Geeta Gohil
Primeval Essay – Representation of Gender
Primeval Essay – Representation of Gender
This clip from primeval has got the representation of Gender.
Gender is represented through the main key micro features which are Camera,
Editing, Mise-en-Scene and Sound. Primeval is a sci fi British TV drama which
has got the male role being more dominant and more active whereas the female
character are often providing information or being saved. The whole clip itself
is made out of continuous editing.
The extract begins with a female character who storms away
from a male character which immediately puts the audience thinking that
something has gone wrong and has made the female character upset or annoyed.
This is represented with the first mid two shot of the male character and the
female character. The way the male character gets control in trying to her to
talk to her proves that men have more dominance than women. Leading into an
over the shoulder from the male character, which is also at a high angle
showing that the male character once again has more dominance and power of the
women. This scene is strongly showing on how female’s takes situations and this
is shown through a stereotypical way. The mise-en-scene of this particular
scene is that the cars behind them show who owns which car. With the female
character heading towards her car you can see that the old khaki car is hers.
This proves that females cannot be linked in with car interest.
The scene is supported with non-diegetic sound in the background which changes from an originally calm and relaxed piece, to a louder and more intense piece of music. Coincidentally, the music changes the tone at the same time as the dietetic sound of one character speaking, but one of the character’s tones of voice changes from calm to almost stressed and angry.
The music is a signifier of the change of tone depicts the strong transition of a calm situation to a very serious upcoming situation.
The scene is supported with non-diegetic sound in the background which changes from an originally calm and relaxed piece, to a louder and more intense piece of music. Coincidentally, the music changes the tone at the same time as the dietetic sound of one character speaking, but one of the character’s tones of voice changes from calm to almost stressed and angry.
The music is a signifier of the change of tone depicts the strong transition of a calm situation to a very serious upcoming situation.
In the second scene, a wide shot is used when we first see
Abbi, It acts as an establishing shot of the scene and location of the woods
and forest. The mise en scene of this main part of the clip is in the woodland
where there are big open spaces but with a zip wire as a prop which is used
later on in the clip. We see Abbi is a yellow digger which is man-made machine
which is stereotypically used by Men however in this case it’s used my Abbi,
who is wearing a black leather jacket which goes with the rest of her black
attire which makes represent herself as a different female, she is known to be
the strong ‘tomboy’ female which links into with the close up of the end of the
digger which establishes the facts that Abbi is more experienced than any
female character in this clip, therefore the use of the Machinery, Costume and
Close up show reinforces her non-stereotypical character which she is given the
impression of a ‘tomboy’. Alongside
Abbi, there is Nick as well who doing the more physical and active work. He is
wearing ordinary everyday clothing which has got dirt stains and looks messier
than Abbi’s clothing. He wears a faded blue shirt which could signify his
intelligence and even loyalty, later on as his clothes get dirty and stained it
portrays him as a strong character as he doesn’t matter about his clothing and
getting his hand dirty in mud. The dirt stains may suggest that he was more
involved in the work than Abbi who is wearing more fashionable clothing and are
clean, however the representation of gender comes in when Abbi challenges the
typical stereotype of a weaker character when she get more involved and saves
nick by distracting the creature when it’s attacking Nick.
Nick calls out ‘stop’ to Abbi in sign on the creature coming this indicates the power he has even though he is not controlling a machine or anything to make him look more dominant, also looks like he is the head of the crew.
The other male character in Pink is setting up a trap by placing some kind of rock on top of leaves proving that he is organised and planned in which it’s beating the stereotypical view of men being more active than women being more organised. The man who is dressed in pink attire is portrayed as more of a pretty boy not a fighter, the colour pink is more common to girls, women therefore gives him an air of effeminacy whereas the rest of the cast are wearing earthy colours or smart formal wear. The man in feminine colours turns the stereotypical image of a man.
Nick calls out ‘stop’ to Abbi in sign on the creature coming this indicates the power he has even though he is not controlling a machine or anything to make him look more dominant, also looks like he is the head of the crew.
The other male character in Pink is setting up a trap by placing some kind of rock on top of leaves proving that he is organised and planned in which it’s beating the stereotypical view of men being more active than women being more organised. The man who is dressed in pink attire is portrayed as more of a pretty boy not a fighter, the colour pink is more common to girls, women therefore gives him an air of effeminacy whereas the rest of the cast are wearing earthy colours or smart formal wear. The man in feminine colours turns the stereotypical image of a man.
A reverse shot is used to show Nick’s facial expression as a
close up shot of the buried arm is revealed. Due to the man looking frightened
and slightly worried, it is a juxtaposition of a stereotypical man seen as a
independent and strong man.
Later on, there is sound effects are used to create imaginary
to the audience. The sabre-tooth tiger roaring has been used to create a sense
of a horrifying atmosphere and image for the audience which makes Nick and Abbi
helpless and weak. Visual effects are contributed a lot into this clip as it
has been used to create the sabre-toothed tiger showing the creature is not
real however it’s made to look realistic. The tiger itself is a prop as it instantly creates
new problems and is a mystery to the team. Sound perspective is featured as the
sound of the tiger’s roar in the distance hints to the audience that there’s
danger nearby.
A point of View shot
as well as an over the shoulder shot is used as the sabre-tooth tiger chases
towards the man highlighting that now the tiger is the most powerful thing in
the scene making the man inferior, Moreover, the low angle shot of the
sabre-tooth tiger underlines the danger and the power he has than the human due
to him being a dangerous creature and the high angle shot of Nick
demonstrations the position of Nick being trapped as the creature tries to
attack him. Nick calls out Abbi’s name which can be a sign that Nick needs help
which is not stereotypical for a man to do as they are known to be the hero
instead of the victim. It goes to a cross cut in which the mid shot reveals
Abbi taking control of the situation by turning back on the digger and the
attention of the tiger to save Nick, showing the representation of women is
different to what it’s stereotypically shown.
Non diegetic sound begins to play in the background. The music is fast paced and dramatic creating a sense of tension to the scene. The tempo of the music is related to Nick who is escaping from the tiger. Sound bridge is also featured when Nick is being chased by the cheetah, constructing continuity of the two scenes. It creates tension in the first scene which was a discussion. In order to signify that the scene is going to be tense, the music changes right to the end of the first scene and carries onto the second scene in order to build up the suspense and a certain level of emotions throughout the clip. Fast pace of the editing signifies the tempo and tension that is building up in this chase.
Additionally, a continuity edit is presented when Nick is running and also when he uses the zip wire, close ups show fear and exhaustion on his face. Blurring transitions are used between each edit which gives the action the impression that it is too fast to see and fortifies the tigers speed. Nick uses a belt for the zip wire in which this case both counts as props. The Zip wire can be used as a getaway prop which helps Nick escaping from the tiger. The way how Nick is presented on the zip wire is completely different to what you would normally see when someone is on a zip wire. Normally you would see someone wearing a harness and safety wear however in contrast, Nick is using a belt as to get along the wire alongside he doesn’t have any safety wear like an helmet which strongly proves the ability and skills Nick has, as well as being brave and confident. Later, a quick cross cut is used to with a wide shot of Abbi which displays her running through the bushes with a shotgun – another prop used. She is attempting to save Nick for the second time illustrating that Abbi is female who is there for immediate help and Nick is in a situation where he is helpless and needs help. Abbi is portrayed brace and strong whereas Nick is also strong and courageous however they both contrast as Nick is in fact running and being chased to whereas Abbi being sat in the machine and distracting the tiger. Abbi saving Nicks life highlights her tenacity. The sound effect of the gun shots are sharp and generate shock to the audience suggesting the power of man. The use of weaponry portrays who has the power and who doesn’t. At the scene where Nick lands and the tiger is killed, there is no artificial light used as it looks like natural light.
Non diegetic sound begins to play in the background. The music is fast paced and dramatic creating a sense of tension to the scene. The tempo of the music is related to Nick who is escaping from the tiger. Sound bridge is also featured when Nick is being chased by the cheetah, constructing continuity of the two scenes. It creates tension in the first scene which was a discussion. In order to signify that the scene is going to be tense, the music changes right to the end of the first scene and carries onto the second scene in order to build up the suspense and a certain level of emotions throughout the clip. Fast pace of the editing signifies the tempo and tension that is building up in this chase.
Additionally, a continuity edit is presented when Nick is running and also when he uses the zip wire, close ups show fear and exhaustion on his face. Blurring transitions are used between each edit which gives the action the impression that it is too fast to see and fortifies the tigers speed. Nick uses a belt for the zip wire in which this case both counts as props. The Zip wire can be used as a getaway prop which helps Nick escaping from the tiger. The way how Nick is presented on the zip wire is completely different to what you would normally see when someone is on a zip wire. Normally you would see someone wearing a harness and safety wear however in contrast, Nick is using a belt as to get along the wire alongside he doesn’t have any safety wear like an helmet which strongly proves the ability and skills Nick has, as well as being brave and confident. Later, a quick cross cut is used to with a wide shot of Abbi which displays her running through the bushes with a shotgun – another prop used. She is attempting to save Nick for the second time illustrating that Abbi is female who is there for immediate help and Nick is in a situation where he is helpless and needs help. Abbi is portrayed brace and strong whereas Nick is also strong and courageous however they both contrast as Nick is in fact running and being chased to whereas Abbi being sat in the machine and distracting the tiger. Abbi saving Nicks life highlights her tenacity. The sound effect of the gun shots are sharp and generate shock to the audience suggesting the power of man. The use of weaponry portrays who has the power and who doesn’t. At the scene where Nick lands and the tiger is killed, there is no artificial light used as it looks like natural light.
Next, 4 people are walking, amongst
them are Abbi, 2 other characters in which one of them is dressed in earthy
colours like Nick and one who is dressed in pink and is different to other male
characters, There is also a official looking person in a black suit. He is
wearing this smart attire to represent who he is, behind are big cars – small
black estate car, portraying that men look more powerful and have a higher
priority – another prop used to display gender and how it can change the
audiences view.
Parallel editing is used to connect the authority of each gender. The stereotypes are switched with the woman saving and helping the man. Furthermore Nick should have been stronger and face the tiger instead of running away which is contrasting to Abbi who kills the tiger. This is Juxtaposition to which woman are more fierce and braver.
In the barn the fore front of it is in the light however it fades into darkness towards the black.
The woman is wearing more of a strangely smart and glamorous outfit portraying the status she has. The make-up she has is slightly more than other female character in this clip. Make-up is used on the woman to maybe entice the farmer on her conditions. She is shown more of a stereotypical view of a lady, especially when she shouts ‘My best coat’, showing a clear insight of her personality being more womanly compared to Abbi who is not afraid and is more fiercer. The colour of the coat is white which connotes purity and pristine. Ranges of Mid shots are used several times to demonstrate the facial expressions and the appearance of each of the character.
The over the shoulder shot is revealing the anger of the farmer. He is weak when the woman threatens him but he gains power when he has the gun showing he has control. The diegetic noise of the barking dogs also conveys a sense of threat. Quick cross cutting between the farmer and the gun, the dogs barking and the woman lying on the hay reveals the man’s rising anger and frustration of being interrogated.
The dogs are used as a prop as guarding and being malicious. As it commonly known ‘Dogs are man’s best friend’ gets the point through clearly as the dogs are trying to protect their owners. When the woman is thrown onto the hay the light used is slightly dark reinforcing the power and authority in which this case is the male character. Just about when the woman has nearly got the gun point to her head, 2 male character come in to save her- showing that men are hero’s whenever a female is in danger, this is because men are known to be more courageous and aggressive whereas woman are known to be elegant and non-violent. The mid shot of the 3 characters at the barn highlights the seriousness and authority they have to capture the man. The man in the middle has the gun pointing towards the farmer which portrays once again the power.
Parallel editing is used to connect the authority of each gender. The stereotypes are switched with the woman saving and helping the man. Furthermore Nick should have been stronger and face the tiger instead of running away which is contrasting to Abbi who kills the tiger. This is Juxtaposition to which woman are more fierce and braver.
In the barn the fore front of it is in the light however it fades into darkness towards the black.
The woman is wearing more of a strangely smart and glamorous outfit portraying the status she has. The make-up she has is slightly more than other female character in this clip. Make-up is used on the woman to maybe entice the farmer on her conditions. She is shown more of a stereotypical view of a lady, especially when she shouts ‘My best coat’, showing a clear insight of her personality being more womanly compared to Abbi who is not afraid and is more fiercer. The colour of the coat is white which connotes purity and pristine. Ranges of Mid shots are used several times to demonstrate the facial expressions and the appearance of each of the character.
The over the shoulder shot is revealing the anger of the farmer. He is weak when the woman threatens him but he gains power when he has the gun showing he has control. The diegetic noise of the barking dogs also conveys a sense of threat. Quick cross cutting between the farmer and the gun, the dogs barking and the woman lying on the hay reveals the man’s rising anger and frustration of being interrogated.
The dogs are used as a prop as guarding and being malicious. As it commonly known ‘Dogs are man’s best friend’ gets the point through clearly as the dogs are trying to protect their owners. When the woman is thrown onto the hay the light used is slightly dark reinforcing the power and authority in which this case is the male character. Just about when the woman has nearly got the gun point to her head, 2 male character come in to save her- showing that men are hero’s whenever a female is in danger, this is because men are known to be more courageous and aggressive whereas woman are known to be elegant and non-violent. The mid shot of the 3 characters at the barn highlights the seriousness and authority they have to capture the man. The man in the middle has the gun pointing towards the farmer which portrays once again the power.
