LFTVD - Stranger Things: Representation Essay

Stranger Things Essay: Representation

How are different social groups represented in the sequence you have analysed?

What role does the use of media language, signs and signifiers have in constructing and presenting these representations as real?

Make a plan, go through the doc link and see what other students wrote for their scenes, take notes.

Your response must:

1.Answer the question.

2.Use key terms learned to date.

3.Give a range of examples from the sequence to support your ideas. THIS IS THE AREA YOU TEND TO LOSE MOST MARKS IN - CAMERA, EDITING, MES, SOUND

There are many representations of social groups explored in Stranger Things, with the main representations being, the portrayal of  teenagers, family life - with mothers and distant fathers being the main focus, as well as the government and police force. By having such a unique show that explores these representations in regards to conforming to stereotypes in some aspects but also breaking down typical stereotypes in others, ensures that a wide demographic. The way Stranger Things are able to achieve this is through the use of media language such as clothing and props throughout stranger things to emphasize the intertextuality of the 80s theme.

The main characters of this series are a group of teenage boys. Although they conform to typical stereotypes of ‘nerds’ in an American High School, this show also breaks away from the stereotype by having them be the main focus compared to typically being in the background of other series. They dress in a very typical way, bringing through the 80s setting but also highlighting their ‘nerd’ stereotype. The boys break away from typical storylines as they don’t listen to their parents or authorities and go looking for their missing friend. Although the director uses a lot of worm eye views and high angle shots when showing their parents and authorities, the children seem to dismiss their power and go against their wishes in attempt to find Will in the woods.  

Characters like the older teenagers, Nancy and Steve, are represented in a more typical and innocent way compared to the group of boys suggesting they are less involved in the main storyline. Nancy in this is seen as a hard-working female from the focused scenes. Her clothing tends to follow a pastel pallet highlighting her lack of importance to the main storyline at this stage as well as reinforcing her innocence when it comes to her romantic relationship with Steve. Nancy’s character in comparison with Steve is very forward when it comes to his approach towards Nancy, conforming to his stereotype, however as the scene develops a new side is shown that portrays him as patient and respectful. This is shown through the camera shot where both characters are on the same level representing them being on the same page. This is in contrast to other scenes where the characters as clear opposites, being put in difference corners of the screen. This conveys to the audience that the conventional high school couple isn't how it seems.

Overall, different social groups are represented through the use of different camera angles and clothing to either make that character follow their stereotype or go completely against it. This not only becomes something the audience can relate to but it also makes the series have an edge to bring a different type of demographic as well as a wider range of demographic. This ensure that the viewer comes back to watch more and show continued support for the show.