Film language and representation
How film language is used in relation to certain onscreen characters can also have an impact on representation.
Mise-en-scene
James Bond is generally portrayed as a handsome, well-spoken Englishman and is usually seen in expensive suits and formal wear.
A character who behaved the same way but had an unpolished look and spoke with a heavy foreign accent might not be seen in the same way.
Camera
Camera angles and framing can add to how a character is represented.
A character the director wants us to view as important will be given a prominent position in the frame and may be filmed from a low angle so as to stress their dominance.
Likewise, characters who are being given less prominence might be pushed into the background of a shot or relegated to the edges of the frame.
Sound
Music and the use of sound also have an impact on representation.
A character’s appearances on screen might be linked to a positive and heroic musical theme.
A speech might be given extra prominence on the soundtrack, at a higher volume than everything else.
