Representation Dominant and Alternative: Analysis Blog task

Find a YouTube clip from film or TV and complete the same activity we have just done in class:

1) List the different people/groups represented in the trailer (men/women/Americans etc.)

• English men/ aristocrats
• Chavs
• Youths
• Americans
• Celebrities
• Black American
• White supremacists

2) For each group, decide whether the representation is a dominant or alternative portrayal.

• English men/ aristocrats

The stereotype of the aristocrat in this film is reinforced and subverted.  Therefore, there are both dominant and alternative portrayals of this group in the film. An example of dominant representation in the film is when all the ‘kingsmen’ are gathered around the table and everyone has suggested specific candidates that are typical to their set of people. E.g. white and from a privileged background and attending a specific set of schools. However, this coincides with the alternative representation as one of the ‘kingsmen’ has suggested a less typical candidate which goes against the organisations usual ideals. This is because this specific ‘kingsman’ believes in giving everyone a chance and that anyone can be a part of them. Making this representation alternative

• Chavs

The representation of chavs is dominant in this film. This is because the stereotype of them being loud, ignorant and violent is reinforced a couple times during the film. Especially, in the bar scene where the contrast between the chav and the upper class can be seen clearly by audience.

• Youths

The representation of youths in the film is quite alternative. This is seen at the training camp where there is an array of talented and successful youths looking to join the organisations. This subverts the stereotype that youths are lazy and useless.

• Americans

Americans are represented as close minded and narrow in the film, which may seem like a dominant representation. But it also may be trying to subvert the stereotype as the only person that is a visionary in the film is an American. This may suggest the idea that Americans are more further ahead than others maybe.

• Celebrities

The stereotype of celebrities is that they only care about themselves and the people like them and don’t appreciate their audience. In the film this dominant representation is enforced as all the celebrities take the opportunity to be saved without thinking of their fans and the people that support them etc.

3) What stereotypes can you identify in the trailer?

There are several stereotypes such as the portrayal of the people that live on the estate with the protagonist. This is effectively presented in the trailer in the bar scene. Where the main 'kingsman' confronts the group about their manners and their attitude towards the protagonist. Their reaction is what the audience would expect from a group of people such as them - violent and loud. Another stereotype that is visible in the trailer is the representation of upper class people. This is seen in the training period when the protagonist is amongst an elite group of candidates from very privileged backgrounds. Their behavior towards the protagonist is seen as stuck-up as they all put him down due to his less privileged background, This fulfills the stereotypical view of upper class people being conceited and looking down on others less fortunate than them.