Exploring the subject of status represented in television extracts

Semiotic analysis:

The study of signs and symbols within a text to show different things e.g. communication.

Connotation/Denotation -

Stating what is seen in the scene/Analysing what this means.

DENOTATIONS & CONNOTATIONS OF A SCENE

The denotations in this scene include things such as the street being very simple and ordinary, the clothes the woman is wearing emphasises her motherly figure and the class that she may belong to. The way the family rushes through the door suggest that she's under quite a lot of stress especially with her late shifts that we can see by the fact she comes home late from work and has to pay the babysitter, which also shows us she is a single mum.

What does sound bring to a media text?

• Sets the tone of the scene

• Add a sense of realism that the audience can relate to

• Suspense

• Dramatic tension

• Sadness

• Action

4 Different types of sound:


Diagetic - sound that exists within the scene e.g. a radio, nightclub etc. Adds atmosphere.

Non diagetic - sound that is added over the action to create a particular mood or impression e.g. theme tunes and sounds over clips to emphasise actions and moods.

Synchronous - occurs when there is a match between the visuals and sound, so when what your seeing has an appropriate sound to accompany it. E.g. an action scene and a fast paced piece of music.

Selective - Emphasise particular moments of the text to create dramatic effect.







TYPES OF SOUND WITHIN A PIECE OF TEXT -

There is non diagetic sounds in terms of the theme tune, which is quite sad and ordinary. This shows us there are no surprises etc. There is selective sound when the kids are shouting in the scene which emphasises the stress within the scene. Lots of synchronised sounds - visuals of taking a shower along with the sound of the water. Gives you an insight into the characters life.







Showing status within a piece of text

School governors shown in very smart clothes with Dee and her children looking distraught etc. Dee, the main character often says "please" which shows her begging which also emphasises her status by the use of selective sound.




Discuss the ways in which status is represented in the clip

In this answer you must:

• Use media vocabulary and terminology.
• Discuss the different types of sound in the extract and how does this effect the clip as a whole.
• Make sure you discuss everything in detail.




Highlights from textual analysis




Camera angles -

At the start of the scene when theres a fight we see it from behind closed gates which put into perspective the fact that it's something bad going on.

Close up when she's in the board room - emphasise emotions

In the boardroom shot from up above to make the point that they are seen as lesser people compared to the governors, which are more superior

Long shot as they walk down the corridor - sense of gloom and doom about the situation

Shot reverse shot to show the reactions of the board - don't show much interest

When they first enter the boardroom shot of the governors table - much larger than needs to be - emphasises the point that they are superior to the woman.

Side view focuses mainly on the woman (Dee) and the main board woman - shows that they're the main people in this scene. These shots include the children although they aren't focused on as we are drawn to the woman and her emotions.




Mise en scene -

Mark from being punched in the face on both the woman and her son - show struggle in their lives

Make up is smudged and her hair is quite messy although she's obviously tried to look smart by having her hair up and wearing a smart jacket

Governors are smartly dressed and neat - shows power and business

Facial expression of Dee, the main character, are very distraught and she's pleading the board to make her stay

Dee is often leaning right forward when she's talking to the board trying to get as close to them as possible - shows begging and desperation

Waiting room - sitting slumped and looking awkward whereas the others are sat up straight to show that they are of a higher status than them




Editing -

Shows shot of the place they are in to set the scene

Waiting room - shots of different peoples faces to emphasise the emotions

Constantly cutting to show the governors faces whilst she's talking

Not much editing overall which shows the ordinary feel of the scene - focuses on the facial expressions of the characters etc to tell the story




Sound -

Silence in the waiting room - emphasises tension

Selective sound of "please" and "i'm sorry" shows her desperation paired with the use of non diagetic music which is quite sad and slow to emphasise the mood of the scene. (Synchronous)

Pleading in her voice shows how desperate she is and how much of a struggle her life is for her. Can see how nervous she is - how important this meeting is for their family - by the way she struggles to get through without crying and she stutters quite a lot.