TASK 2 - Representation of different social groups in our thriller

Ethnicity
In our thriller, the main female character, Anna, is Russian. Russians are stereotypically shown as being 'in control' of many situation, and being invloved with crime. In this sense, our representation of Anna therefore agrees with the stereotypical way in which russians are throught of to be. They are normally shown as being a powerful group of people, and having control over other people. They are therefore represented as a threat to other groups. They are normally representated negativley in thrillers, however, in our thriller, Anna is shown as being a powerful and independant, but also we show a loving and affectionate side to her, disagreeing with the stereotypical negative image. For example, this is similar to the way in which the Russian woman is represented in Salt. She is represented as a independant and powerful woman, similar to the woman in our thriller. Similarly, as in our thriller Anna is supposed to be a Russian spy, this is similar to many how russians are portrayed in the news. For example, this is simialr to many storys that we hear about in the news (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10564236) for example, there was recently an article in the news about 'Anna Chapman' (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2124371/Russian-agent-Anna-Chapman-came-close-catching-Obama-official-honey-trap-U-S-spy-catcher-claims.html) who is a Russian spy. She is portrayed as being attractive and as 'seducing' her victims, just as we wanted the woman in our thriller to be seen as doing.

Gender
We aimed to find two characters who would both be found attractive by the target audience.
For the male character, we chose Paul. Paul would be found attractive by a female audience of around 18-30, and represents the typical 'attractive male' that is often shown in films. These male characters are often shown as being the in a position of authority, however, in our thriller this is not the case. As you find out by the end of our film, Paul has been set up by the female lead, and therefore this stereotypical important male character role is subverted. He is not portrayed as being powerfull, however he is seen as 'manly' in the way that he gets all the bags into the car and closes the container. This would also attract the female audience. He is also shown as being affectionate, which will futher attract the female audience. Another film which has a an attractive male character is Oceans Eleven, where Brad Pitt is seen as being the attractive male role. However, he differes slightly from the male in our thriller as he is a dangerous, unlike the male in our thriller, who we see a softer side too.
The female character in our thriller, Anna, has also been created in order to attract a male audience aged 18-30. Anna is represented as a powerfull, threatening woman, and therefore will attract to this audience. They will also want to watch the film due to the fact that Anna is using guns in the thriller, representing a woman being in control, rather than the man. She subverts the sterotypical ideology that men are normally the ones in charge, as she kills a man in the opening sequence. This may also attract to women, as they like the idea that the woman is in change instead of the man. Another thriller where we see an attractive woman being in charge is in Salt, where Angalina Jolie is the attractive female lead who in powerful and is a threat to others.