What role does the
use of media language,
signs and signifiers have in constructing and presenting these
representations as real?
Your response must:
·
1.Answer the
question.
·
2.Use key
terms learned to date.
·
3.Give a
range of examples from the sequence to support your ideas. THIS IS THE AREA YOU
TEND TO LOSE MOST MARKS IN - CAMERA, EDITING, MES, SOUND
In the long form TV drama Stranger
Things, the opening scenes present a scientist
running through the Hawking’s Lab, whereby he is represented in an uncommon
light, seemingly panicking and in fear. Most scientist usually have things
under control and are not situated in such a dangerous environment and running
for their lives. Despite this, it’s quite a conventional representation, as something
is wrong, completely out of his control, and it is only natural he wants to get
out. The button for the lift could signify the possible meaning of his only
escape, hence why he begins hitting it frantically. Also, the sound is a key
element to the way in which the scientists social class is represented. The alarm in the background continually rings, as well as clearly
being able to hear him running- sounds confused and panicked, heavy breathing.
The audience’s ability to identify the sound produced highlights how the
scientists have lack of control, but also suggests that the government-of a
higher class- are not to be trusted. The constant deep ‘boom’ implies that
something is coming, thus foreshadowing the events to come in the scenes that
follow.
In addition to this, the boys in the drama are
represented in a common and stereotypical way, as they are representing a group
of boys, who are using their imagination and deeply in focus of playing a game;
they are a stereotypical portrayal of high school nerds. A conventional
representation is shown, where their representations are clearly delivered, and
aren’t really ambiguous. Low-key lighting is used, but it does feel somewhat
more relaxed, despite the sound bridge which connects the first scene with the
next- somewhat normal and creates a sense of reality. Their representation of smart,
high school students is a stereotypical American high school cliché.
Moreover, other social groups represented
throughout the first episode of Stranger Things are the Police, who are
represented at first as being incompetent and carefree. As Hopper makes his way
into work the use of a medium long shot shows his use of cigarettes again, reinstating
his carefree attitude, which almost seem unusual for a police officer at work.
The tracking in and out also shows the carefree attitudes of the other police
officers- with one placing his legs upon the desk and another sitting there
holding a deck of cards. The police are first represented as atypical, reinforced by Hopper stating that "Mondays are for coffee and contemplation", to be followed be his colleague's nonchalant behaviour suggesting their neglect of their duties as police officers.
Conversely, their social status is later reputable, when Hopper shows
his keen interest to help search for Will, resulting in his discovery of his
bike, as well as the lead which he followed into the Byers’ shed; the high-key
lighting from their garden is slowly dispersed into low-key lighting when
Hopper enters the shed.
