Disability in TV Dramas

The Inbetweeners - 'juggasuarusrex' used to objectify the women therefore supporting L Mulvey's theory.

the use of the word 'gay' in the wrong context may offend people.

Mise-en-scene - set in a park therefore bringing in versimilitude, natural lighting, reflects summer time. In addition the people running around in the park are binary oppositons to the girl in the wheelchairs. the carer doesn't speak English therefore the lack of communication can represent disability

Camera angles - high angled shot is used to look down on the girl in the wheelchair which could suggest her weakness

Editing - eyeline shot of them all looking at the frisbee. pan shot used to quickly show the disabled girl.


Paul Hunt identified 10 stereotypes that the media use to portray disabled people:

• The disabled person as pitiable or pathetic
• An object of curiosity or violence
• Sinister or evil
• The super cripple
• As atmosphere
• Laughable
• His/her own worst enemy
• As Burden
• As non-sexual
• Being unable to participate in daily life.

The Cast offs
camera angles - pan shot used to show the distance of how far he has to travel.
the audience is made to sympathise with him
flashbacks help the audiene to identify more with the character.
jump cuts used to show time has passed and emphasise how long it takes him.
the isolated lonley island helps to show his feelings and how society acts towards him.
the dull grainy atmosphere helps to represent the disabilty of the man.




A variety of differnt techniques are used in 'Cast offs' to portray disabilty. for example a pan shot is used to along the beach to show how far Dan has to travel in his wheelchair therefore emphasising how hard it is for him and making the audience sympathise with him. in addition to this jump cuts are frequently used to show how time has passed and reinforce how long it has taken him to get across. by doing this it shows that disabled people can be seen by some audiences as incapable or pitiable (Paul Hunt). Throughout the editing flashbacks are used to evoke emotion of his past and help the audience feel more involved as they learn he has not always been in a wheelchair. therefore the audience begin to identify more with the character.

The term 'cast offs' could suggest that because he is disabled he is being thrown to the side. therefore stereotyping people with disabilities. in addition the dull isolated island may connote how the man feels lonely and isolated from the rest of society. Cast offs could be compared to the programme shipwrecked as they contrasrt in many ways.

Codes & Conventions

Codes are symbols of a particular drama e.g. Knife and blood represents horror genre.
E.g. Tv drama codes







Conventions - unwrtitten rules of audience expectations e.g. chase scene in a horror film.
                      Good vs. Evil
Tv Dramas -
                      Realistic locations
                      shot reverse shot
                      Realistic narratives



Characters - even particular kinds of characters e.g. at its most simple 'good' and 'bad' characters.

Stories - they all tell stories wether those stories involve adventure or drama

Camerawork - particular kinds of shots are used e.g. sequences involving establishing shots followed by midshots of characters. shot reverse shot to show the character interaction and in particular, close ups to show the characters emotions.

Music - used to punctuate the action, create affects (suspension and tension) and underline emotional moments.
Particular subgenres tend to have items which make them immediatley identifable e.g. police cars/blue lights or surgeons to symbolise subgenres.

Exemplar Paragraph

A final way in which representations of gender have been displayed is through camera work. For example the low angle looking down on the male in the whole illustrates his vulnerability and helpless position which displays him as subordinate. However a different low angle in conveying the tiger illustrates dominance of man and a hierarchy with the animal being lower. Establishing shots such as before the male jumps looking on in the long distant horizontal plane suggests his thoughts which leads to the male’s hasty decision. An extreme close up on the woman’s face when she’s been knocked down suggest demonstrates her fear and panic further suggesting the women’s weak position compared to the male. A pivot shot is used which creates the effect as the camera is on a fixed position that someone or something would be looking at them for example the dangerous tiger which overall represents vulnerability to the male and the woman.

Exampler Response Essay

G322 Candidate Exemplar Response

Date: June 2010

Representation: Gender

Throughout the extract representations of gender are illustrated through various elements such as editing and sound. A mix of dominance and equality is produced through the extract however overall it is conveyed that women are physically subordinate compared to physically strong and stereotypically hegemonic male.

Representations of gender have been clearly illustrated throughout editing. For example a mix of pivot/panorama shots as well as fast tracking shots have been incorporated when the girl is trying to save and protect the male character. This illustrates the fast movement and action of the cut however it may also signify a chaotic environment where women struggle to take and maintain power. Another example of a tracking shot is portrayed when the male character is travelling down the rope. This editing however demonstrates to the audience the thought and power the character has from making a quick rational decision which is a stereotype of male behaviour. A long establishing shot is used which clearly signifies the three male characters in an equal line. The equal line personally connotes equality however as the majority of characters were male this illustrates women inferiorly in serious situations. Near the end of the extract one male in the process of saving a women from another dangerous man however the framing of the cut demonstrates representations of gender. For example the female protagonist was placed significantly behind the male which illustrates the girl’s subordination compared to the male.

The next element which produces representations of gender is through sound.

In one cut once the female had saved the male from the life threatening situation from the dialogue such as “Come on” with a high intensity, provoking the animal, suggests bravery and a strong masculinity. This dialogue may have been said as an attempt to regain status as he’s just been saved by a girl. At the start of the first cut a synchronisation from the strings is displayed when the music matches to the sombre or negative topic. “Let her go” by a different male suggest he may think of the male as being superior therefore shouldn’t have to run after her. In this scene within the barn one female protagonist was trying to bribe the male character through dialogue. Therefore this could represent woman being manipulative to convery power in antithesis to males who assert their power in a physical manner. “My best coat!” also creates representation of women such as an obsession of appearance and vanity. However positive representations towards woman are also portrayed. For example once one woman has undertaken the stressful experience the other female protagonist says “you okay” which suggests women to be expressive and caring in contrast to males who are minimal with their dialogue. The diegetic sound the dogs barking emphasise the bad situation of the woman conveying the woman’s vulnerability further. This is also emphasised by the harsh sound effects which build and sustain tension creating a climax.

The next factor which displays representations is through mise en scene. Expressions play a key role, for example when the blonde male is approached by the sabre toothed tiger his expression coveys fear leading to a sympathetic response from the audience however this contrasts greatly to the calm and collective expression of the girl, which suggests a swap in roles involving dominance. At the start of the scene the colour intensity is high on the male compared to the grainy background. This demonstrates the natural setting however focuses the attention on the male protagonist which could suggest male superiority. The females clothing (blonde) presents a male style which is in contrast to the stereotypes of a feminine woman, however another female character in the film is represented with a high pride in her appearance which conforms to the stereotype.

This however portrays the different roles and characteristics of women which may have changed in contemporary times. The props such as the heavy machinery emit

connotations such as manual masculine feelings. However the female is in charge of the stereotypical male vehicle. Therefore this suggests equality and an improvement of women within jobs and status compared to the traditional domestic duties. Even though the women within the extract portray dominance through props, the male characters continually illustrate dominance. For example the males usage of the guns for example, the shot gun in the barn and the hand gun involving the key protagonists. This contrasts to how the brunette women displays authority by attempting blackmail. Overall this could suggest males and women are equally dominant although just portray it through different criteria.

A final way in which representations of gender have been displayed is through camera work. For example the low angle looking down on the male in the whole illustrates his vulnerability and helpless position which displays him as subordinate. However a different low angle in conveying the tiger illustrates dominance of man and a hierarchy with the animal being lower. Establishing shots such as before the male jumps looking on in the long distant horizontal plane suggests his thoughts which leads to the male’s hasty decision. An extreme close up on the woman’s face when she’s been knocked down suggest demonstrates her fear and panic further suggesting the women’s weak position compared to the male. A pivot shot is used which creates the effect as the camera is on a fixed position that someone or something would be looking at them for example the dangerous tiger which overall represents vulnerability to the male and the woman.

Overall the particular extract conveys elements of representation through various ways of media aspects. In conclusion a mix of equality is suggested overall, however the traditions where the male characters save the day are clearly presented. Although a mix of response from empathy juxtaposed to spite is displayed from the audience involving both genders.

Explanation/Analysis/Argument:  /20

Use of Example:  /20

Terminology:   /10

Editing

the idea of editing is coordinating the different shots in order to create a coherent whole. This system of editing is continuity editing - its purpose is to create and provide efficient and artful transitions.

• In filmmaking, the task selecting and joining and camera takes.
• In the finished film, the set of techniques that governs the relation among shots

Editing is the process of preparing language, images, or sound through correction, condensation, organisation, and or other modifications in various media.. Editing is therefore, also a practice that includes creative skills, human relations.

Juxtaposition and meaning

Edwin S. Porter, the great train robbery 1903 shots in sequence to create meaning for audience. From exterior shots to set, audience is encouraged to believe the events they see are immediatley sequential.

The Kuleshov Effect

• Lev Kuleshov, cicra 1920: intercut an actors face with unrelated footage taken later.
• Audiences interpreted emotional responses on the actors face based on the juxtaposition.

Contrast 'four main functions' of film editing

• Make sure that the production is the required length of time.
• To remove unwanted material or mistakes
• To alter if needed the the way or the sequence in which events will be portrayed
• To establlish the particular style and character of a production

Graphic Relations

•  A graphic match is acheived by joining 2 shots together that have a similarity in terms of light/dark line or shape, volume or depth, movement or stasis.
• A graphically discontinuous edit creates a clash of visual content by joinuing 2 shots that are disimilar in terms of on or more of the above things e.g. light or dark.

Rhythmic Relations

• the rhythm shows juxtapositions of longer and shorter shots as well as through transitional devices that can affect the precievers sense of beat or tempo. E.g. Merlin - Short shots and queen longer shots therefore showing authority.

Rhythmic Transitional Devices.

• Straight cut
• Fade out
• Fade in
• Dissolve
• Wipe
• Flip frame
• Jump cut

Temporal Relations

some tv programmes the  narrative duration can vary from 1 hour to 1 year. to show this the characters appearances change to show the duration of the narrative.

Chronology

the two most common disruptions to chronological order are flash backs and flashforwards.


Spatial relations

providing preceivers a reliable sense of the physical space that constitutes the world of film.

• Establishing shot
• Shot/Reverse shot
• Eyeline match (POV shot)
• Re-establishing shot

Thematic Relations

Editors have thier disposal tow very powerful techniques for manipulating the preceivers place in the hierachy of knowledge, and therefore affecting our thematic understanding of the film.

Montage Sequences
Cross Cut Editing

Sound

Sound has the power to create certain moods and can signal events that are about to happen. the power of music to manipulate audiences emotions has always been acknowledge in television and films.

3 essential ingredients

• The human voice (dialogue)
• Sound effects
• music

 The world TV programme we see on screen is called the DIEGESIS ( TV World)

there are two main types of sound in TV drama digetic sound and non diegetic sound.
Diegetic sound contributes to the realism of a TV drama e.g. doorbell

Non diegetic sound is sound that takes place out of the diegesis which is usually placed on later in the post production e.g. music.

Foley Sound - where normal natural sounds are reproduced and edited into the TV drama. e.g. rustling leaves, squeaky doors. this helps to create a sense of versimilitude within the diegesis. without the crucail backgrtound noise movies feel unaturally unconfortable and not real.

Narrative Devices - elements that help explain the narrative (story/plot) e.g. voice over, captions and extended dialogue.

the voice over can also allow us to information about the central character and his/her representation.

they can also allow privileged information so sometimes we  will know more than the characters in the diegesis do.

direct address - when the character on screen talks directly to the audience.

• it is an alternative to the voice over.
• this is rare in TV drama but when used can create humour or can act as a narrative device.

Music is used to help us feel part of the story or know how the characters are feeling wether this is happy, sad, scared or amused.


Incidental Music - this is used to add emotion and rhythm to a drama usually not meant to be noticeable.
it can also indicate a change in mood for example dissonant music may be used in film to indicate an approacing (but not yet visible) menace or disaster.

Sound Motifs - for example a particular peice of music is played that is associated with something in the film e.g. Jaws music.

Parallel Sounds - things you expect to hear. e.g. fast paced loud music in a chase or fight scene.

Contrapuntal Sound - sound that does not fit in the images we see on screen e.g. classical music used over a violent scene.

Stings - either a breif cresendo stab of music used to enhance a drama of the current just before the end of a dramatic scene. e.g. Arthur finishes the fight.

Ambient Sound - also known as natural sound. the sound occuring in the area where they shoot the drama. it is often used or created in dramas to create versimilitude.

Crusendo - A build up in music to show someting is going to happen
 e.g. Jaws Music

Merlin Essay (class version) Class & Status

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of class and status using the following:

Camera angle, movement and position - zooms in on her to show importance and long shot. More time on screen. high angled shot on merlin in the courtyard to show he is lower social class. re-establishing shot of merlin in the town, juxtaposition in comparison to castle (binary opposition) merlin walks towards the camera therefore implying we relate to him. Arthur stands on something to make him higher than merlin therefore implying status.

Editing - extreme close up on eye. no one else in the diegesis can see. merlin uses rope and a crate to protect himself connotes his status.

Sound - choir like music and religious. dialogue what are you doing here. merlin has to justify. footsteps (Foley sounds) door slams (reaction shot) sheep sounds. States 'my lord'. Upbeat jolly music, not serious fight.

Mise en scene - well looked after clothes, purple royalty. Statue connotes success. merlin doesn’t have a weapon therefore implying his status. Gias reads book and wears glasses, connotes intelligence and status.

There are lots of examples of editing in the extract of merlin. Firstly, the shots vary in length to show the difference of authority with merlin and the witch. These two characters show binary oppositions through their social class, rich vs. poor. When merlin is looking at the woman's personal belongings the length of shots are quite short. This suggests he is not supposed to be there in comparison the length of shot on the woman are longer to show her power and importance over merlin. The sound is quite mysterious and simple when the camera focuses on merlin however, when the camera focuses on the woman an extra level is added to the sound to show her status. As Merlin leaves the castle a high angled shot is used as he walks down the stairs to suggest he doesn’t belong there and everybody else in the castle has authority over him. Furthermore a jump shot is used to imply just how different the two locations are therefore emphasising their binary oppositions. As the narrative develops, the action, sound and camera movement become more frantic and fast. During the fight match on action is used when merlin is fighting and sees Gaius’s disappointment and immediately stops which shows the authority Gaius has over Merlin. In addition to this the shot used on the fight is a high angled point of view shot to show exactly what Gias can see and the high angled shot helps to show his power and authority over merlin. As well as this, a reaction shot is used when merlin spots Gaius in the crowd. His reaction is stunned and sorrowful he then loses the fight as he realises what he is doing is wrong. The reaction shot used on Gaius expresses disappointment and betrayal. This emphasises the Gias’s power over Merlin and how he expects him to behave in an appropriate manner. During the fight scene an extreme close up is used on Merlin’s eye to show him using his magic. This is effective as no one else in the diegesis can see this therefore it makes the audience feel more involved and relate to the character of Merlin. Lastly Merlin uses his magic to move a rope and a crate to trip Arthur over and protect himself. These particular items connote lower class as they are basic items unlike the weapon Arthur uses.

Sound is represented throughout the extract of Merlin with diegtic and non-diegetic sounds. For example, at the beginning of the extract non diegtic sounds are edited into the sequence to create tension when Merlin is looking through the lady's belongings when he isn't supposed to. The music used is mysterious. It automatically stops when the lady is speaking to show her importance and power. Diegtic sounds are used when Merlin is walking through the farm for example, ambient sound such as chicken noises and people talking in the background. This creates Verisimilitude for the audience. When the fight starts, the music increases in speed and volume to suggest drama and violence however, the music is quite joyful and not intense which suggests that the fight could be just for a laugh. The sound fades when Gaius is looking down on Merlin in disappointment, this emphasises that fact that Gaius is like a father figure to Merlin and he realises what he is doing is wrong and loses the fight. Lastly as the fight ends by Arthur knocking Merlin to the ground a sting sound is used to make the end of the fight sudden and show Arthurs power and authority over Merlin. As well as sound and music dialogue plays an important role as the lady in the castle says ‘what are you doing in here’ in sharp tone to imply her power over Merlin. In his reply he stutters to show his nervousness around her and lack of importance.

Mise- en- Scene plays a huge part when defining class and status within the characters. We are first introduced to Merlin who is seen to wear very rough tired clothing, which shows that he has not come from a wealthy background and therefore is looked down on by the other leading characters. His robe is red which may be seen as being ironic, as red connotes royalty and wealth. On the other hand we are then shown a binary opposition of Merlin, fully dressed in armour made of iron this shows wealth and that he may be part of the army or royal family. Juxtaposition is used when Merlin leaves the castle grounds and enters the village to show the binary oppositions of the two. The castle shows stone and statues that connote wealth and success whereas the village shows wicker baskets and rickety stalls there for connoting lower class. In addition to this when the fight begins Arthur has to give Merlin a weapon. The lack of Merlin having a weapon shows his lower class status and his inexperience of fighting.

There are many shots and camera angles within the sequence that offer many different aspects of how class is represented. One of the more prominent ones is how the “commoner” Merlin is depicted within the castle. In a number of shots we see Merlin walking through the very grand castles. Steady Camera movements and wide shots are used to depict merlin as very small in comparison to the castle. This reflects the class structure where the commoners are the little people in comparison to the rich. We also see Merlin fighting with Prince Arthur. When Arthur moves towards Merlin initially with his weapon and begins to swing it above his head, the camera does not pan upwards to show the weapon; instead it remains a steady mid shot. This proves that the wealthier Prince does not need a weapon to with stand his ground or show his strength, his presence is enough to do that. The way that the camera is angled shows only his body in his armour. His stance within the shot also contributes to this. He is standing with a further three knights yet he is standing clearly in front of this, leading the pack and the camera is clearly positioned at all times to show the hierarchy within this group. Throughout the build-up to the scene we also see how a four-shot depicts the closeness between the knights and the gap between Merlin and anyone else. We also see an example of a two shot in a previous scene when he is in the Lady’s room. At all times the gap is used to distinguish the class difference between these sets of people. Because they are off different classes they are not seen to socialise or get too close to the poor, suggested by the placement of the actors within the two and four shots.

We then look at Camera angles. There are clear indications as to who has the power from the angles of the cameras. Arthur is taller than Merlin and subsequently we see things from Arthurs eye-level. This gives us reason to believe that these shots have been chosen to show his looking down on a member of a lower class. We see this again when a low-angle shot is used when Gaius, a man whose intellectual power and stance within the royal household gives him more power and status than Merlin, is watching over, un-approvingly, the fight Merlin and the Prince are having. Earlier on we had seen an eye-line match from Merlin when he sneaks into the Lady’s room. His hesitation to enter and jumpy stance suggests he is in quarters of a higher class than his own, and this is reflected through the camera movement. We initially see Merlin creep out of the shot when the camera is focused on a grand part of the castle and later we see as Merlin enters the room, the camera pan around it, indicating his eye movements, to check no one will catch him in a room he isn’t meant to be in.