Representation Question Answer

Analyse how micro-features contribute to the representation being created in the 'Black Panther' scene

In this scene from Black Panther, there are a number of different microfeatures which all contribute to the idea of representation in the film overall.

The camerawork is one of these microfeatures. The scene is made up largely of long and mid-shots, which highlight and draw attention to the all-black cast alongside their African-influenced appearances. The cinematographers have avoided keeping the camera on a tripod, which helps to give the audience the feeling of somewhat being a part of this society. This contrasts with what - in terms of Alvarado - could potentially be 'otherness' otherwise presented by the appearances of the scenery and characters to a more western audience. Killmonger also being Wakandan alongside the other characters in this scene highlights the fact that we are not positioned to view him as a danger because of his ethnicity, but rather because of his views and ideas positioning him as a threat to the establishment. There is potentially a case to be made for his threatening nature also being relatable to the fact that his American upbringing may seem 'exotic' from the point of view of those born and raised in Wakanda. David Buckingham's theory of mediation also applies here, with these creative choices all being a part of the creators' re-presentation of this culture and ethnicity, albeit a fictional ethnicity with heavy real-world influence.

The sound in the scene is also a significant microfeature in terms of representation, with the background music being predominantly based in much more stereotypical and traditional African culture rather than the orchestral 'big band' sound commonplace in the scores of films like these. This again relates to Alvarado's idea of 'otherness', as does the contrast between the accents of T'Chala and Killmonger: the former having a South African accent, and the latter an American Los Angeles one due to their different upbringings. This 'otherness' somewhat works both ways, with the voices of the Wakandans being different to what Killmonger is used to, and more significantly Killmonger's accent being different to everyone else's in the room - some of whom even speak a different and local language - presenting him as an outsider in this situation.

Another microfeature worth considering is the mise-en-scene. The exterior and interior sets are very much a combination of traditional African and modern technological designs, as are the costumes. These are very much representative of what an outsider might consider to be traditionally African, or even tribal. This goes down to the fundamentals of choices of colours, patterns and particularly the details such as the large clay disk on the inner bottom lip of one of the Wakandans. Clearly, a lot of effort and research has been put into the film by the creators in order to avoid this being a blatantly uneducated and stereotypical western view of this culture. All of these details further play into Alvarado's ideas of 'otherness', as well as Buckingham's of mediation. Was this executed carelessly, it could easily have made the entire film a borderline caricature-like, stereotype-riddled re-presentation of African culture.

The editing of the scene is another significant microfeature right from the start of the scene with the opening establishing shot of the CGI building representing how 'different' (Alvarado) things are here. What follows is a cut to an interior shot, which follows the same theme: a formal environment for the elders and senior members of the Wakandan royal family, who are currently in counsel. This scenery also features a prominent combination of traditionally African design working alongside technological advancement. As the scene progresses, there are many shots focusing on characters' facial expressions as well as one to establish Killmonger as an outsider as he enters the room. As well as following those who are speaking in the scene, there are also a number of shots highlighting the reactions of the other characters in the room, which also introduce the audience to the wider range of diversity in the scene. The sense of 'otherness' here is used not to convey a sense of danger, but rather to highlight just how strong and powerful this fictional group is. This could arguably also relate to Tessa Perkins' idea of stereotypes being difficult but possible to change - this being a sign of the ability for them to change.

10? 9? Maybe? Perhaps?

In some places I've possibly been slightly vague and could provide more specific examples of what I'm talking about in the scene, rather than just talking about things which cover the scene as a whole.