents his evil and mysterious side. He wears a black mask and a black cloak. The mask represents that there is only KR who is completely evil and what was once any good from who was Ben Solo is completely covered up and now gone.
KR uses ‘The Force’ for evil. For example, to torture them to get information. This is typical of a villain because they would normally be seen to inflict pain and suffering on others. Links previous films where DV has done similar things.
When KR is on screen a tense, sinister, loud, threatening piece of music is played. This makes him seem fearful this helps create the representation of the villain as the dark music makes him seem powerful.
Low angle shots are often used with Kylo Ren to show he is powerful. For example, in the opening scene when the First Order invades he is shown at a low angle compared to the man from the resistance. This is done to make KR look much stronger than the resistance. This is typical of a villain. (but later we see this flipped and he is shown at a lower angle to higher powers or Rey).
Other ideas: Red lightsaber, Emo teenager. Mask disguises his youth. Powerful but conflicted. Not as strong as Rey- this is unusual. Flawed- takes Rey not BB8. Kylo Ren uses sarcasm, shows he is childlike. He says “you are so right” to Han Solo. Cracked lightsabre which shows he is redefined.

6. Finn ideas rejects Stormtrooper role. Masculine but sensitive.
Strips the storm trooper costume- left behind.
Scared,
Protective over Rey- typical of male hero. Brave. Comedic.

7. Han Solo ideas wise, caring. Father figure to Rey
Represents the ‘every man’. Anyone can be him.
Costume looks just like regular clothes that anyone would wear (YOU HAVE TO SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBE THE COSTUME!)
Not too handsome
Relatable
Blue lighting in KR scene
Falls in to bright, white light when he is killed by KR

8. CAPTAIN PHASMA IDEAS Silver MASK first female storm trooper Tough
LEADERSHIP ROLE WITHIN FIRST ORDER