WOMAN REPRESENTATION IN TANGLED FILM.

(1)

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie, 2013

WOMAN REPRESENTATION IN TANGLED FILM

A Research Paper

Submitted to the English Education Department of the Faculty of Language and Arts Education of the Indonesia University of Education as Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for Sarjana Sastra Degree

By:

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie (0802645)

English Education Department

Faculty of Language and Arts Education

(2)

WOMAN REPRESENTATION IN TANGLED

FILM

Oleh

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie

Sebuah skripsi yang diajukan untuk memenuhi salah satu syarat memperoleh gelar Sarjana pada Fakultas Pendidikan Bahasa dan Seni

Oktober 2013

Hak Cipta dilindungi undang-undang.

(3)

PAGE OF APPROVAL

WOMAN REPRESENTATION IN TANGLED FILM

By

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie 0802645

Approved by:

Head of Department of English Education

Faculty of Languages and Arts Education

Indonesia University of Education

Prof. Dr. Didi Suherdi, M. Ed. NIP. 1962110119871210001 First Supervisor

Dr. Rd. Safrina Noorman, M. A. NIP. 196207291987032003

Second Supervisor

(4)

v ABSTRACT

The present study entitled Woman Representation in Tangled Film aims at finding out and making meaning of the representation of woman in Tangled film. Utilizing a qualitative research, particularly descriptive method, the present study adopt Kellie Heintz and Mark Stracey’s (2006) film studies theory and women representation theory by Brittany N Maggiore (2003). There are a lot of studies about women representation but only few which discusses women representation using film studies. Therefore, this study highlights women representation from different perspective because this study uses a film as the subject of the research to see woman representation by using the language of film, such as camera shot, camera angle and mise en scene. From the analysis, there are three aspects which shows woman representation in Tangled film, namely Rapunzel’s physical appearance, personal traits, and her relation to other characters. Through the language of film, the woman representation in Tangled film is constructed in more detail because the element used by the filmmaker made the figure more highlighted. Meanwhile, the woman representation theory also strengthens the depiction of woman representation in Tangled film. This film offers a new portrayal of woman representation which showed a beautiful woman who has ability in language.

(5)

vi

ABSTRAK

Penelitian yang berjudul Woman Representation in Tangled Film bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan memaknai penggambaran wanita dalam film Tangled. Menggunakan penelitian kualitatif khususnya metode deskriptif, penelitian ini mengadopsi teori film milik Kellie Heintz dan Mark Stracey (2006) dan teori penggambaran wanita milik Brittany N Maggiore (2003). Terdapat beberapa penelitian mengenai penggambaran wanita tetapi hanya sebagian kecil yang membahas hal menggunakan teori film. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini memunculkan penggambaran wanita dari sudut pandang yang berbeda. Penelitian ini menggunakan film sebagai subjek utama untuk melihat penggambaran wanita menggunakan elemen – elemen film, seperti camera shot, camera angle dan mise en scene. Berdasarkan analisis, terdapat tiga spek yang menunjukan penggambaran wanita dalam film Tangled, diantaranya penampilan fisik Rapunzel, kepribadian Rapunzel dan hunungan Rapunzel terhadap karakter lain. Melalui elemen-elemen tersebut penggambaran wanita dalam film ini dibentuk secara rinci berdasarkan elemen yang digunakan oleh pembuat film sehingga lebih menonjolkan karakter tersebut. Sementara itu, teori penggambaran wanita mempertegas pengambaran Rapunzel dalam film ini. Film ini menawarkan penggambaran baru mengenai sosok wanita yang dimunculkan sebagai wanita cantik yang memiliki kemampuan dalam berbahasa.

(6)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.5 Significance of the Study ... 6

1.6 Research Methodology ... 6

1.6.1 Data Collection ... 6

1.6.2 Data Analysis ... 7

1.7 Clarification of the Terms ... 7

1.8 Organization of Paper ... 8

CHAPTER II THEORETICAL FOUNDATION ... 10

2.1 Animated Film ... 10

2.3.4 The Camera 2: Composition and Movement ... 18

2.3.5 Editing and Transitions ... 20

2.3.6 Mise en Scene ... 21

2.3.7 The Soundtrack ... 22

(7)

vii

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ... 26

3.1 Research Questions ... 26

3.2 Research Subject and Context ... 26

3.3 Research Procedure ... 27

3.4 Data Collection ... 27

3.5 Data Analysis ... 27

3.6 Data Presentation ... 28

CHAPTER IV FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ... 31

4.1 The Ways of Representing of Woman in Tangled film ... 31

4.1.1 Physical Appearances ... 31

4.1.2 Personal Traits ... 37

4.1.3 Rapunzel in the Relation to Other Characters ... 45

4.2 The Meaning of the Representation ... 50

4.3 Discussion ... 52

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION ... 55

5.1 Conclusion ... 55

5.2 Suggestions ... 56

REFERENCES ... 57

(8)

1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents general description of the study. It encompasses the

background of the study, the research questions, the aims of the study, the scope

of the study, significance of the study, methodology, clarification of terms, and

organization of the study.

1.1Background of the Study

Klarer (1998) theorizes that classical literary forms are classified into

three; namely, epic (prose), drama, and poetry. In term of definition, classical

literary form itself is a term of literature that surpasses time and culture to have a

universal appeal. However, the most recent contemporary literary theory says that

film is included in the form of contemporary literature (Gunning, 2012). Similar

to prose, film also has an element of mimesis namely representation of reality

(Heintz & Stracey, 2006). Films are often made to show and convey something in

the real reality by using other ways, such as stories and character in the film.

Films have their own features. Heintz and Stracey (2006) formulate six

elements of the language of film namely, 1) the story, 2) the genre, 3) the camera

shots, 4) composition and movement, 5) editing and transition, 6) mise en scene,

and 7) the soundtrack. The first element, which is the story, happens when a

character confronts a problem and tries deal with that problem. The second

(9)

2

The third element, the camera shot, is the most important piece of

equipment in which filmmakers have at their disposal because it can affect the

way of the viewers in viewing an object. The fourth element is composition and

movement; both of them have a role in constructing the story since each elements

is interrelated. The fifth element, editing and transition are the process of editing

several materials of the film to fit into particular scenes and also the gradual

change in the film images between shots. The sixth element is mise en scene that

refers to all visual elements of a scene. The last element is the soundtrack or the

music for a film. Clearly, those elements above play important roles in the process

of filmmaking.

Bordwell and Thompson (2010) categorize film into three types namely,

documentary, experimental, and animated film. Documentary film typically

presents factual information about its subject such as, nature and compilation film.

The next type is the experimental film, which can be identified from its efforts at

self-expression or experimentation outside mainstream cinema. The last type is

animated film. It has a distinct characteristic in the way is made; using drawing,

models, or other subjects photograph, frame by frame to create illusory movement

which never exists in front of the camera. In other words, animated film is a

collection of images which is processed into moving images using computer

techniques thus those images are living-like.

There are several latest research that have analyzed about film entitled

(10)

3

(2002), Sabrina Fischer (2010) in Powerful or Pretty: A Content Analysis of

Gender Images in Chlidren’s Animated Films, and Bethany Schounten (2011) in

Behind the Fair Facade: Representation of Femininity in Three Walt Disney

Animated Features. Those studies use film as the subject for the research. Thus,

the issues in several films can be analyzed by using variety theories. There are a

lot of studies about women representation but only a few which discusses women

representation using film studies theory. The issues about women representation

are always interesting to be discussed especially the character of woman in films.

Therefore, this study highlights women representation from different perspective

because this study uses a film as the subject of the research to see woman

representation by using the language of film, such as camera shot, camera angle

and mise en scene.

This study uses Tangled film as the subject of the research. The main

woman character in Tangled film is not the same as other woman in Walt Disney

animated film. Although this film based on a fairy tales but Tangled film presents

the main woman character a bit different from the typical woman character in

Walt Disney, such as Cinderella, Snow White, Princess Jasmine and others. So

that I want to study this Tangled film. Tangled is an animated film directed by

Nathan Greno and Byron Howard from Walt Disney Studio. Tangled (2010),

which is produced by Walt Disney Studio is one of Brother Grimm’s fairy tales

that has been transformed into Disney version. It tells about a young girl named

Rapunzel. She was a daughter of the king. When she was a baby, she was

(11)

4

pregnant, she had very serious illness and the queen can only be cured by a

magical flower. The existence of the magical flower was previously known by an

old woman, Mother Gothel. She used the magical flower to stay alive and young.

On the other side, the existences of the magical flower known by kingdom

warriors and brought it to the kingdom. The Queen was recovered and gave birth

to a beautiful blonde Princess named, Rapunzel. One day, Mother Gothel broke

into the kingdom and found that the efficacy of the magical flower was on

Rapunzel’s hair. Therefore, she kidnapped Rapunzel and hid her in a tall tower for

years. Until one day she realized that Mother Gothel is not her biological mother.

She only used the efficacy of Rapunzel’s hair to keep her looks young. She tried

to escape from Mother Gothel but failed. Eventually, she was rescued by a

handsome thief, Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel died. Then, Flynn Rider

accompanied Rapunzel to see her parents and they all lived happily.

Generally, woman in Disney film such as Snow White, Cinderella,

Princess Jasmine and others are rescued by their prince but Rapunzel is different

from those figures. The struggle of Rapunzel in reaching her dream in this film

produces a new portrayal of woman representation. To strengthen the woman

representation in this film, the present study adopt Heintz and Stracey’s (2006)

(12)

5

1.2Research Questions

The present study is intended to answer the following research questions:

1. In what ways is woman represented through the main woman character in

Tangled film?

2. What meaning can be made from these representations?

1.3Aims of the Study

Based on the research questions above, the study aims:

1. To find out the representation of woman in Tangled film.

2. To make meaning of the representation of woman in Tangled film.

1.4Scope of the Study

The scope of the study is an animated film entitled Tangled released on

November 26th 2010, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard from Walt

Disney Picture is the main focus of investigate. This study focuses on analyzing

the main woman character’s shots and dialogues in Tangled film. This study is

limited to investigate how the character of Rapunzel is represented as woman and

to make meaning of the representation of woman in Tangled film. In order to get

(13)

6

women representation theory by Maggiore (2003). In addition, this study can be a

reference for further study to find and explore more certain of women

representation.

1.6Methodology

The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. According to

McMichael Celia (2011) a qualitative method aims to provide an in-depth

understanding of people’s experiences, behaviors, perspectives and histories in

their personal circumstance or setting. Therefore, this study employs a qualitative

descriptive method because the study relies on collecting, categorizing and

analyzing the form of scenes, shots, and dialogues in order to answer the research

questions.

1.6.1 Data Collection

The data were collected from Tangled film directed by Nathan Greno and

(14)

7

are purposively selected to answer the research questions. The data were collected

by watching the film. In order to increase the best understanding of this study, the

study also did the library research.

1.6.2 Data Analysis

The collected data such as scenes, shots, and dialogues were categorized

and analyzed by using the framework of film studies as proposed by Heintnz and

Stracey (2006). In addition, to see the woman representation the collected data

were categorized and analyzed by using the framework of woman representation

by Maggiore (2003).

1.7Clarification of Terms

To avoid misunderstanding, the following is the clarification of terms used

in this study:

1. Animated Film

Animated film is a technique where that has a distinct characteristic in the

way is made; using drawing, models, or other subjects photograph, frame

by frame to create illusory movement which never exists in front of the

camera (Bordwell and Thompson, 2010)

2. Film Studies

Film studies are an effort to understand films and the processes through in

(15)

8

3. Mise en scene

Mise en scene refers to all visual elements of scene such as type of shots,

camera angle and movement, setting and costumes (Heintz and Stracey,

2006)

4. Representation

The term representation refers to something that replicates an images,

ideas or likeness of something else (Heintz and Stracey, 2006)

5. Shot

Shot refers to a series of frame that constructs a scene (Heintz and Stracey,

2006)

1.8Organization of the Paper

This study is organized into five chapters as follow:

CHAPTER I

Chapter I discusses the general introduction of the study such as, the background

of the study, the research questions, the aims of the study, the scope of the study,

its significance, methodology, the clarification of terms, and the organization of

the paper.

CHAPTER II

Chapter II consists of theoretical foundation in this study that provides a basic for

(16)

9

CHAPTER III

Chapter III discusses further about the methodology of the study which consists of

the research questions, the research subject and context, research procedures, data

collection, data analysis, and data presentation in conducting the study.

CHAPTER IV

Chapter IV presents findings, analyses and discussion of findings which are

related to the statement of the problems.

CHAPTER V

Chapter V presents the interpretation toward the result of the study in a form of

(17)

26

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology which consists of the

research questions, the research subject and context, research procedures, data

collection, data analysis and data presentation.

3.1 Research Questions

The present study is intended to answer the following research questions:

1. In what ways is woman represented through the main woman character in

Tangled film?

2. What meaning can be made from these representations?

3.2 The Research Subject and Context

The subject of the research is an animation film entitled Tangled directed

by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. This animation film is a Walt Disney

Pictures’ 50th

full- length animated feature which is written by Dan Fogelman and

as the executive producer is John Lasseter.

The research focuses on how the animation reveals the narrative of woman

representation in Tangled film. The research will be analyzed using film studies

theory from Heintz and Stracey (2006) while the theory of woman representation

(18)

27

only discusses few elements of the language of film such as camera shots, camera

angle and mise en scene. It is due to the fact that these elements somehow are

related to the analysis of woman representation in Tangled film.

3.3 Research Procedures

In gaining the aims of analyzing the data, the writer applies qualitative

approach in descriptive form. The research employs a descriptive analysis, which

is qualitative in nature. It is used to see and explore how a woman is represented

in this animated film. The design is applied because it is considered appropriate

for finding and describing the answers to the research questions.

3.4 Data Collection

The data were collected from the Tangled film which was directed by

Nathan Greno, Byron Howard and written by Dan Fogelman. The data were

presented in the form of scenes, shots and dialogues that are purposively selected

to answer the research questions.

3.5 Data Analysis

The data were collected through watching Tangled film several times. In

the first watching, the writer tried to select and categorize the scenes, shots and

dialogues which present woman representation. Afterward the writer analyzed the

data using the appropriate theories which were relevant to the subject. The

(19)

28

while the theory of woman representation is analyzed by using the theory from

Maggiore (2003).

3.6 Data Presentation

The categorized data are presented in the following table. The table covers

the entire shot of Tangled film that expresses how woman is represented in

Tangled film and its explanation.

Table of Data Presentation 3.1.1 detail some parts of Rapunzel’s physical appearance. Meanwhile the close-up shot focuses on the figure’s face as the central attention and no background is visible. The camera on figure (b) shows a close-up shot of Rapunzel and gives the detail

physical appearance of Rapunzel such as her big green eyes, natural pink lips, cute

freckled nose, thin brown eyebrows and blonde hair. The filmmaker also

strengthens Rapunzel’s physical appearance by using the mise en scene

technique–lighting in the shot above. The back and key light create Rapunzel’s

(20)

29

Table of Data Presentation 3.1.2 Rapunzel’s Personal Traits

(a) _(b)

(c) _(d)

Explanation

The shot evidenced above shows Rapunzel’s daily activities in her house. The shot presents that she can handle all the chores such as sweeping the floor,

cooking, washing up, and laundry, etc. In this shot, the filmmaker uses the long

and medium shot technique. The long shot technique helps the viewers to get a

specific setting which supports for Rapunzel description traits such as setting of

her house (a). The medium shot in figure (b) creates gesture and expression

become more visible. Furthermore, the variety of lighting technique used in this shot above creates Rapunzel’s trait as independent woman in more detail. The key and fill light have made Rapunzel’s trait more natural (a & b).

The long shot technique used by the filmmaker refers to depict Rapunzel’s

bravery recognizable (c). The mise en scene of setting in picture (c) shows that she

(21)

30

creates Rapunzel’s expression of fear more clearly. Besides the camera shot, the mise en scene – lighting technique makes the figure natural. The backlight creates

Rapunzel ability in protecting herself clearly recognizable (d). The back light

makes the background of the shot appears darker and it creates a dramatic effect.

Table of Data Presentation 3.1.3

Rapunzel’s in the Relation to Other Characters

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Explanation

In the beginning of this section, it has been said that Rapunzel’s physical appearance is not necessarily attractive to other characters. Even though her physical appearance cannot attract other characters’ attention, but she has ability in language. The conversation which was in the medium shot shows that Flynn

Rider is concerned with her language about the agreement (a). The medium shot

below presents Rapunzel facial expression in more detail in order to make sure

Flynn Rider about the agreement. The next shot; the depiction of Flynn Rider uses

(22)

31

pet, Pascal. She said to Pascal that Flynn Rider can take her out of the tower. As

(23)

55

suggestion for further study based on the result of the study.

5.1 Conclusion

The aims of this present study are to find out the representation of woman

in Tangled film; and to make meaning of the representation. Based on data the

analysis result, there are three aspects which shows the woman representation in

Tangled film; Rapunzel physical appearance, personal traits and her relation to

other characters. These aspects show the woman representation through the

language of film and the theory of woman representation. Tangled film is

mediated in the course of the language of film, such as camera shot, camera angle

and mise en scene. The use of multiple combination of the language of film gives

different representation of woman and also creates special impression to the

viewers.

Physically, Rapunzel is presented as a woman who has standard criteria of

princess in the fairy tale, such as long blonde hair, big green eyes, natural pink

lips, freckled nose, thin brown eyebrows, slim, white skin and skinny face.

However, the physical appearance is not enough in presenting woman

(24)

56

and Rapunzel in the relation to other characters. Unlike other woman in some

fairy tales which portrays as weak, passive and powerless, Rapunzel is presented

as a woman who has different traits than other women. She is portrayed as

independent woman, brave woman and has ability in language. It can be said that

Rapunzel represent a new portrayal of woman which does not use her beauty to

attract other characters but she attracts other characters in Tangled film by her

ability in language.

The study concludes that the ways a woman is represented in this film

through the language of film and woman representation theory create an

alternative representation of woman which can be easily identified related to the

present time, for example presenter, news anchor, radio announcer etc. This film

is not prioritizing Rapunzel’s physical appearance but prioritizing Rapunzel’s

ability in language in order to attract others.

5.2 Suggestion

The study suggests that an analysis of film in the department is still rare.

The writer hopes that the department improves more in field of film studies.

Furthermore, the study may provide the suggestion for Indonesia student to

increase their ability in analyzing film by using film studies theory. This study is

also expected to motivate future readers and researchers to better understand about

how film can produce a unique result through language of film technique to the

(25)

57

(26)

57

REFERENCES

Baker-S, L., & Grauerholz, L. (2003). The Pervasiveness and Persistence of The Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children‘s Fairy Tales. Gender and Society, 17(5), 711_726. Retrieved October 18, 2012, from

http://centerpointseniors.pbworks.com/f/beauty+and+fairy+tales.pdf

Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2010). Film Art: An Introduction. New York: Mc

Graw-Hill.

Cherland, T. (2006). Female Representation in Children’s Literature. Retrieved

October 18, 2012, from

http://www.ecclectica.ca/issues/2006/1/index.asp?Article=24

Finkelman, L. (December, 2011). The Brandeis Hoot: Impression. Waltham:

Brandeis University's Community Newspaper Mass. Retrieved December 22,

2012, from http://thebrandeishoot.com/articles/11251

Gianneti, L. (2001). Understanding Movies (9 ed). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Gunning, T. (2012). Making Sense of Film. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/film/film.pdf

Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying

Practices. London: Sage Publication Ltd.

Hayward, S. (2006). Cinema Studies: The Key Concepts, p. 182. New York:

Routledge.

Heintz, K., & Stracey, M. (2006). Through the Lens. Melbourne: Cambridge.

Klarer, M. (1998). An Introduction to Literary Studies. London: Routledge.

(27)

58

Fractured fairy Tales!: The Construction of the Feminist Fairy Tale: Female

Agency over Role Reversal. Children & Libraries, p.38-41.

Maggiore, B. N. (2003). Female Discrimination in Fairy Tales: A Feminist

Critique. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from

http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/tales/03-2/extra_credit/maggiore-brittany_paper.pdf

McCallum, R. (2002). Masculinity as Social Semiotic: Identity Politics and

Gender in Disney Animated Films, p. 116-132. New York: Routledge.

McMichael, C. (2011). Ethnographic Research Method. Retrieved November 29,

2011, from [email protected]

MediaCollege.com. (2012). Shot Type. Retrieved November 22, 2012, from

http://www.mediacollege.com/video/shots/

Schouten, B. (May, 2011). Behind the Fair Facade: Representation of Femininity

in Three Walt Disney Animated Feature. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=Schouten%2C%20Bethany.%20(

Toni. (2010). Stereotyping Prince and Princess in Fairy Tales. Retrieved October

22, 2012, from

(28)

59

WiseGeek. (2003). What is animation. Retrieved December 22, 2012, from