Torchwood Sexuality Essay

In the Torchwood clip there is camera, editing, sound and mise en scene to show the representation of sexuality,

Firstly, it is interesting how the BBC has included a shot that breaks the 180 rule when the two homosexual men are elegantly dancing with each other. This could denote that the homosexual men are 'breaking the rules' as the era appears to be in the 50's which was seen as non-existent to see. 

The use of a mid angle, close-up is to show the two men's emotions whilst stargazing in each others eyes, from when they come together and when Jack has to leave. The emotions signify how they seem completely confident in each others arms and show to show the clear bond. Which in fact subverts away from stereotypes as homosexual's are viewed to be more reluctant about their sexuality. 

There is a very important shot which is a wide shot with a mid angle when they are holding each other. This could of been used to show the isolation of them away from the other characters in the ballroom, which could represent the face of society towards same sex partnerships. 

The pace of the clip is significant to the representation of sexuality when the homosexual men are dancing with each other. It is interesting how the pace slows down dramatically and could even suggest the use of slow motion is used to further emphasize the romance. I feel this connotes that homosexuals can have romance too. 

The two homosexual men in fact actually get more screen time than any other characters in the clip. Even though there are heterosexual couples there which are seen as the 'norm' it actually subverts away from this stereotypical engagement. The BBC could of done this to promote that being in a homosexual relationship is completely normal as it hits a huge target audience which the institution have.

The use of slow-mo which creates the clear chemistry between Jack and his partner is used to show that just because their homosexuals that they can have love too. The use of slow-mo is stereotypically used in a heterosexual love scene which is again reiterating how a homosexual partnership shouldn't be differing from the 'norm'.

The opening scene is between two males characters in which the dialogue shows their difference of personality. One of the men expresses his emotions by using explicit language to the other man, "part-time shag". Although this language is offensive, the institution (BBC) may have used this to show the feelings of members of society that are still against homosexual partnerships. It actually creates empathy towards homosexuals and brings awareness to the audience.

The non diegetic on screen music is used when the two homosexual men slowly dance with each other and the audience can sense the clear connection of the two. The music is calm and romantic which is stereotypically expected from a love scene which is done by the BBC to show their is no difference in sexuality.

Another use of dialogue that could be seen as the 'voice' of some in society is when the two homosexual men begin to dance with each other. A man who is in a smart 'Army' costume confusingly states- "what is he doing?", which in the era it is based (50's/60's), was seen as almost a 'crime' to commit.

The mise en scene throughout actually subverts away from all stereotypes of homosexual behaviour and costume. The homosexual man that confidently walks over to Jack is wearing a smart Army uniform which would not stereotypically be associated with homosexual men. As an audience we are used to the representation being 'revealing' and 'tight' as a costume, this therefore shows how homosexual men are represented the wrong way and the institution makes us aware of this. This also applies to the 'look' of the actors which both male characters have masculine features.

The use of high-key lighting in the scene where the two men are kissing actually connotes the way they feel about each other. In a way it puts a positive light on the two men as they are the main focus of the scene which is unusual for homosexual men to be due to the 'negative spotlight' or connotations around homosexuals.

Terminology- Task 9

Mainstream - safe genre films that are distributed to mass, national and often international audiences

Independent - films that have more localised appeal and niche audiences and that often utilise digital technologies to create 'brand awareness'. Independent films do not have access to extensive distribution networks.

Production - the physical film making process

Distribution - getting the films out to cinemas and paying for the advertising and marketing

Exchange - OCR's commonly used terminology

Multinational Conglomerate - large organisations whose business interests are global, utilising synergy and convergence and also cross media ownership.

Monopoly - where one company dominates the market

Oligopoly - where four or more companies dominate the market

The Big Six - the four international organisations that dominate film distribution and form the oligopoly of ownership (owned by multi national conglomerates

Globalisation  - where films are distributed around the work through elaborate cross media networks

Horizontal Integration - where one media company acquires another media company in the same sector eg Vue acquiring Warner Village Cinemas in 2003

Vertical Integration - where the means or production and distribution are controlled by one company

Digital technologies - primarily this refers to how the internet has changed the industry including advertising through and on websites, online distribution, streaming, legal and illegal downloading eg. through YouTube (file sharing)

Synergy - where two or more compatible products sell each other eg. a film and CD (8 Mile)

Merchandising - where the popularity of film are manipulated through the sales of spinoff goods eg. t-shirts and associated clothing, wristbands, stickers, badges and mugs

Cross media ownership - where companies have interest in a range of media eg Sony and Gaming, film Distribution, electronic (media related) devices

Convergence - where film is advertised using a range of media platforms but also becomes available on one platform - the internet.

Cross media convergence – is the process by which a range of media platforms integrate within a single piece of media technology.

Multinational convergence – is the process whereby progressively individuals control increasing shares of mass media.

Technological convergence – is the tendency that as technology changes, different technological systems evolve towards performing similar tasks.

Consumption and media consumption – the stuff people buy, e.g cinema tickets, merchandise, drinks. Is the sum of information and entertainment media take in by a company.

Piracy – the unauthorised reproduction or use of a copyrighted tv programme, or film.

Tie – in – a media product, e.g book, that makes use of material presented in another, usually more well-known media product.

Ultraviolet – is a cloud based digital rights locker for movies and television.

Above, below, through the line – in organisational business and marketing communications, are advertising techniques, or strategies to sell products.

Above the line – use media that are broadcast and published to mass audiences, harder to measure.

Below the line – Use communication use media that are more niche focused. Use marketing the ability to tailor their messaging in a more personal manner to the audience. Highly measurable.

Merlin Exam Answer

In the Merlin clip shown, editing, camera, sound and mise en scene is used to create a clear divide in the representation of class difference.

The use of the close up camera shot is Merlin is to further emphasize the difference of class in the clip. It is used when Merlin is dropping some kind of small parcel off  to the room whereby the women we assume has greater power enters. The close up is to show the scared and shocked facial expressions of Merlin. Furthermore it is to show the divide in lower and upper class as, Merlin wouldn't react in this way if he was the same class as the lady.

It is interesting how the camera is mostly on Merlin throughout the clip. The reason this subverts away from stereotypes is that we would associate the upper class to have more of the power due to their class status. This also makes the audience certain that he is the protagonist and also that class shouldn't be a difference between humans.

Another shot used is a high angle point of view shot to show Arthur looking down on Merlin. This is used when Arthur has just beaten Merlin in a fight. The shot is used to show the 'power' Arthur has and how he represents the upper class compared to the lower-class. The lower class are therefore seen as 'vulnerable' and 'weak'.

The use of costume of the lower class in the village and also Merlin has a 'scruffy' look to it showing how they have little money to afford the clothes that the upper class have and gain sympathy towards them. This is comparable to the the woman in the very first part of the opening scene who wears a silk blue dress.  The lady looks extremely presentable in contrast to the lower class.

The setting is an important feature of the representation of the lower class. The 'scrappy' and 'dirty' conditions show how they live their lives and emphasise the difference compared to the 'cleanest' of the upper class. The fact that the lower class live in this way represents how they are treated in society compared to the 'snobby' upper class living conditions.

The order of narrative is very interesting as it shows how the lower class is seen as the 'failing' figure in society. From the beginning of the clip to the end we constantly see how lower class continues to fail in everything they do and are over ruled by other classes in society.

The dialogue by Merlin (the protagonist) shows the rebellious side of the lower class which we wouldn't expect when he speaks to Arthur. The fact Arthur is upper class he uses patronising language choices to show his authority of Merlin. However, this does not work and breaks the stereotypes we expect Merlin and the lower class to be like.

Task 7- Audience and Cinema Going

What days to audiences go to the cinema?

Audiences go at the weekend as this is when they have the most free time available. This tends to be Friday and Saturday, but Sunday not as much. Although, Sundays are still bigger audience than some weekdays.

What are the most popular genres? 

From 1995 to 2016 there has ben statistics about the most popular film genres. The most popular is  Comedy with 21.94% share of the market. Not far behind is Adventure with at 21.86% share, then Action and Drama with 16/17%.

What was the top film in each of these genres?

Comedy- Home Alone/ 1990/ Gross $285,761, 243.

Adventure- Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring/ 2001/ $36,116,967.

Action- Die Hard/ 1988/ $81,350,242

Drama- The Shawshank Redemption/ $58 million

How do audiences hear about films?

A lot of films are advertised via billboards, bus posters and trailers. It is a very effective way of advertising as it is very hard to miss at least one of these methods.

Do audiences prefer US, UK or other nationality films?

I prefer US films because the Media production companies love the use of SFX which makes the film more exhilarating in my opinion. Also I love US actors like Leonardo Di Caprio who appears mostly in US films.

Do audiences like 3D films?

The demand for 3D films since the arrival has increasingly slow down as viewers have referred to it as 'off putting' and 'gives me headaches'.

What other ways to audiences watch film aside from the cinema?

You have film platforms like Netflix and LoveFilm that you pay monthly to watch the films they have to offer. You can now also buy or rent films off the internet, an example is Amazon Prime.

Who do audiences go to the cinema with?

Depending on the film, it is very varied. For audience are more likely to see a comedy with friends and a Drama film with partner.

When and where are most audiences likely to go to the cinema?

Most audiences go to the cinema Friday and Saturday as this is when people have the most free time. Audiences generally go to mainstream cinemas like Odeon and Cineworld.

10 Independent Cinemas- Task 6

The Rio, Burnham-on-Crouch. Previously called The Electric Kinema, built in 1910. They aim to show movies whilst delivering them at the lowest for customers. Recently it has been showing massive films like Deadpool which increases popularity of the cinema. It also includes only 2 screens with a total of 280 seats and is known for being the cheapest in the county (Essex). 

Genesis in London was opened in 1848 after being turned from a pub into a music hall. They do show recent mainstream movies like Deadpool but also less recognised films and even old movies. The fact they do this distinguishes the difference between the two which may appeal to different audiences. Prices between Odean and Genesis are not particularly different but Genesis does have a bar, gallery and kitchen. 

The Cornerhouse in Manchester was an old furniture shop only to be transformed into a cross-media area. It includes three screens, three galleries, a café, bookshop and a bar guaranteeing something interesting is always going on there. It is known for the being one of the best independent cinemas and also the Hollywood films it shows. It even held the UK première for Reservoir Dogs and is the home of film festival 'Viva'. 

BFI Southbank in London was known as the 'National Film Theatre' from 1951 to 2007. With membership perks, cheap Tuesdays, and agenda setting film seasons it has its own unique style compared to mainstream cinemas like Odean and Cineworld. The complex now includes a studio,  gallery space, a shop, and a bar and restaurant run by Benugo.

Film 4, Summit, Icon and Warp Films- Task 5

1st Slide- Film 4

-When they were stabilised, who by and a little overview.

2nd slide-

- 5 popular films by them in the last 5 years

3rd slide-

-box office of 2 of their films

4th slide-

- target audiences and genres

DO THE SAME FOR THE OTHER 3

Stereotypes of Age (Lesson)

Children:

- Vulnerable 

- Silly 

- Small 

- Immature 

- Innocent 

- Playful 

- Naughty 

Teens: 

- Violent

- Chavs

- Rude 

- Arrogant 

- Rebellious 

- Antisocial 

Adults 20-50:

- Boring 

- Mature 

- Family focused 

- Work 

- Sensible 

Elderly: 

- Slow 

- Wise 

- Traditional 

- Old fashioned 

- Grumpy 

- Deaf

Counter Type: the opposite of a stereotype. Can be positive or subvert from the stereotype. 

Skins: 

Editing: 

-  Pace is slow to show teens are slow

- when fighting the pace speeds up

- more mature character gets more screen time 

- order of narrative shows the drunken teenagers first compared to the two on the trampoline 

Mise en scene: 

- Messy setting showing how untidy they are 

- Props: Alcohol, cigarette is a counter type of the way the character looks 

- red shoes show danger about to come- casey is in danger?

- Trampoline outside shows that teenagers are forced to grow up to fast and Cassie is portraying the innocence.

- Childish actions show the way teenagers are not transforming into adults despite their age 

- lighting is bright when shes bouncing on the trampoline showing us she is not doing what the sound suggests, positive light could mean positive connotations 

Sound: 

- Asynchronous sound- Cassie on trampoline - teenagers are promiscuous because it seems that she is having sex, which plays on stereotypes. When actually she is doing something completely innocent- teenagers shouldn't be prejudged therefore challenging them. 

- Dialogue- throughout, when the boy is swearing on the trampoline and another  uses 'safe' which is slang language which has connotations of 'thug' language. - also when the girl says " we f**k english boy" shows again why teenagers are perceived as promiscuous, which fits the stereotype. 

- Diegetic music which is fast and hard to hear what is going on

- non diegetic music, smashing of the glass, laughing, flirting and shouting in the party- how teenagers are irresponsible and not ready to be breaching into 'adults' behaviour yet. 

Camera: 

- Close ups for facial expressions 

- long shot showing teenagers drunken actions 

- close up to show a couple close with each other showing teenagers constant thoughts

- mid shot to show costume which is scruffy- teenagers don't care at that age "lazy".

Practice Exam Style Answer: 

P: Within the mise en scene, the producers use costume to convey messages about their ideologies of the representation of age.  

E: We see the 'chav' costumes on the group of boys that arrive late, contrasted with the posher, richer costumes of the hosts of the house party. These contrast further with the grungy dark costume of Sid, and again with Cassie's classical gold dress and flowing hair. 

E: On the first reading, the chav image seems to conform to stereotypes- the director is feeding the audience with a representation of age which we expect. It does not challenge us to think beyond the stereotype, However, the multiple representations also suggest that the ideology of stereotypes are wrong. There are many different 'types' of teenagers, whose difference should be noticed (but perhaps are not by society).

Skins (Lesson)

Opening Scene of a Skins Episode

Editing (Acronym STOPS)

What: Fragmented narrative.

Where: Multiple scenes, interspersed. Inside party, trampoline, outside arrival, leaving, Sid and Cassie.

Why (Representation): Chaotic teenage life- understanding teenage mindset- creating empathy for teens in the modern world. E4- teen audience- trying to fight stereotypes. 

What: Fast pace.

Where: Inside party. 

Why: Fun loving side of teens.

What: Screen time. 

Where: Sid and Cassie. 

Why: Serious issued prioritised.

Narrative: PEE

Point- The use of the fragmented narrative in this clip helps to further the representation of narrative.

Evidence- The narrative intersperses loud party scenes with quieter conversation scenes outside in the trampoline. We also have a long establishing scene (opening shot) as the boys arrive at the party, a fast paced fight scene, and the final action when the main teenage protagonists leave. 

Explanation- This fragmentation helps to convey the chaos of teenage life. The multiple narratives shoe just how much teenagers have to cope with in a short space of time. As an institution with a predominantly teenage audience. E4 is acting as an advocate for teen issues, and trying to get the viewer to emphasise the sheer amount of pressure society puts on teenagers. It is also a commercially viable decision, as the empathy secures its fan base by supporting teens in fighting back against stereotypes.

Ethnicity (Lesson)

Definition of Ethnicity: 

- social groups that share the same identity, history and cultural roots.

- oriental 

- hispanic 

- mixed race 

- white

- middle eastern 

- eastern european 

- european 

- black african 

- white african

- india 

White stereotypes: 

- rich

- superior

- family orientated 

- dominant 

- 'professionals' 

- privileged   

Eastern European stereotypes: 

- violent

- crime 

- abrupt 

- diversity 

- drugs and weapons 

Black (African and American): 

- cultural history 

- slaves- lower class 

- inferior 

- gangs 

- poverty 

'Eastern':

- food for identity 

- doctors/ professionals

- hard working and high achieving  

Clip: 

- different ethnicities doing labour work  apart from white British.

- black african fitting a stereotype of a doctor.

- white British seen as the dominant figure- commanding other ethnic races around.

- at the eating area, ethnic groups are together and showing stereotypical behaviours- eastern european very loud and angry - black africans blessing their food with a prayer to God. 

Hotel Babylon- Screengrabs

Camera: Medium Shot is to show the 2 Black African characters praying before their meal.  This also a stereotypical behavior of a religious believer.

Sound: The non-diegetic music is soft and calm suggesting they are free from the previous troubles during the day and that the characters feel safe in the environment. Although, the non-diegetic background sound is people talking nearby which suggests they are in a small room or find it hard to find peace and quiet.

Editing: The pace is quite slow in contrast to previous scenes in the clip, this could mean that because the immigrant police have gone that peace is finally restored.

Mise-en-scene: The two characters are in their work uniforms and appear to be lower/working class. They setting shows that they are not at home and a cafeteria like area. This could connote that they have a lack of income to afford a house or that other nationalities are discriminated against in the workplace because of their ethnicity.

Camera: The shot is called a master shot that shows all the characters in one shot. The mixture of races have fled to a small cupboard in fear of being taken or being kicked out the county.

Sound: The use of diegetic sound of the reactions of the characters is used to show how scared the characters are. Before this shot the sound is very high paced and load, then in this shot it is somewhat quiet showing the tension and the un-expectancy of what is going to happen next. In theory this represents they never know when they are going to be caught and taken by the government.

Editing: The editing is very fast-paced and switches between characters facial expressions in a way of showing their worried emotions. The fast-paced editing is a way of denoting that situations can change very quickly, in this situation they were doing their day-to-day jobs and now end up hiding in a cupboard,

Mise en scene: In this shot the use of uniform and its colors represent a lot about immigrants. The fact that in society they are stereotyped as lower-class workers is fulfilled in this shot by the chef, maid and cleaner uniforms. Also the colors represent their vulnerability in the way that they are only wearing dark red or a white. The dark red could connote they are in danger of being caught but the white could show they mean no harm and are peaceful.

Camera: The camera shot is an over the shoulder shot showing the women in white bossing the Asian lady around. The woman in white also has direct address as she is the main focus of the shot showing that although the Asian woman may have the most screen time, the 'superior' race of White British is the more powerful character.

Sound: There is no non- diegetic music which represents the emotions of the Asian lady due to the fact that one of her workers has been taken from her. Although, there is diegetic background sound of a phone call signalising that work has to carry on a normal despite the recent situation. This could connote that society feels less smithy for other races apart from White.

Editing: The editing is In this shot it clearly represents the different ethnicity between the two woman as one is centre of the shot and  is very outgoing with her blonde hair and bright white suit unlike the one on the right who fades into the background with a darker suit and dark brown hair.  This shows the strong difference between ethnicity and how the English women is allowed to stand out whereas the other lady is not.

Mise-en-scene: The blonde woman is wearing a smart white suit which tells the audience she has some sort of power in the workplace. This is effective as behind are some workers that are of lower class and shows the clear divide between the blonde hair women and them.