Monday, 7 March 2016

Evaluation Task 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Through mise-en-scene, camera, editing and sound my media product specifically represents class and status as well as regional identity. 

Through mise-en-scene, our media product represents class and status as well as regional identity. For example, through the choice of costume there is a clear separation between the two characters regarding class and status. The antagonist, played by Adam Grant, is wearing a smart black tux which illustrates him as powerful and upper class, therefore empowering him. In contrast, the protagonist, played by Chris Gould, is wearing a loose shirt and tie which appear to be quite battered similarly to the trousers. The casual look presents him as less powerful than Adam as the two looks contrast one another, which therefore illustrates Chris as having a lower status compared to Adam. However, it is clear that Adam is from a specific regional identity, Scouse, which could be seen as a counter stereotype when considering his costume as he appears to be upper class and formal, a connotation not often associated with that region. The use of the Gun also elevates Adam’s powers as it is a threatening weapon that is being shown as pointing at Chris, therefore weakening him. 

Through the use of camerawork, these particularly social groups are also represented. For example, throughout the sequence there are many close ups on Adam’s eyes and lips when he is threatening Chris. These close ups empower him as it is emphasising what he is saying, which is threatening, which results in his class and status as being higher. It also highlights the difference in accent between the two, therefore furthering the difference in regional identity; Adam being Scouse in contrast to Chris’ city accent. As well as this, there is a low angle shot of Adam. This makes him seem bigger and therefore more powerful which heightens his status and class. 


Editing is also used to represent class and status and regional identity. Through the use of cutting between Adam and Chris’ close ups, we can see the contrast in facial expressions. Adam’s facial expressions are calm and stern in contrast to Chris’ which is worried and scared. This contrast shows the clear difference in power and therefore class and status between the two characters. This also shows the contrast in where the characters are from, as it is juxtaposing the accents between the two, which again represents different regional identities. As well as this, the long duration shots when showing Chris illustrate the fear he is feeling. This makes him less powerful than Adam therefore showing his class and status as low. Through the green screen, we were able to use footage that illustrates the location being on the top of a roof. On top of this we edited Chris onto this green screen facing away from the camera, and then edited a close up of the gun so it looks as though they are in the same shot. This empowers Adam as he is threatening Chris’ life which again demonstrates how Adam is of a higher status compared to Chris as he is in power. 


Class and status as well as regional identity are represented through the use of sound in the opening thriller sequence. Chris towards the end of the sequence becomes more scared, which we can see through the use of sound as his voice becomes a higher pitch. This weakens him and therefore lowers his class status. However, through his city-like accent, we can say that despite the other connotations showing him as lower status, this is a contrast as people often associate the city-like accent as being upper class and being of a higher status. Through sound, we can also see that Adam is Scouse. This fits the normal antagonist connotations as they are often foreign especially in relevance to the protagonist. This makes his regional identity evident. 

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