Mean Girls Social Groups Textual Analysis
Discuss what is seen
From the clip we are made aware that the school, has numerous different social groups. This is quite a general stereotype of American High Schools, therefore the director is using something that people will be able to relate to. This is because some schools really do have different social groups that stay separate and other films such as John Tucker Must Die, include different social groups, therefore everyone should be familiar with this stereotype. In this clip the scene switches from group to group until it stays on one group in particular 'The Plastics'.
How has the director made this mean something?
The director has made this mean something by making 'The Plastics' the last click that is seen in this clip. Perhaps the reason for this is so that the audience remember this group the most as the whole story line is based around this group and how they can change the school. Therefore the director using them last makes their significance in the film evident from the beginning.
What it means to us
The director wants to keep the audience interested throughout the entire film. Therefore using 'The Plastics' near the beginning of the film, starts to build a story line. The appearance of 'The Plastics' also makes a difference as they are three very pretty girls, who are very glamorous the audience will already be interested in this as these are seen as the stereo typically 'Mean Girls', and as the the film is called 'Mean Girls' the audience should already be aware that 'The Plastics' are important.
What it represents
It represents the stereotypes that people have about school and the different social groups throughout an American High school. For example, 'Jocks', 'Nerds and the 'Popular' people. As most of the audience should be familiar with these stereotypes it will be an easy film for them to watch. The film is rated a twelve therefore both males and females are targeted, although as the film is based on four girls, it could be suggested that this film is primarily targeted towards a female group, this is also reinforced by the pink background on the the posters, as pink is usually associated with females and blue is usually associated with Males. Although the film is also targeted towards Males who would be interested in watching this film.
What is shown to us on the screen and the sound with it
The use of the Diegetic Sound throughout the sequence, shows us that the pictures are in time with the sound so that the audience are able to keep up with what's going on. This is extremely important in this section of the film as this sequence in the film is described as 'The Guide To North Shore' (North Shore is the school they attend). This therefore shows that in order to survive this school you needed to know the basics. The director then puts us in the main characters perspective as it's us that's being told the different social groups.
How has the director done it?
The Director does this by making the sound continuous with the pictures presented. When 'Janice' (The character guiding us around North Shore), shows us 'The Jock' table, about six boys are presented all wearing football jerseys and acting aggressive. This is a stereotype of boys who play football and therefore revealing that the director is following conventions.
Mise En Scene
The Mise En Scene throughout the sequence reveals that they are quite obviously based in a school because of the crowded corridors with lockers in at the beginning of the sequence, and then when it changes to a different location in the school, known in America as the Cafeteria. This is made evident through the tables and chairs packed with young people, with trays full of canteen food. The outfits that they all wear are casual and each table has something to link them with their own group. For example "The girls who don't eat anything" are all sitting around sharing one can of coke between six of them, following the convention of the fact that they want to stay skinny. This also makes a reference to the issues that today's youth face as they constantly feel under pressure to look their best.
