Analyse representation of age in the media today.

Representation is how someone or something is portrayed. Ageism is a growing concern in modern media with each age group’s mainstream representation increasingly confined to narrow stereotypes.  The most underrepresented age category in the media is the elderly. However, the ageing population is increasing demand to fill the representation deficit. ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ is considered a progressive text challenging conventional representation. It is a highly unconventional film both for its representation of the elderly and within the rom-com genre. The diverse character cast breaks away from hegemonic stereotypes as evident in the trailer. In particular, the romance between Evelyn and Douglas is suggested by showing them laughing together. The music is upbeat, and the colours bright with use of high key lighting, and a montage of shots of India, creating a vibrant tone. Its status as a star-studded rom-com relying on a conventional narrative makes it accessible to the young as well as the old, challenging youth as a hegemonic norm.