Representation codes and Conventions

Representation: Prejudice (Harm through perceived Domestic Violence)/Identity/Segregation
Show: Breaking Bad ( Season 5 Episode 14 )

Technical Terms: 
This episode focuses mainly on Reaction shots being a very emotional episode for viewers, but there is more meaning behind this scene. As Walter and Skyler tussle, as she attempts to force Walter out of their house, he eventually breaks free as Walter Jr comes in to protect his Mum.
This is followed by a Reaction shot as Walter, in anger shouts that they are a family and that they can't just kick him out. A Pov shot from Walter's perspective comes as it shows a Long shot panning backward to symbolize Walter understanding how disconnected and distanced he is from His family, followed by another reaction shot of Walter to show a more defeated man as he realizes how badly he has torn the family apart. He becomes almost Segregated from his family, with the distance factor, and with his son Physically blocking him from the family and forcefully making his exit with no choice (Ringing the Cops and lying).

Reflection:
Overall, this scene uses the Technical Terms and Representation choice to develop the characters and to use the Terms to show how a character is thinking at that moment in time.

Representation 2: Identity
Movie: The Machinist
Clip

Technical Terms:

The ending of this film mainly focuses on Reznik coming to terms with who he is and what he did (Mainly seen through his repetition). This is done with a close-up of his face as he repeats the words "I know who you are", with an over shoulder shot of Reznik showing Trevor (The blurred man in the mirror) being blurred in the mirror almost as if to symbolise Reznik's confusion, or to show almost that Trevor is not real but a figment of Reznik's world that he has created to run away from the horrendous act he has committed. A flashback is used to show what he has done, as he repeats the earlier sentence, continuing into home into his face, almost to persecute him while showing his Raw emotion. A closeup is shown of the Hangman note to connect the pieces, showing the viewer that he has been tormenting himself, and that he sees himself as a Killer. As he continues on the motorway, a close up of the two crossroads appears to show the viewer the symbolism (As seen earlier in the movie) of him making a choice, with Reznik choosing to stop running away.

Reflection:
These Technical techniques used are common within Psychological Thrillers, connecting all plot drivers to bring the story to an understanding to the Viewer and the Character, tieing up all loose ends.

Representation 3:  Racism/Ethnicity/Minorities
Movie:  Django Unchained
Clip


Technical Terms:
A Flashback with an almost Neo-Noir filter is used to add an almost light tone to this gritty situation, cutting between Django and The Brittle Brothers discussing the consequences his wife must face back to Django and his Wife committing the 'Act' that got them in said scenario, allowing the viewer to piece together what they did and why he is hunting the brothers down, coming around to develop a sound story that the audience can understand. Close Ups/ reaction shots are shown to show the Grit and pain that they endured as slaves. They mainly focus (Closeups) on Djangos wife as she Is forced to go through this torture, also having Django and one of the brittle brothers closer to create a more tense situation as he pleads, also to create a more believable scenario.

Reflection:
Technical elements within this scene add an almost pop tone to a dark and gritty time, in a scary and gritty situation, using reaction shots to highlight the pain they are going through to almost justify Django's upcoming actions, and to have the audience root for Django as the Hero of the movie.

Representation 4: Romance (Forced)/ Conforming/Identity
Movie: Vertigo
Clip

Technical Terms:
A Mid-shot is used throughout the start of this scene to show great discomfort on Judy's behalf as she is forced to become Madeleine, only doing it for Johnny since she has an unconditional love for him as shown when she comes out from the bathroom, with a panning shot (Upwards) almost from Johnnys Pov as he realises that she is the perfect copy of Madeleine, his true love that he thinks that he lost.

Reflection:
Overall, the techniques used show the uncomfortable relationship between them as the audience themselves feel the tension as Johnny becomes more and more obsessed with Madeleine, not caring what she wants, forcing her to become someone else (Which she is fine with since she has developed an almost unconditional love for him).

Representation 5:  Submissive
Show: Breaking Bad
Clip (Season 5 Episode 15 Finale)

 Technical Terms:
This scene mainly focuses on Close ups/Reaction shots as Walter becomes Submissive, refusing to fight against Jesse, accepting the consequence for the torture he put him through. These shots show the emotional reactions of both characters as it leaves the audience in anticipation, with the close-up of Walter showing the Audience a weary and tired man, almost emotionless as he accepts his fate. This up and close take to the scene adds more tension as the audience is refused space, being almost 'Right in the action', in front of the characters.

Reflection:

These Technical Terms allow for a more emotional and tension driven scene as every reaction is witnessed, and both characters are left very vulnerable, with us, the audience being left right in the situation as we wait to see what happens next. These techniques help add to Walters sudden submissive behavior, as he is shown through closeups to be very emotionless, accepting the consequences and at peace.



Representation 6: Wealth/Class/Hierarchy
Movie: The Dark Knight
Clip


Technical Terms:
This scene also focuses on reaction shots/close ups as they talk about the subject of money, with the reaction of the mobster being almost mortified through a closeup as he sees the money go up in flames. This reaction shows a man obsessed with money, or in it for the money at least, and differentiates to the audience the difference between the two characters in this scene, showing through this one reaction shot the difference between the Joker, the main character with more diversity to him, and the Mobster who is your classical stereotype. Over shoulder shots are used as The Joker is seen overthrowing the Hierarchy, moving from his current class to the top one available within seconds. This technique almost places us in the room with the characters, adding more tension as we see that we are merely an observer and are unable to change the fate of anything that occurs till the end. This freestyle cam take also makes the scene more unstable as it moves around with the actors, adding a more fluid and symbolic approach, also adding to The Jokers character.

Reflection:
Overall, these techniques aren't only symbolic in the long run, but they add to the tension as they place the audience in a predicament merely as a viewer, unable to escape or change the course that will be taken (Nearly showing us how the others within the room feel, following The Joker merely based on mainly Fear), They are merely a spectator.

Representation 7: Feminine/Gender/Social-Norm
Movie: The Bourne Identity

Technical Terms:
In this scene (Hotel), Marie is the enabler for the romance subplot, going against the social norm.
This is shown through closeups as, throughout the movie, Jason is shown almost socially awkward and inept at times, with her being the connector in the sub-plot, staying with him and assisting him throughout the movie till he is able to find his Identity.

Reflection:
The close-ups and long pauses added between these scenes shows to the audience that Jason is socially inept in several ways (Mainly romance), and goes against the Social-Norms to show a Feminime capable character able to take charge and do what he is unable to do.