Sket Evaluation

Poster

What does the image suggest about the film in terms of characters, setting and story?


The poster depicts the characters of the film fairly well. The first thing noticed on the poster is the strong use of a pink theme tied with the clear presence of females. However, this initial idea of typical 'girly' female characters is disturbed by the their aggressive stances/facial expressions and the presence of weapons in their hands. This overall creating a picture that these characters challenging the traditional mindset, instead being that of violent and angry. The dark colour scheme presents the idea that the setting is that of a dark and dismal one, giving the impression the setting is unwelcoming and bleak. We can tell from the poster that the story follows a group of violent young females, who see violence and aggression as something thats normal and regular, 'fighting the system' in some senses.

How does this poster fit in the way females are normally shown in magazines, on TV ect.?

The poster challenge the traditional conception of females in media, breaking the proposed mould of females being 'beautiful' and 'peaceful'; instead replacing this with violence and anger. For example, in magazines females are often used in perfume adverts, being shown as something of beauty and admiration.  This being the total opposite in the 'Sket' poster, conforming more to the idea normally set by young males.

Film

How are the girls represented in the film? Brief character analysis of Kayla, Danielle and Shaks


Kayla - Kayla is first portrayed as a typical young female character; remaining in tradition to what a teenage girl would be predicted to be like to the general public, through convention over time. This is shown through the likes of her bright hoodie, headphones and well-maintained hair. Through the film however it becomes clear how Kayla, much like Jimmy, longs for an identity especially as she loses the role models in her life. It becomes evident that Kayla slips into conventions not normally associated with young females, fitting into the 'girl gang' subculture with drugs and violence, as made evident through the extreme beating of a members lover.

Danielle - As soon as Danielle is introduced it is clear that she is mostly opposite to typical young females, wearing casual dirty clothes and taking little care in her appearance most of the time. Danielle fits the role much more associated with male gang culture, challenging this stereotypical view. She is also portrayed as a leader, with a strong and authoritarian attitude as shown when the other gang members respond to her orders (ie. Moving to the back of the Cafe). Also stepping in a mother model for the gang members, as shown during the scene when sat in the hospital.

Shaks - Shaks again challenges conception of females, however also conforms to some of these ideas too. She originally portrayed as something that is evil and controlling, however as the film progresses it becomes clear that she has moral values. This is shown during the sister killing scene, which see's her attempt and stop the killing.


Discuss the themes within the film and consider how these contribute to the collective identity of young people




Overall does this film fuel or challenge negative representation of identity?




Consider links with other case studies