Representation

Representation is the way someone is portrayed in the eyes of another and come across in a certain way. In todays lesson I have learnt that the representation of specific types of characters in Teen Drama films most likely come from stereotypes that already exist in the Media. 

In the film Bring It On: All or Nothing the character Britney Allen is stereotyped as the 'rich white girl' This is shown through the use of technical elements which emphasises the stereotype. Firstly she resides in a rather large house which is shown through an establishing shot in the film to demonstrate to the audience of her wealthy up bringing. The fact she is in high school and drives shows she has a lot of money as at this age students usually struggle to finance luxuries due to the money they have going towards resources for studies. She is also a popular cheerleader which is typical for this type of character as her wealthy status is to reflect in her school life. When she has to move schools the audience really see how much of a 'rich white girl' she is as the students at her new school do not own the luxuries Britney is fortunate enough to own. The wide shots used of her at her new school show her as this fish-out-of-water as the colourful/designer clothing she opts to wear make her stand out. 

The character of Claire Brown is stereotyped as the nerd/loner. This is as she only has one friend who has similar characteristics to her which doesn't make the situation better. She doesn't not attract attention to herself as she chooses to wear clothing that looks as though she is a 10 year old. In the film she is desperate for her friend not to leave the country which shows how she is not a confident person. 

In the film A Cinderella Story the character Shelby is stereotyped as the mean girl/slut. The clothes she wears present her as a revealing character who is confident in what she wants. Also the close up camera shots of her facial expression give the audience an insight of how scheming she actually is. She is the leader of her posy which gives off the impression she is a commanding character. Furthermore she so desperately wants to hold on to the boy everyone wants which emphasises her commanding character. It also shows that she is only doing what she's doing to make sure she has what everyone wants. 

When watching a film like to see the stereotypical awkward funny guy. This is because it not only does it add more humour but if there is a more serious theme involved it takes away the negativity of the film and replaces it with joy.