Representations Within Get Carter

Representations within

“Get Carter”

By Michael O'Neill

Representations of Men

All throughout the film Men are seen as cold-blooded, this is due to the fact that many of the male characters within the film are involved in the gangland wars. However it is not stereotypical gangland warfare as the members all dress like members of the mafia (suave looking suits with matching “sensible” haircuts). This also contributes to the belief that men at the time were still superior to women, this is because in the film (in particular the scene where Margaret’s body is discovered) the men are often dressed in formal attire whilst the women are often dressed in jazzy, retro outfits that make them appear as a piece of “candy” (due to the experimental colours), this alone makes them appear as possessions or decoration for the men of the film as opposed to their equals.

Representations of Woman

Since the opening of the film woman are seen as pieces of meat, this is because the opening scene focuses on men watching an adult film (this isn’t the only time adult films are referenced in the film as in one scene Carter actually sees his niece being forced to participate – this could be seen as Carters moment of realisation as by seeing his niece being abused in such ways he is able to see how adult films are degrading to women), this is also backed up by the fact that all through the film Carter engages in sexual acts with several women. Afterwards these women are often disposed of and never seen/referenced again in the film.