R+P Post 6: Our opening sequence's characters and how we plan to represent social groups

In our film opening there are three characters but only two of them appear on screen. 

The main character in our film is Shania Morcott, a successful lawyer. She is the central focus of our opening sequence. She is the protagonist of the film which is unusual as traditionally the main character in thriller films are men. However she fits the archetype of a thriller victim (particularly those in the stalker sub-genre) as she is a young, middle-class woman, just like Angela Bridges in "P2". 

Angela Bridges and antagonist Thomas from "P2"

The other character who appears in the opening is the runner. The runner is a white male in his twenties. He is a very minor character and his only role is to act as a red herring. By making the character male we are conforming the stereotype that men are physically fit and athletic. 

The third character is the stalker Jeff Richardson who was a previously convicted rapist. He doesn't appear on screen but heavy breathing can be heard each time his perspective is shown. He is unstable, aggressive and also obsessive. As he is male, his character does conform to the archetype of a thriller/stalker film's antagonist just like Thomas from "P2". 

The two main social groups that we are representing are women and ethnic minorities. By having a female lead who is strong, hard-working, organised, confident and independent we hope to challenge some of the social stereotypes that women are weak and dependent. Additionally she is a professional and successful lawyer which gives her a sense of empowerment. By having the house empty and her living alone, we highlight her independence and capability. We may also use a few low angle shots to portray her authority and power. She will conform to a few social stereotypes as her costume will consist of the typical skirt, high heels, blouse and make up. However through her costume we hope to portray her professionalism. In addition to this, having a lead character who is black represents the ethnic minorities. Her high-profile job and inspiring personality help to show a positive representation of ethnic minorities. The personality we have given to our main character is similar to that of Annalise Keating from the legal drama thriller "How To Get Away With Murder". Annalise's character is a high-profile defence attorney and is described as being self-reliant, powerful and confident. 

Annalise Keating from "How To Get Away With Murder"