39 steps

In our media lesson we watched a film called The 39 steps. This film showed a very good representation of gender, and class and status.
John Hannay who is the main male character, is portrayed as a typical alphamale; dressed smartly in a dark blue suit, he looks clean cut, he is well spoken (speaks standard english/posh/recieved pronunciation). As the film begins, he is shot running around a field whilst being shot at vigurously by planes and swarms of police men. This gives him a strong sense of masculinity and capability. Also when coming across some people in his car, he uses his initiative very quickly and efectively which shows his intelligence. (when he acts as the Liberal Spokesman).

In contradiction to this portrayal, this scene is set in some hills which are very big and makes him look almost out of place especially due to his dress code. It also makes him look almost vulnerable and victimised and like he's in danger.

Victoria Sinclair is the main woman character of the film. She is a feminist and a suffragette and believes in womens rights. She is strong minded and stubborn which is shown when persisting to go on the chase with John Hannay. She looks the part of a high class woman, wearing petticoats and is portrayed as one of a minority of women in the room of speakers, which perhaps shows her authority. She shows her femininity regularly but also has masculine traits which are showed for example when she climbs the wall and asks questions.

The male gaze The male gaze is used on Victoria Sinclair on the scene where she is about to climb over the wall. She lifts her petticoats up and the camera zooms in on her leg and then on John Hannays face to show his expression at this exploitation.

The music for this creates suspense and is non diegetic - is put over the top of the film so its not a real life sound.