Representation - Kiss Of The Vampire Media Theory

Question 1

Which theories can be applied in the Kiss of the Vampire film poster?

Answer 1

1. Theory of Identity by David Gauntlett
2. Feminist Theory by Liesbet Van Zoonen

Question 2

Who made the ‘Theory of Identity’?

Answer 2

David Gauntlett

Question 3

Who made the ‘Feminist Theory’?

Answer 3

Liesbet Van Zoonen

Question 4

Explain Gauntlett’s ‘Theory of Identity’

Answer 4

The exploration of how audiences can identify with themselves and establish their role in society all through the power of media

Question 5

Why was the 1960’s a fundamental movement for society and especially for women?

Answer 5

Women successfully gained equal pay, opportunities and were less frequently subjected to sexual harassment. This new wave of femininity was now emerging in film and served as role models for women to look up to.

Question 6

How does the female vampire serve as a role model for women of the 1960’s? (Application)

Answer 6

The female vampire acts as a role model for women struggling against male oppression. She is desperate to be seen as an equal to men, whatever the narrative or environment.

Question 7

Explain Van Zoonen’s ‘Feminist Theory’

Answer 7

Femininity is a construction that has evolved and transformed massively throughout the media over several decades and now offers more positive constructions in the media.

Question 8

Evaluate the effectiveness of Van Zoonen’s theory for this text

Answer 8

By assuming the female vampire is playing the co-antagonist role, the female vampire is perhaps contributing to social change by representing women in non-traditional roles.

The framing of the passive female permits the audience to visualise the growth and evolution of not only women in the horror genre but society in general.