PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (PART B - REPRESENTATION)

THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT - PART B - REPRESENTATION:

1. Who is the intended audience of the film.

The intended audience of the film are middle-aged women and gay men, as they enjoy the music featured in the film, such as Abba, Gloria Gaynor, etc.  The film helped bring out a positive portrayal of the LGBT individuals, that helped to introduce LGBT themes to a mainstream audience.  However, the film has also been criticized for perceived racist and sexist stereotyping.  As seen from the female being portrayed as a Filipino who is Bob's wife.

2. Select a character and make notes on how they are presented:

• Consider their physical characteristics and personality
• How are they represented in terms of gender?
• Are there stereotypes presented or challenged?
• Is the representation positive or negative or a balance of both?

Character : Adam

Actor: Guy Pearce

Physical characteristics and personality:

• Young
• Flamboyant
• Obnoxious
• Immature

How are they represented in terms of gender?

Male - Young, very happy, excited

Drag Queen - Wants to cause trouble, flamboyant

Are the stereotypes presented or challenged?

• Challenged as they are mocked in the film, where it is ultimately is personalized with the three individuals’ experiences in the outback. 
• For example, in one scene that stands out in my mind is when Adam is chased and beaten up by a group of men who represent the stereotypical outback masculinity. 
• I believe that the scene breaks down the stereotypes of drags queens and reveals them as individuals who go through struggles and face dire consequences for being true to themselves.

Is the representation positive or negative or a balance of both?

• Balance of both