Representation of Gender: Luther

In Luther, binary opposition is used to show the power males stereotypically have over females, this is shown when Luther is shown looking down at Alice to represent a sign of power and dominance. Yet through a point of view shot from Luther's perspective shows us how Alice doesn't seem intimidated and she appears to be rather bold. This is unstereotypical as females are generally seen to be weak and need protecting so this means Alice defeats this stereotype.

We are first presented to the characters through shallow focus to tell the audience these two are the main focus in this scene. There also isn't the non-diegetic sound of music until later on in the clip which suggests this is an important conversation and there shouldn't be any distractions. This could also be shown through Luther's actions as when Alice shows signs of affection, he turns away. Stereotypically men use women for sex so here we see a gender reversal as it seems to be Alice who wants it whereas Luther does not. Through the use of turning away this suggests the conversation is important and Luther doesn't want to be distracted by affection from Alice.

Through the use of mise-en-scene, we're shown that Alice appears to be wearing makeup which suggests she wants to look good for Luther. The general representation for women is that they want to look good for their partner as they feel their appearance is more attractive so this shows that Alice wants to attract Luther. Although she fits this stereotype, in her apartment we are shown she has a lot of books which suggests that she is intelligent and would have a wide knowledge. Stereotypically women are seen as dumb and don't undersigned what's going on yet Alice knows exactly what's happening and will talk back to Luther giving her opinion on the situation.

As the conversation between Alice and Luther progresses, the shot-reverse-shots between them gradually get more fast paced which show the rise in tension and how they have to think quicker about their responses. Overall this shows both Luther and Alice fit yet are different for the stereotype of gender as Alice is sexualised and Luther is dominant but Alice seems to be smart yet Luther appears to not respond to her sexualised actions.