A short analysis of the representation of gender in 'Land of the Free'

In our film opening of ‘Land of the Free' there are many ways in which gender is represented. To begin with the camera work and shots are a main factor in how gender is portrayed. Throughout the opening the we can identify that the girl is the main focus, having the camera track her however with a stedicam so it is more of a ‘tracking dolly shot’. By doing this we can clearly identify that the girl is the centre of attention and the main focus within the opening, which contrasts well with the other male characters. Now with the camera shots, there is a group shot of the girl between two ‘henchmen’. By doing this, we can clearly establish that the men at this point have authority over her, giving men the power and status visa versa to the girl.

Mise-en-scene is another factor that plays into representing gender. In our opening, the girl is seen to be wearing shabby and dirty clothes. This is not what you would usually sterotype a girl to be wearing, nearly the opposite. By having her wear these clothes it makes her seem cheap, portraying her lower status again in contrast to the other male characters, which correlates to her gender.

Adding onto this editing also plays a role. Throughout our opening we use quick camerawork regularly, helping to add to the build up of tension and danger that the girl is in. Through this we can identify what kind of situation the girl is in, creating a sympathetic reaction from us the audience as we can see at times she is weak and there is nothing she can do.

Finally sound. Sound is also a key factor in representing gender in our opening. The gunshot sounds that are played a couple of times  adds to the tenseness and dangerousness of the atmosphere that the girl has put herself in. This creates excitement for us the audience however we feel the girls fear. Throughout our opening we identify how the girl doesn’t speak. Doing this, it reflects her lack of voice, and suggests  her feebleness and also reflects her victim role of the opening. In contrast with the men, who are loud and aggressive, it shows their superiority and authority over the girl, putting her in a lower status.