Representation and Ethnicity: Hotel Babylon

Hotel Babylon Representation and Ethnicity (3)

Doctor: Representation of Gender

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of gender using the following:
Camera shots, angles, movement and composition, Editing, Sound, Mise en scène

Doctor Who is a science fiction drama produced by the BBC, which in this text and commonly throughout the series complies with Straus’ Narrative theory by having binary opposites of good versus evil. The evil character is a male which conforms to that stereotype however this is challenged by the protagonist The Doctor who is a male but is a good character who balances disequilibrium in the plot.

The camera angles represent age as they establish the dominance of the characters. For example, a low angle mid-shot is used to focus on the evil character to signify that he has power in the scene over the female and the other characters. This is reinforced to the audience when the female character is shown using high angle above the shoulder shot to show her vulnerability. This also invites the audience to see her fearful expression on her face in contrast to the evil character’s smug and powerful body language. It represents the idea that females struggle to assert power over males which is present in this scene. The long-shot of the set reinforces through mise-en-scene that the evil character holds power as it shows he has other men with guns holding other characters against their will. Through sound this stereotype is also reinforced as the audience can see by dialogue that he is giving commands to the female to ‘kneel’ and ‘bow’ her head. This complies with the stereotype that males are controlling especially over females thus representing the male character in a negative light and reinforcing his evil character. In terms of editing action match is used to show the effects of the evil character’s actions when CGI is used to show rockets and alien space ships ready to attack. This emphasises the action to the audience as it is connotes through the robotic dialogue of the space ships that they will cause destruction on earth. This demonstrates the representation that males are shown as more evil than women and wanting to disrupt equilibrium to gain personal power.

Although the female is represented as vulnerable this is reversed and challenged as the plot is revealed. For example, shot-reverse-shot reinforces the dialogue between her and the evil character in the scene but changes to a nonlinear narrative as action in the past is shown. The dissolve transition to soft focus shots and warm hue signifies that it has happened in the past. This has an effect on the course of events in the plot as action editing with shot and fast cuts are used to represent to the audience that the female character has now gained power.  This represents that despite the female’s vulnerability by being held against her will she has outsmarted the evil character. The extreme close up of her face shows her change in reaction to smiling representing to the audience that she is smart and happy with the outcome as the male evil character becomes vulnerable instead.

However, another character who is female assists the villain but it represented through mise-en-scene wearing a provocative red dress to symbolise her sexuality as well as wearing make-up. This suggests that the female is domestic and an object for observation. This is shown through a low angle long shot as the female stands a side from the villain which reminds the audience that the villain holds dominance and the female is only used for her physical presence as a reward or trophy. Tessa Perkin's theory can be applied in this way as the stereotype that females assistants are typically shown as being attractive and is a positive stereotype.

The mise-en-scene of the protagonist The Doctor shows him as being intelligent and as well as a 'new man' via a medium close-up during his revival. He wears a niche brown suit with styled hair which enables the audience to see that he is set a part from stereotypical suits which reinforces his heroic character against the bland and typical black and white suit that the villain is wearing. Straus's theory of narrative of the binary opposites good versus evil is reinforced through the sound and editing. For example, non-diegetic sound of a triumph classical number of violins plays as the Doctor is revived to his new age and emphasises the demise of the villain. A hand-held shot with a high angle is used in the final sequence which represents the villain's defeat. This complies with Barthes' theory of narrative as The Action Code is used as resolution of the plot is produced through action as the visual effects of the sonic screw driver shown in a mid shot that the villain uses to attack the Doctor can not penetrate his protection. An extreme close-up of the villain's hand is used to show it flying out of his hand. This represents the idea that this male villain is weak without his weapon. 

Film 4

Film4 factfile

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Sound | Editing | Paragraphs: Skins

The dialogue between the father and the son shows a reversal in audeince expectations. We see the father shouting and swearing at the teenager, which is normally something we would expect to hear from the teenager. The father's aggressive reaction to the diegetic rock music plays to the stereotype that teenagers play loud music and are inconsiderate to older people. His reaction also plays to the stereotype that teenagers frustrate their parents.

The image of the protagonist's sister of being rebellious in contrast to her brother is reinforced by the diegetic sound which is magnified of her heels on the pavement. This emphasises the stereotype that she has been out all night and also suggests that she is trying to act more like an adult. This stereotype is used in effect to portray to the audience that all teenage girls behave in a more adult way and dress in a way to make themselves more desirable to the opposite sex. On the other hand, non-diegetic sound is used to represent the protagonist's routine, having a repitive beat alongside the montage.  This challenges to stereotype that teenagers are unorganised and cannot commit themselves to a regular routine.

Parallel editing is used to show that the boy and girl are related and have a strong relationship. We can see through the parallel editing that they lead very different teenage lives, showing binary opposite characters. She is coming home; rebelling against house rules and he has been in his own bed. This conforms to Levi Strauss' idea that all narratives have opposites. The two narrative threads come together as she reaches the window and the cut aways show that she relies on him to cover up for her.

Action editing is used when the protagonist begins to excercise in his bedroom, using short and fast cuts to emphasise that it is the character's regular routine and is dealt with effectively. Although this style of editing conforms to the stereotype view that teenagers have a hectic life it also challenges it as the protagonist clearly has an organised lifestyle. This is also represented in a montage so the audience can see the different exercise movements and see that the routine is fast and tiring; which conforms to the stereotype that teenagers take great care in their appearence. The linear narrative is continued when an eyeline match is used to view the protagonist's perspective when he is looking out of the window at his nude neighbour. This emphasises the stereotype that teenagers are sexually charged. Cut away is used to focus on the sister away from the protagonist which reinforces to the audience that both teenagers have different lifestyles, the boy being organised and responsible and the girl being rebellious and carless. This complies to Straus' theory that binary opposites are used in narrative to represent the seperate lives of both characters.

Mise-en-scene | Camera Angle | Paragraphs: Skins

The mise en scene of the protagonists bedroom challenges and conforms to stereotypical views about youth culture. The establishing shot suggests that the series targets a teenage audience and it will follow the life and experiences of a teenager. The duvet cover shown is of a double bed with a naked man and woman, suggesting that this age group is sexually charged. The protagonist is positioned in the middle of the two bodies suggesting that he is sexually inexperienced. It could also be suggesting that he is alone and confused about his sexuality, which conforms to teenage sterotypes. In this shot natural lighting is used to give a sense of realism so the teenage audience identifies with the life of the protagonist.

The personality of the protagonist is displayed further to the audience as him being neat and organised, when the clothes in his draws are neatly tidied and through the montage we see a neat room. This challenges the stereotypical view that teenagers are messy so the teenage audience can assume that this character is very different to what they expect. This contrasts to the representation of his sister as we see that she has been out all night and her make-up and hair are not well groomed; with her clothing also being skimpy and provocative. Therefore the brother and sister are binary opposites as they have seperate lifestyles, the brother's being responsible whereas the sister is rebellious by going out when she is clearly not of an mature age (when we see her change into her school uniform).

The idea that teenagers are curious about sex is reinforced through the over the sholder shot used when he is looking at the older woman getting dressed through the window over the road. The shot is hand held so that the audience can have the same experience as the teenage main character. The following close up shot shows a lack of expression suggesting that this is routine and he has become disaffected by the image. This conforms to the stereotype that teenagers' lives are surrounded by sex and it plays a big part of their life.

The camera angle of the protagonist's sister is a track shot starting from the bushes and working outwards into an eyeline shot of her walking along the street. This creates a sense of secrecy as the camera angle suggests that she has something to hide and by being out in the open she is vulnerable. The audience can then assume that she has been out all night which conforms with the stereotype that teenagers are rebellious and hide secrets from their parents. The protagonist's perspective is shown via a low angle, hand held shot, looking down at her sister; which suggests that he has power over her. Transferring to a high-angle of the sister's point of view of the brother at the window to show her vulnerability; conforming to the stereotype that sister's rely on their brothers for safety.

Johnny English

Johnny english

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'My Boy Jack' - Notes

Editing

• Fade to close-up of watch implies that time is important to context/against them
• Cross-cutting used to switch between father and son
• Fast cuts on his father to emphasise his rush
• Long cuts on the protagonist to show slow and tense mood
• Shot-reverse-shot - in room/show clear conversation
• Continuity editing - chronological/show time passing
• Eyeline match for protagonist when viewing letters - experience his view
• Super impose used - letters he is seeing/experience his view/audience informed of his impaired vision & also at the beginning credits to set the scene (1914)
• Parallel editing - show two different events
• Cutaway to watch again - not necessary but emphasises that the element of time is still important
• Elipsis - don't see the father walk around/speeds up the action

Audience

• Primary audience - older audience/relate to war times/setting of the story appeal to them (1914)
• Message - that if not born into high class family during that time it was difficult to earn a high-rank
• Big star/recognisable actor 'Daniel Radcliffe' appeals to a mass audience - even draws in a younger audience because implies high production budget therefore a more probably chance that it is a good quality drama
• Also represents the change in values since 1914 to modern day i.e. discriminated in what he is applying for because he wears glasses

Dialogue

• Short formal conversation/posh dialect to match characters/relationships not strong
• Use of last names show position

Sound

• Diegetic sound for clock
• Sound bridge - clock and music
• Syncronym sound for car
• Parallel sound - it is up-tempo/jolly music with the man's mood
• Non-diegetic sound of string instruments

TV Drama

• Genre - historical/music costume and props contribute to this genre
• Stereotypical that boys watch it than girls
• Daniel Radcliffe appeals as he is a high class actor

Characters and Programme

• Daniel familiar & other actors
• Characters are well educated - respect but one is presented as snoobish
• Style realistic as it is based on true story
• Character are white-british
• Jack less important because of his Father's job

Narrative Sequences

• Clock ticking - narrative time (appears twice to reinforce this)
• Characters experience along with time
• D.R. shows high value
• Shots are parallel time but not linked
• One-off production drama

Back Story

• Drama premiere set in 1914 suggested by car style
• Language and tone suggest it too - older english/more defined
• Non-fiction characters suggest good representation of rich class

Mise-en-scene

• Setting countryside  (green & warmth) and Manorhouse reinforce the time (1914)
• Polished and shiny statue on car shows the wealth
• Open green field - space and more freedom in life/can afford better living standards
• Clock traditional to time period
• Bright sunny day reflects mood in contrast to nervous boy in dull room
• Clothing- formal suits & uniform - shows rank

Camera

• First shot is wide shot establishing scene
• Extreme-close up of seconds hand on watch - belongs to King/he doesn't want to be kept waiting
• Close-ups of car and driver -  of the wheel turning to show speed
• Mid-shot of car statue - represent high status
• Close-up of protagonist's eyes to show disadvantage
• Bird's eye view showing protagonist handing paper along with other applicants/shows they are equal
• Long-shot emphasises the long wait
• Hand-held camera - audience has eye-line with D.R. to empathise with him/unsteady camera shows uncertainty
• Mid-shots add realism as it is eye level
• Long shot of corridor & car
• Over-the-shoulder and mid-angle to show conversation (question Father's rank but shocked at it)
• High angle suggest authority

Representation

•  Shows change in times - lower class find it hard to enter upper-class jobs
• Average suit on protagnoist - lower class in contrast to the uniformed character with medals (clear high rank)