Representation and Power Analysis

                           

                                      Investigation of Representation and Control 

Representation is an important concept in media because it shapes how audiences understand characters, relationships, and social issues. In my psychological thriller opening, I will explore the representation of power and control within a parent-child relationship.

Rather than portraying the parent as an exaggerated villain, I want the character to appear realistic and believable. Psychological thrillers often present complex characters whose behaviour reflects deeper emotional or psychological issues. This approach makes the narrative feel more authentic and relatable.

Media language will be important in constructing these representations. For example, the parent will often be framed in dominant positions within the shot, while the protagonist will appear visually smaller or confined within the frame. This creates a clear visual hierarchy that reflects the imbalance of power between the characters.

Lighting and body language will also reinforce this dynamic. The parent’s presence may feel imposing through posture and tone, while the protagonist may appear tense or withdrawn. By representing emotional abuse through subtle visual cues rather than explicit violence, the film opening will focus on psychological tension, which is a key convention of the genre.

Through these representation choices, my film opening aims to explore how control and manipulation can exist within ordinary domestic environments, reinforcing the psychological themes of the narrative.