How are the key elements of film used to construct representations in this scene AND how do they contribute to help construct the films messages regarding representations of gender?

How are the key elements of film used to construct representations in this scene AND how do they contribute to help construct the films messages regarding representations of gender? 20marks

Knowledge and understanding of key elements - 7/10
Application to analysis - 7/10

Introduction
In Pan's Labyrinth, gender is represented in a very distinct way for both male and female characters which are representative of not only the context but also the directors attitudes towards the setting. The wider representations of gender in the film, that are exposed through  the micro elements that are used,  will be discussed. The micro elements I will cover are sound, editing, mise en scene and cinematography.  


Genders are represented to be unequal by non diegetic sound of a faintly playing chromatic violin scale in the scene where the Captain ties up Mercedes. The subtle change of notes in the scale builds uneasiness and unevenness in the audience's minds, which could be representative of the imbalance of power between both genders. Furthermore the director hints that the patriarchy within the society was a flaw at the time; as the female characters are depicted to be unjustly and pointlessly oppressed. The character of Vidal  being  depicted as free and powerful and the character of Mercedes, as restricted by the rope and defenceless.


The male gender is presented as ruthless through editing in the same scene again in pan’s labyrinth. The scene shows quick cutaways in the editing seeming sudden and startling to the audience. These will act as constant reminders of the brutal lengths that Vidal will go to, to achieve his intentions; displaying a lack of human compassion, helping the director establish a solid representation of ruthlessness in the male gender.

The male gender is also represented as cold and distant in the same scene through mise en scene. For the colour, a dull wash of navy blue is used, this cold colour has dismal connotations and portrays Vidal, who appears to hold power in the scene, as cut off; emotionless and unpredictable. This may have a frightening effect on the audience and enforce a subtle message of emotional distance in their minds through this cheerless colour. The director may be using the character of Vidal’s coldness to represent how the men in society excluded women from important business, Vidal accounting for the men in the film, portraying their coldness.

Strength is presented in the female gender through cinematography, again in the scene where Vidal binds Mercedes’ wrists. A low angle shot is used when Mercedes slits Vidal’s mouth, making the the audience feel inferior to Mercedes they see from the camera's perspective which is physically lower than Mercedes. This combined with a high angle shot of Vidal, who is made to look completely powerless helps the director to create an element of unexpected authority in the female gender that is oppositional to how they are portrayed elsewhere in the film. Mercedes’ sudden declaration of confidence and authority, combined with the audience’s weak viewing position further builds strength in the representation of the female gender.

Conclusion

The films distinct representations of gender roles in society, particularly with the concept that women had to hide their knowledge and cunning skill, create profound meaning in the inequality between Men and Women and may shame the audience.

 






link more context from throughout the film
why the gender imbalances were so present in the first place









The Banquet
The captain does not need social skills because he is so powerful that he can get away with being aggressive  and cold. 
In the Banquet scene, the audience are shown how the captain's guests are like his audience. They are in a position where they are forced to abide by him and demonstrate enthusiasm towards everything the captain says. The captain is monosyllabic,and emotionless with a sharp and aggressive tone.

-Mise en scene: Vidal at the head of the table reinforces his control
-Cinematography: Vidal at the centre of the Frame to demonstrate his effortless manipulation of all the attention and power on himself


The Rebels
No clear leader 
-They appear to be working collaboratively
-They show more emotion, oppositional to the captain


FASCISM- BRUTAL-OPPRESSIVE-DICTATES TO PEOPLE

COMMUNISM-IDEALISTIC- EVERYONE IS EQUAL