Representation Theories Task

Representation of Star Wars The Force Awakens

Theory 1: Perkins

One reason why the Star Wars the Force Awakens Trailer follows Perkins theory is because Perkins theory suggests that stereotypes can be positive and sometimes true. This is apparent in the trailer when the majority of the characters are of white ethnic backgrounds and are seen to be more intelligent. The use of white ethnic people supports Perkins theory as a majority of white people are portrayed as intelligent which clearly supports Perkins theory as this stereotype can be true. The use of white people being seen a majority in the trailer suggests that white people are intelligent as they are the centre of attraction throughout this trailer. Moreover, white people (seen in the trailer) are portrayed positively as the stereotype of white people can be seen as true.

Another reason why the Star Wars Trailer follows Perkins theory is because the portrayal of black people has changed over time. This is apparent in the trailer where the black character is seen to be the protagonist (or one of the main characters) within the film. This portrayal of people from black ethnic background has changed as previously, black people where portrayed as ‘weaker’ than compared to people from white ethnic backgrounds. The use of John Boyega (play’s Finn) in the trailer really supports Perkins point of ‘change’ as his portrayal in the film is more significant than compared to the portrayal of black people previously.

Finally, another reason why the Star Wars Trailer follows Perkins theory is because of the portrayal of female characters has changed over time. This is apparent in the trailer where the majority of screen time was of the female character. This portrayal makes the audience suggests that she is the protagonist and is one of the leaders within the film. This supports Perkins theory because women aren’t always portrayed as the protagonist and are mostly portrayed as damsel in distress than compared to be the hero. The use of the female character being portrayed as a ‘hero’ in the trailer this shows how the portrayal of women has changed over time and has become more acceptable by viewers. 

Theory 2: Levi-Strauss

One reason why the Star Wars Trailer follows Levi-Strauss theory because his theory suggests that some stereotypes can create a dominant or an alternative representation. This is apparent in the trailer when males are presented as superior as they have weapons and are part of an army. This is a dominant representation of men as men are presented as masculine and protective and also patriotic. Moreover, the male characters carry weaponry as well as artillery which support the presentation of men in the army. The use of men handling guns supports Levi-Strauss theory as it is a dominant representation of men as they are seen as both patriotic (of their country/race) and protective/superior.

Another reason why the Star Wars Trailer follows Levi-Strauss theory is because there is an alternative representation in this trailer. This is apparent in the trailer where the female character is portrayed as the protagonist in the trailer. This is an alternative representation of females as females are seen to be weaker than men and often are portrayed as damsel in distress, however in this clip the female character is portrayed as the saviour. The use of the female character being seen more than once in this trailer shows her significance in the actual film and often females aren’t as significant in film before. Moreover, the female character has taken the role of a male character as the majority of the actions that the female character is doing in this trailer is what the ‘viewers’ expect a man to be doing such as wielding a weapon.

Finally, another reason why the Star Wars Trailer follows Levi-Strauss theory is because there is an alternative representation of black people. This is apparent in the trailer as there is a black person who is portrayed as a second protagonist as he has equal amount of screen time (in the trailer) as the female character. This is an alternative representation because black people are often not seen as the protagonist but as the enemy of ‘the weaker character’ however, in this trailer the character is portrayed as more of significance than compared to other character seen in the trailer. 

Theory 3: Mulvey

One reason why the Star Was Trailer follows Mulvey’s theory is because the portrayl of the female character is for men to look at and for the female to be looked at. This is apparent in the trailer where the female character is sitting down and looking in to the distance. This shot really supports the ideology of Mulvey as the female character is looking in to the distance; the male viewers are looking at the female character as being attractive. The use of the female character being placed in the centre of the shot signifies that she is there to look attractive and to look appealing to the viewers. Moreover, the female character is seen to be doing not much which gives the male viewers the chance to view the female character and look at her.