How are different social groups represented in the sequence you have analysed? What role does the use of media language, sign and signifiers have in constructing and presenting these representations as real?
There are many representations of social groups explored in Stranger Things, with the main representations being, teenagers, family life and relationships.
A representation that is explored in this sequence are the teenagers Mike and Lucas as they are desperately trying to piece together what has happened to Will. This differs with the usual representation of children as they are typically not involved in trying to help in a police investigation. The boys break away from typical storylines as they do not listen to their parents or authorities as they are continuing to try and look for their missing friend. Although, there are a lot of high and low angle shots when showing their parents, the boys dismiss their power and go against their wishes in attempt to find will. This complements the authoritarian approach Mikes’ mother takes when she doesn’t allow Mike, Will, Lucas and Dustin to carry on playing Dungeons and Dragons. This is common theme of children trying to haggle with their parents to get what they want, therefore fitting the general stereotype of children. Both young and older audiences can relate to both characters , as most adults and children have been in a similar situation, which therefore allows for an increased level of immersion. However, they also conform to a teenager’s stereotype, due to them talking on walkie talkies even though their dialogue is serious and intellectual.
Hopper, the police sheriff, is first shown to subvert the stereotype. Having a profession , such as a police sheriff have a typical stereotype of being organised, sufficient and clean. However, when we first met Hopper when there is a tracking shot towards him asleep on the sofa, with his surroundings being empty beer cans and cigarette butts etc. Hopper is presented in this way to firstly subvert the stereotype and to grab the audiences attention straight away. The use of the alcohol and cigarettes being left around could highlight that he is stressed and dealing with something traumatic (which we later find out). When Hopper puts his uniform on, we suddenly notice a change of character and can see how he conforms to the stereotype of a police sheriff. This is supported by when he enters the office in the morning as he is recognised by others as dominant and powerful, even though the audience have just seen a complete opposite side of him. His relaxed attitude commemorates that he may have had an easy couple of years at work, therefore making Will's disappearance even more frightening and concerning.
