Gender
Eve – Subverts the representations of stereotypical femininity as she is shown as having masculine traits such as being vocal, dominant and enjoying the MI5 work (Revolving around death and violence) A lor of her character is shown during black comedy moments or interacting with her husband Niko.
Niko – He also subverts stereotypes of masculinity as he is very caring and thoughtful man to Eve. He’s mainly the one taking care of Eve whereas stereotypically is opposite.
- Both characters are opposites of their gender stereotypes which can investigate certain theories like bell hooks, Levi Strauss and Gauntlett etc.
Villanelle – She is OPPOSITE of femininity completely. As we know she is an assassin and completely subverts stereotypes more than Eve. She is shown as uncaring, heartless and emotionless.
Konstantin- Very much a mixture of violent and caring. Only seen interacting with Villanelle and mainly reinforces stereotypes of Russia rather than male characteristics.
Bill – Very much the comedy character influencing Eve’s humor in certain scenes and is mainly used as comedic relief in serious scenes revolving around MI5, he isn’t strong and seem dominant, but his main traits are his comedy.
Frank – Stereotypical masculine man Looks a bit like Mr Baldwin if he was older. Wears suits very masculine and is very dominant in conversations shutting down Eve in anyway he can.
Caroline – Very unknown but the scenes we see her in she is supportive to Eve and comforting her whilst telling her to pursue Villanelle. She remains a mystery and isn’t stereotypically feminine, but I feel the story don’t focus on her traits but what she offers to Eve instead.
- Overall, most female characters aren’t stereotypical and are all diverse in their own way focusing on their actions rather than their gender. Most likely due to the context of the production. All female crew and metoo hashtag being very popular and moving.
Patriotism
- The main idea of the ep 1 is to build up “Good vs Evil” Making references to the cold war where Russia’s action was close to causing nuclear fallout between America and most of the world.
- The show being American although being mostly in the UK still shows this element as the idea of MI5 is mostly looked at in an international perspective but mostly American as shown to us via Tv and news.
- Characters who are Russian are shown as villains even the main antagonist being Russian called Villanelle almost showing it to our faces. Her character clearly demonizes Russia and views them negatively as she is an assassin..
Ethnicity
We see that in the first episode of Killing Eve the dominant social group is not common however its due to ethnicity as well as gender. We see the main character is from Korean origins and Her colleague Elena is black showing already vast diversity within the main hero cast. In addition, the ratio of white English to no white English shows a favorable balance to non-white English characters displaying vast representation for other cultures and ethnicity.
Masculinity
The overall representation of Masculinity in Killing Eve shows men in an inferior light e.g., Niko Eve’s husband shows a reversal of stereotypical roles as he is shown as caring and heartwarming whereas Eve is the stereotypical strong ‘masculine’ person in the relationship. Even Konstantin has moments where he seems weaker than Villanelle as she jokes around with him and makes him worried, showing at least an equal relationship between the two. The main most masculine character in the episode is Frank as he raises his voice and shows ignorance and dominance against Eve in most of their conversations as well as that he is the only male character that really does fit the Dominant social group which can be reasons to why he acts the way he is. In addition, we do have Bill who does occasionally shows some form of dominance when discussing with Eve. However, I would say their relationship is similar power dynamic to Villanelle and Konstantin where they are rather equal. Most importantly, the production crew were all women who wanted to subvert female stereotypes and create realistic representations of them. Therefore, not following the genre conventions of the genre and their male stereotypes where masculinity is at an all-time high so instead evens their dynamics or completely flips their characteristics which, also can represents realistic men in modern world.
Question
Killing Eve has many representations as in the show it attempts to break certain stereotypes and create/reinforce representations for audiences themselves to follow understand and reinforce themselves since the crime thriller genre has stuck to conventional stereotypes that were created decades ago and remained unchanged. A major factor that helped create these new representations is that the production crew were all female crew so already the show was going to go into a creative path that would not be skewered by a masculine stereotypical view. We see representations of gender in this show via the two main female characters being Eve and Villanelle. Both characters do subvert their traditional stereotypes being very dominant, comedic, and less caring and more brutal in their own ways whereas their companions in the show Niko subverts the traditional male stereotypes and takes on more of the female stereotype in the relationship. As well as Villanelle and Konstantin having more of an equal showing relationship as when together their main representation is not about their gender, yet they are both equal even though they are different genders. Their representation they focus on is patriotism. In the show the idea of ‘good and evil’ is noticeably clear at first as throughout the episode it focuses on demonising Russian as both Russian characters are shown as evil with the actions, they do even incite the main characters downfall as she loses her job. The influence of this representation is more contextual as it refers to the historical event The Cold War where Russia was very much villainised throughout via the Americans (Where they show was originally developed by the production team) with massive nuclear threats being thrown around. This is also shown in the show as both huge powers do not indirectly hurt each other physically but due to their actions major things happen to them leading to future developments. As well as that Ethnicity is represented here via showing vast representation as the ratio of English white characters to non-English white characters Favours the non-side as they represent the diversity with cultures as the show is in the UK where the UK is popularly diverse in culture, they also represent this. The show highlights many underrepresented groups and correctly represents them in a positive light. Using an immensely popular genre which the audience enjoy and using a simple plot of good and evil. Even though demonising Russia due to historical events this representation is used as a hook for most of the viewers to enjoy and understand the plot easily allowing their other representations to breathe and be displayed prominently in the episode which is the main goal of the shown which is breaking stereotypes and creating/reinforcing positive representations.
Lupin Gender
We see here unlike killing Eve the stereotypes are quite traditional and consistent as Lupin is shown as persevering, strong, and cunning and most other male characters such as the thugs Vincent, Kevin and Rudy are just traditional full of muscle and threatening which follows the conventions of thug-like characters. The main female character we see is the Pellegrini’s daughter being sexualised and made for the male gaze. In addition, the Pellegrini's are very stereotypical as the father is very much a stereotype of the dominant social group as he fits in all the characteristics and undermines all the characters around him making him the focus. The wife is very traditional as well as caring towards young Assane. Overall, just like Killing Eve the main representation that is focused on this shown overshadows gender make the representations of this show being very traditional. Also, the quality of Netflix shows during this period were not high quality and were quickly made as to keep feeding entertainment to audience during lockdown, so they continue to use Netflix
Lupin Class
We mainly see representation in the use of intertextuality and mise-en-scene in certain scenes. For example, we see the Banlieue Slums and negatively they are represented in dark grey colour palette and rubbish and graffiti all over the place insinuating that it isn't well cared for and responsibility in this area is rather lacklustre. This is further reinforced by the shark gang, mostly covered in tattoos and use violence first over words and use fear as a way to gain money. Also, their main plot use is to help plan a heist also reinforcing a lower-class stereotype with crime rate and how it is increased in the lower class. In addition, we see our characters in the Paris Louvre where there is a clear segregation between classes as the higher class are on the top floors wearing suits surround by royal blue and gold lighting whereas the lower class are the ones working in many floors below in a cold grey concrete building focusing on cleaning and being treated rather inhumanely. The Pelligrinni’s also are a fine example of class differentiation as their higher-class role is very much traditional and very controlling of others even if it even isn't morally right such as their racist behavior but get away with and live in a mansion full of traditional looking set. Overall, the representations on class in Lupin is very black and white which is easy for the audience to interpret however, it is the social norm for most of the society to view classes like this which is most likely why it was chosen as why change something that doesn't need changing and the audience won’t understand. It was most likely chosen just so the heist and thriller elements get to shine and entertain the audience but also is rather negative as a huge streaming service Netflix doesn't challenge traditional stereotypes and instead reinforces them. Alternatively, it can highlight how society’s view of Paris is rather focused on the beauty of it and Lupin shows a side which isn’t highly represented nor spoken about in the media. Using the Banlieue Slums, which international audiences may have never known about and leant that Paris isn’t as black and white as they originally thought. Also, can be an insight to France’s political views and how they are becoming more right-winged and become more rigid and harder to live and ‘immigrate’ into France which is why we see our main character Assane struggling in life and how him and his father Babakar were treated by Pelligrinni’s most likely a representation of the people supporting the right-winged views.
Ethnicity
We can see here that representation of ethnicity in this show is rather negative. We start of with Assane who is a Black character who we already see is struggling and associating himself with crime, not having a good relationship with his wife and him not seeing his son. stereotyping already is shown at the beginning. We see him interacting with a gang again the idea of this black character and crime is also a typical stereotype that media and history has built. Flashbacks reinforce more traditional stereotypes as the Pelligrinni's wife was afraid seeing Babakar approach her car most likely connoting the idea of 'stealing'. As well as that, Pelligrinni's daughter thought the Assane couldn't swim and wanted to see if he could and again later on the father accuses Babakar of stealing a book from him. All of these are prime examples of very traditional stereotypes of black people and these are reinforcing these stereotypes. however, these are used to make a clear example of good and evil. Clearly Assane who had a troubled upbringing due to negative racial experiences is the main protagonist trying to find justice for his father. Also the fact that he doesn't have a father is another stereotype that is reinforced although it isn't done in a normal way that society deems but still a stereotype that is reinforced. Even in the auction Assane is singled out and isn't exactly accepted by others who are mainly white. It seems that most of these stereotypes are used and reinforced as an easy way for the audience to appeal and like the main character Assane but disliked others who opposed him being the Pelligrinni's. Another thing is the application Gilroy with this set text is bread and butter. idea of colonialism with the Pelligrinni's enforcing this staying traditional and wanting to oppose others who threaten them. In addition, we can see that there main goal is to get back whats theres with the necklace and its whole story and the importance of its reassemble at the auction. certain cultures aren't looked positively in this case it isn't specifically just their ethnicity but immigration. With this it can link to France's political context and their extreme right-wing views and how they dont support immergration and thats also why we see such a class divide in the episode as well as w ll as assane and Babakar experience as well.
Historical/context
main element of history that is explored in Lupin is the Pelligrinni necklace that is spread around the globe and resassemble it aa a prized possession to be auctioned off. This can link in the idea of colonialism as the idea of a fallen empire and trying to maintain the power that they once had. This is a direct corralation as we can see how they are bringing back all the lost pearls 'Power'. In this case its trying to reassemble the luxury of the pearls aka reassemble their power. Also we can mainly see the different viewing opinions on ethnicity which links to more historical context as well as liking to gilroy's theory on postcolonialism. The view on immergrants/others is skwered and highly negative and we can see that characters like Assane and Babakar are treated via characters like the pelligrinni in a racist and disgusted way and how we can see the poorer areas in Paris are also shown rather grubby and the people in their are shown as 'Crimminals' there and yet again reinforces the whole opinion of post colonialism that gilroy imposes.
Age
The use of age in Lupin is significant in representing age to the audience via the producers prospective/message they want to spread. Clearly the older generation in Lupin aren't viewed very positively via the Pelligrinni's. Mainly Mr pelligrinni as he is shown as egotistical and arrogant putting himself above others especially those who are a weaker than him socially. It seems that most of the elder representation is deemed as naive as we spoken of Mr Pelligrinni's behaviour with others Mrs pelligrinni also is quite naive as she tries to be comforting to both Babakar as well as Assane but instead hurting them emotionally without offering any help to them when needed and instead stays in her safe space of being a pelligrinni. Although Babakar is also an older character he doesn't exactly fit in this description however we don' t get to see a lot of him after of course his death but you can see his impact had on his son Assane. I believe the producers wanted to show how much control that the older generation still have other youth via the Pelligrinnis and their behaviour at the auction and Babakar and how the death of Babakar affect Assane showing the influence of them on the youth. Speaking of naivety we can see that the youth here is mainly shown by young Assane as well as young Pelligrinni's daughter and we can see them are very flirty and rather naive on their actions, ignoring the world around them and focusing on themselves and enjoyment. Of course having strong influence from the older generation as the grow up being very similar to their parents. Adults is rather tricky as unlike the others where it is black and white their is bitof a mix between them as we can see the shark gang are very aggressive and not as intelligent as others as they mainly uses threats other words. Assane is an anomoly as he changes his character when needed to and then his wife seems very genuine and caring. What it seems to be is that the adults in Lupin have more variety to them as the main target audience most likely would be around their age therefore representing in amore diverse and positive light is beneficial to reach their audience where as, other ages are black and white due to not being very positive representation of their age.
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