Representation

Key themes of stereotyping and gender are shown through Emmet and Wyldstyle

- Emmet is the main male protagonist and both the film and video game revolve around his transition from a normal, everyday guy to the hero that saves the world
"The story of a nobody, who saved everybody" TAGLINE

How does this portray the male gender?

It supports the stereotype of men being the dominant gender, as the products focus on a man as the male character and he becomes the hero.

There are however themes that subvert (challenge) the stereotypical representation of men in the media.

-Look at the main poster. Emmet is in the center, but his facial expression shows him running away, terrified.

-In the TV trailer Emmet says “I want to go home!”

How does this help to challenge the stereotypical representation of gender?

It challenges the dominant stereotype that men are powerful and strong. Although Emmet is centered in the main poster, his facial expression is scared and he is running away from danger rather than facing it head on.

Look at Wyldstyle in the character poster and in the main poster.    

What are the elements that support stereotypical representations of females?

What are the elements that subvert (challenge) stereotypical representations of females?

Does not adhere to beauty ideals. For example, she wears dark clothing, has unnatural hair colors, and has freckles, but she is still depicted as beautiful. This is important because women who challenge beauty ideals are oftentimes depicted as undesirable in the media.

How does WyldStyle bring in a wider audiences?

Wyldstyle links to a post-feminist context of the entire franchise. She is represented as a strong, independent character who is equal to men and at times superior. This is supported in the main poster and character poster because…

Final point about Vitruvius…

- Vitruvius is named after a Roman philosopher named Vitruvius, who best known for writing a 10-volume series of books about architecture—which is rather appropriate for a movie about LEGO!
- His character is a noble wizard, with dark skin and a much older man
- He is represented as wise and a skilled fighter. This is important because oftentimes in the media people with disabilities are depicted as powerless, evil, less attractive or as overcoming a disability.

How does Vitruvius challenge the media stereotype of ethnic minorities?
Stereotypical representations of black people are criminals. Virtruvius challenges this stereotype as he acts as the donor according to Todorvos theory, in which he helps the hero save the day.

How does Vitruvius challenge the media stereotype of old people?

He further challenges the media stereotype of old people as he's blind, but has a magic power to help his disability- which makes him more able and removes him from the classic interpretations of old people.