Woman Representation in Tangled Film Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

Woman Representation in Tangled Film

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie English Language and Literature Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia [email protected]

ABSTRACT The present study aims at examining and making meaning of the representation of woman in Tangled film. Utilizing a qualitative research, particularly a descriptive method, the present study adopts 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 a few which discusses women representation using film studies. Therefore, this present 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, such as 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 shows a beautiful woman who has ability in language.

Keywords: Camera Angle, Camera Shot, Film, Film Studies, Mise En Scene, Rapunzel, Tangled, Woman, Woman Representation

.

72

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

INTRODUCTION daughter of the king. When she was a Klarer (1998) theorizes that classical baby, she was kidnapped by an old literary forms are classified into woman named Mother Gothel and three; namely, epic (prose), drama, hid her in a tall tower for years. Until and poetry. The most recent one day, she realized that Mother contemporary literary theory says Gothel is not her biological mother. that film is included in the form of She tried to escape from Mother contemporary literature (Gunning, Gothel but failed. Eventually, she 2012). Films are often made to show was rescued by a handsome thief, and convey something in the real Flynn Rider and Mother Gothel died. reality by using other ways, such as Then, Flynn Rider accompanied stories and character in the film. Rapunzel to see her parents and they Similar to prose, a film also has an all lived happily. element of mimesis namely Several theories have been representation of reality (Heintz & chosen as the framework to analyze Stracey, 2006). and categorize the data in the study. There are three types of film The study adopts theoretical namely, documentary, experimental, framework from Heinz and Stracey and animated film (Bordwell and (2006) which identifies how films Thompson, 2010). Each type has its express the woman representation own features. The present study through the language of film and chooses to use Tangled film as the women representation theory from subject of the research because it is a Maggiore’s to strengthen the woman good example of an animated film representation in this film. According which contains some aspects of to Heinz and Stracey’s (2006) theory, women representation. Tangled is an there are seven elements of the animated film directed by Nathan language of film but in this study the Greno and Byron Howard from Walt writer only uses three elements, such Disney Studio. It tells about a young as camera shot, camera angle and girl named Rapunzel who has a mise en scene. magical blonde hair. She was a 73

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

Furthermore, this study also higher position. Lastly, being highlights women representation beautiful means that women who are from different perspective because selected to be represented are usually this study uses a film as the subject beautiful. However, it is important to of the research to see woman note that the women’s representation representation by using the language is not something that is fixed because of film. Films have some elements woman’s life is changing step by step that serve as film medium or and it is important to mirror this cinematic techniques. These change. elements have different functions to convey the woman representation to METHODOLOGY the viewers. Therefore, an analysis of The study employs a descriptive these elements can give an indication qualitative method because it aims to of what the filmmaker should do. investigate and make meaning of the In addition to the language of representation of woman in Tangled film and its relation, the women film. representation theory also has In terms of data collection, important aspects. According to they are collected through watching Maggiore (2003), women in fairy Tangled film for several times. The tales are often represented as a data are in the form of shots and proper woman who is usually silent, dialogues that are purposively passive, without ambition and selected to answer the research beautiful. Being silent means a questions. The collected data such as woman should not speak until she is scenes, shots, and dialogues are granted permission to speak. categorized and critically analyzed Secondly, being passive refers to a by using the framework of film situation where a woman must not studies as proposed by Heintnz and question the rules that already exist. Stracey (2006). Further, the Thirdly, having no ambition means description and presentation of the that a woman should not have an analysis are interpreted by means of ambition or desire for power or categorizing how the main woman 74

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

character in this film is represented (a) through the language of film. The result of the study is expected to give the readers a new perspective of how a woman is represented through the main woman character in Tangled (b) film using the theory of film studies. Figure 1: This shot presents In Tangled film, Rapunzel is Rapunzel’s physical appearance in presented as a beautiful woman who Tangled film has a bit different aspects than other The shot evidenced above women in fairy tales. The depicts Rapunzel’s physical presentation like this represented a appearance, such as her long blonde new portrayal of woman in Walt hair, skinny face, big eyes, small lips, Disney animated film. This white skin, tiny waist, slim figure representation is presented through and her purple gown. The long shot the language of film highlighting technique creates Rapunzel’s aspects such as Rapunzel physical physical appearance and the appearances, personal traits and her environment around her is easily relation to other characters. The first recognizable (1a & 1b). In other aspect is physical appearance. To words, even the background in the describe how woman’s physical long shot is still wide; it does not appearance is presented in this film, make the character of Rapunzel set the shots and dialogue evidences aside. In addition, the filmmaker also from this film are used as a key to uses the mise en scene technique– explain it. lighting, in this shot. The key and FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION back light in this shot creates Rapunzel’s physical appearance more highlighted and more natural (1a & 1b).

Besides the long shot technique, the filmmaker also uses 75

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

medium shot and close-up shot on Figure 2: This shot shows the shot below. In figure 2a, the Rapunzel’s physical appearance in filmmaker uses a medium shot more detail technique which creates more The next shot in figure 3 detailed parts of Rapunzel’s physical presents Rapunzel’s meeting with a appearance. Meanwhile the close-up stranger for the first time in her shot focuses on the figure’s face as house. At that moment a thief named, the central attention and no Flynn Rider came by accident and background is visible (Heintz & hid in Rapunzel’s house. Even Stracey, 2006). The camera on figure though her physical appearance 2b shows a close-up shot of succeeds in making Flynn Rider Rapunzel and gives the detail fascinated but she fails asking Flynn physical appearance of Rapunzel Rider to be her guide to see the such as her big green eyes, natural lanterns. To realize her dream, she pink lips, cute freckled nose, thin has to force Flynn Rider to approve brown eyebrows and blonde hair. an agreement and she would return The back and key light make his satchel if he accepts the offer. It Rapunzel’s physical appearance means that her physical appearance more outstanding (Figure 2a & 2b). has failed to make Flynn Rider accept her offering to be her guide.

(a) (a)

(b)

76

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

(b) shows a view from subject’s Figure 3: This shot presents perspective (Heintz & Stracey, Rapunzel’s agreement to Flynn 2006). Rider Rapunzel’s physical appearance not only fails to attract Flynn Rider but also other characters in this film. The shot below shows (a) when Flynn Rider invites her to the bar, Snuggly Duckling (Figure 4). The filmmaker uses medium shot to express Rapunzel’s terrified expression in more detail such as her bulging out eyes and lips which (b) slightly parted (4a). The terrified Figure 4: This shot shows the bad expression is caused by Mother guys’ facial expression when they Gothel that for years she does not meet Rapunzel allow Rapunzel to see the outside The next aspect is personal world. Moreover, she told Rapunzel traits of Rapunzel. There are at least that the outside world is scary, full of three traits owned by Rapunzel in ruffians, cannibals, poison ivy so it this film, such as independent, brave, shows terrified expression. and Rapunzel’s ability to protect The filmmaker uses point of herself as well as other characters. In view shot in order to show other’s this film Rapunzel is presented as an character expression when they meet independent woman. The shot Rapunzel at the first time. evidences below shows Rapunzel’s Unfortunately, most of the other daily activities in her house. In this characters’ facial expressions on the shot, the filmmaker uses the long and shot show weird expression instead medium shot technique. The long of fascinated expression to Rapunzel shot technique helps the viewers to (4b). Point of view shot (POV) get a specific setting which supports 77

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

for Rapunzel description traits such shot below shows Rapunzel’s as setting of her house (5a). bravery when Mother Gothel tries to Meanwhile, the medium shot in hold Rapunzel but she refused to put figure 6b creates gesture and on hold. The conversation which was expression become more visible. in the shot below strengthens Furthermore, the variety of lighting Rapunzel’s resist toward Mother technique used in this shot above Gothel. The filmmaker uses medium creates Rapunzel’s trait as shot and high angle shots. The high independent woman in more detail. angle shot creates Rapunzel who looks small and powerless (7a). The low angle in figure 7b makes Mother Gothel look powerful and dominant. So that it creates the viewers look up

to her. The dialogue was in the (a) medium and high angle shot strengthening that Rapunzel does not give up fighting for her life. The dialogue shows that the weak trait

labeled to woman does not apply to (b) Rapunzel because she fights for her Figure 6: This shot shows life. Rapunzel as an independent woman

The next trait is Rapunzel bravery. Maggiore (2003) suggests that woman is presented as weak, (a) submissive and beautiful. As woman who never sees the outside world, Rapunzel tries to be brave in facing a stranger or dangerous situation. The

78

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

(b) Figure 7: The high angle shot makes Rapunzel more highlighted The last trait is Rapunzel’s ability to protect herself and other (a) characters. As a woman who needs to be rescued, Rapunzel can protect herself and other characters in this film. It also indicates that Rapunzel is different from other women (b) because sometimes a woman is Figure 8: The shot presents that portrayed as weak and dependent. It Rapunzel has an ability to protect means that Rapunzel’s action to herself and others protect herself and other characters In the beginning of this which is shown in figure 8a & 8b section, it has been said that rejects the common portrayals of a Rapunzel’s physical appearance is woman in the fairy tales as has been not necessarily attractive to other suggested by Maggiore (2003). The characters. Even though her physical use of a medium shot in figure 8a & appearance cannot attract other 8b by the filmmaker strengthens the characters’ attention, but she has portrayal of Rapunzel that she has an ability in language. So that ability to protect herself in dangerous Rapunzel’s ability in language to situation. Meanwhile, the medium other characters in this film becomes shot in figure 8b creates Rapunzel’s her power to gain other characters’ expression of fear more clearly. attention. Some characters and Besides the camera shot, the mise en dialogue in this shot below are scene – lighting technique makes the shown to be concerned by figure natural. The back light makes Rapunzel’s language. Rapunzel’s the background of the shot appear ability in language to other darker and it creates a dramatic characters is her power to captivate effect. 79

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

other characters who listen to her. look small and lack of power. In Even though she has a good-looking addition, figure 9c & 9d show that but it is useless because the other Rapunzel has higher power and characters in this film are concerned dominant than Flynn Rider; to Rapunzel’s language than her therefore, the filmmaker uses low beauty. angle shot to depict Rapunzel. A low The conversation in the shot angle shot makes Rapunzel more shows that Flynn Rider is concerned powerful, because the viewers look with her language about the deal up at Rapunzel. So that it strengthens (Figure 9). The medium shot below Rapunzel’s language to Flynn Rider. presents Rapunzel facial expression in more detail in order to make sure Flynn Rider about the deal. Flynn Rider has no power over Rapunzel in figure 9b. (c)

(a) (d) Figure 9: The shot presents Rapunzel’s ability in language to other character Generally, the language of

film helps the viewers to get the (b) specific goal of this film. Besides the Figure 9: The shot presents film techniques used by the Rapunzel’s ability in language to filmmaker, the other characters in other character this film also play important roles to Therefore the depiction of create Rapunzel’s representation in Flynn Rider uses high angle shot. A this film in clearly recognizable. In high angle shot makes Flynn Rider 80

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

this film Rapunzel is shown as a language to other characters in this beautiful woman in general who has film. ability in language. Rapunzel ability The study suggests that more in language is her power in this film studies in field of film studies. to attract other characters. This Furthermore, the study may provide means the filmmaker wants to offer the suggestion for Indonesia student something new of woman to increase their ability in analyzing representation in this film. film by using film studies theory. This study is also expected to CONCLUSION motivate future readers and Referring to the above explanation, it researchers to better understand can be concluded that the about how film can produce a unique representation of woman in Tangled result through language of film film is constructed through the film technique to the viewer. language and another supporting REFERENCES element which are related to each Baker-S, L., & Grauerholz, L.(2003). other. All the techniques in this film The Pervasiveness and used by the filmmaker encourage the Persistence of The Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children‘s woman to come out from the comfort Fairy Tales. Gender and zone. The ways of woman is Society, 17(5), 711_726. Retrieved October 18, 2012, represented in Tangled film show from through some film techniques such http://centerpointseniors.pbwo rks.com/f/beauty+and+fairy+t as camera shot, camera angle and ales.pdf mise en scene. Those techniques Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. create attractive representation of (2010). Film Art: An woman which has already existed. Introduction. New York: Mc Graw-Hill. Tangled film has made Rapunzel as representation of women who Cherland, T. (2006). Female Representation in Children’s succeeds not because of her beauty Literature. Retrieved October that she had but her ability in 18, 2012, from http://www.ecclectica.ca/issues/ 2006/1/index.asp?Article=24 81

Passage2014,2(1), 72-83

Feminist Critique. Retrieved Finkelman, L. (December, 2011). October 10, 2012, from The Brandeis Hoot: http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/tales/ Impression. Waltham: Brandeis 03-2/extra_credit/maggiore- University's Community brittany_paper.pdf Newspaper Mass. Retrieved December 22, 2012, from McCallum, R. (2002). Masculinity as http://thebrandeishoot.com/artic Social Semiotic: Identity Politics les/11251 and Gender in Disney Animated Films, p. 116-132. New York: Gianneti, L. (2001). Understanding Routledge. Movies (9 ed). New Jersey: Prentice Hall. McMichael, C. (2011). Ethnographic Research Method. Retrieved Gunning, T. (2012). Making Sense of November 29, 2011, from Film. Retrieved October 10, [email protected] 2012, from http://historymatters.gmu.edu/ms MediaCollege.com. (2012). Shot e/film/film.pdf Type. Retrieved November 22, 2012, from Hall, S. (1997). Representation: http://www.mediacollege.com/vi Cultural Representations and deo/shots/ Signifying Practices. London: Sage Publication Ltd. Schouten, B. (May, 2011). Behind the Fair Facade: Representation Hayward, S. (2006). Cinema Studies: of Femininity in Three Walt The Key Concepts, p. 182. New Disney Animated Feature. York: Routledge. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from Heintz, K., & Stracey, M. (2006). http://www.google.com/url?sa=t Through the Lens. Melbourne: &rct=j&q=Schouten%2C%20Be Cambridge. thany.%20(May%2C%202011). %20Behind%20the%20Fair%20 Klarer, M. (1998). An Introduction to Facade%3A%20Representation Literary Studies. London: %20of%20Femininity%20in%2 Routledge. 0Three%20Walt%20Disney%20 Animated%20Feature.&source= Kuykendal, L. F., & Sturm, B. W. web&cd=1&ved=0CCoQFjAA (2007). We Said Feminist Fairy &url=http%3A%2F%2Figitur- Tales, Not Fractured fairy archive.library.uu.nl%2Fstudent- Tales!: The Construction of the theses%2F2011-0809- Feminist Fairy Tale: Female 200736%2FThesis%2520Behind Agency over Role Reversal. %2520the%2520Fair%2520Faca Children & Libraries, p.38-41. de%2C%2520Bethany%2520Sc Maggiore, B. N. (2003). Female houten.doc&ei=nYtSUtCREsbm Discrimination in Fairy Tales: A iAe7n4HQCA&usg=AFQjCNF_ 82

Rahajeng Herningtyas Woro Utamie Woman Representation in Tangled Film

vEQtU5cUN1Fqo_9Y3ny8L4uF from nA&sig2=jhP49UNQ6KcBRQ3 http://www.azcentral.com/famili NIZyzBA&bvm=bv.53537100,d es/articles/031fairytale13- .aGc CR.html

Tangled. (2010). Walt Disney WiseGeek. (2003). What is Studios. animation. Retrieved December 22, 2012, from Toni. (2010). Stereotyping Prince http://www.wisegeek.org/what- and Princess in Fairy Tales. is-animation.htm Retrieved October 22, 2012,

83