A countertype however is a representation that challenges traditional stereotypical associations of groups, people or classes.
An example of a stereotypical French man:
A countertype representation of a French man:
When you are analysing representations it is important to consider these factors: - Who?
When?
Why?
Where?
I am now going to analyse the representations in the trailer of the film 'Top boy'
What/Who is being represented? - One thing that is being represented clearly in this film trailer is violence. This is clear as there are scenes which involve drugs, police cars and knives.
People who are being represented in this film are young adults and teenagers.
How is it being represented? - Violence is represented in this film by the use of weapons, drugs and fighting. As these things are being represented by young adults and teenagers we can tell that they are potentially troubled or are involved with a gang.
How is the representation made to seem 'true', 'common sense' or 'natural'? - These representations look real and true by making the characters look like real troubled teenagers. This is done by the wearing messy school uniform and clearly getting in with the wrong crowd of people. The representations also look real because because the film is set in a rough part of London which we know because of the skyline.
The theory of semiotics - In this film trailer there are signs drug use, this could mean that they are potentially drug dealers which would mean they are dangerous people. From this trailer we have an idea of who the main character is as there is one voice which is playing over the different scenes.
