Representational Stereotypes

Representations use stereotypes in order to convey ideas about the 'types' of characters in different movies. Stereotypes are not real they are only elaborate exaggerations. The representations constructed in these movies are made through the use of costume, props, acting, directing, sound, lighting, camera angles etc.


Not Another Teen Movie :

In the film 'Not Another Teen Movie' we are introduced to a number of characters. Their actions are exaggerated and their costumes are there to symbolise stereotypes. Every time a character is introduced we hear a different song/sound playing in the background.

Jake - The Jock / Popular Guy

• He has blue eyes
• Styled hair
• Arrives in a sports car
• Nice fashionable clothes (trainers and jacket especially)
• He is introduced with rock music (very lively )

We can also refer to this type of character in films like 'She's all that' and 'The Breakfast Club.




Priscilla - The Cheerleader

• She has blue eyes
• Blonde hair
• Associated with the colour pink
• Arrives with a girl group
• She wears mini-skirts and belly tops: to show her breasts off
• She has a slim figure

Characters like Priscilla are in films like:  Mean Girls, Grease, Bring it On.



Reggie - The one who gets bullied

• Chubby/Fat - which is why he gets bullied
• No one listens to him
• Gets bullied by other students who are of higher status
• Doesn't care about what he wears

There are characters similar to Reggie in films like : Pitch Perfect, Diary of a wimpy kid, Just Friends.



Amanda - The Perfect Girl

• Nice hair
• A  nice green (white glowing teeth)
• Fit body
• When she is being introduced she has a gold glowing light behind her
• Her walk down the stairs is edited to slow motion
• The sound played in the background is very magical and mellow as she walks down the stairs

10 Things I hate about you, The girl next door and Just go with it all have a character who is conveyed as 'the perfect girl'.



Malik - The Token Black Guy

• He has an exaggerated afro hairstyle
• His actions and remarks are exaggerated
• Shiny face
• Shining white teeth

We can find characters like Malik in these films : White Chick, American Pie and Scary Movie