How are different social groups represented in the sequence you have analysed?

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.