Discuss ways in which the
extract constructs a representation of class and status
In this extract, there are various ways in which class and
status are represented in the TV drama ‘Merlin’. Editing, ‘mise en scene’,
sound and camera shots were all elements that helped contrast Merlin’s social
inferiority with Royalty’s superiority and power.
In the opening minute of the piece, sound (non-diagetic and
diagetic) plays a huge role in the representation of class and status.
Subsequent to the scene where Merlin is nosing through the Princess’
belongings, the Princess appears in another section of the castle, and
immediately a non-diagetic choir begin to play. The music instantly raises
tension, thus implying that the Princess poses great importance in the story
and that Merlin is in danger. Furthermore, in society, we often associate a
choir with the higher classes, so this also helps us identify the princess as
the superior character (in terms of class and status). Also, when the princess
enters the room and we see the OSS, the first thing to be said (diagetic sound)
by her is ‘what are you doing in here?’. The lack of manners shown and the assertive
way in which she asked the question also represents her higher rank.
Mise en scene in the extract emphasises difference in
class through variation of clothing, levels and buildings. The princess’ dress is a
bright clean pink and the prince’s outfit is oversized and shiny (for intimidation), as oppose to
Merlin and the townspeople who are dressed in worn, faded and unclean
clothing. This is very effective in constructing a representation of class, as
the townspeople (including Merlin) blend in with the exterior where as the
Royal members stand out from the crowd. The contrast between the clear and vibrant castle and the unattractive rundown town also conform to the latter idea of the higher classes being far more conspicuous in there general appearance. Furthermore, mise en scene in the fight scene helps represent Arthur's superior class and status, as he shows a lack of appreciation for his surroundings on a number of occasions, forcing Merlin to knock over the market-stand, then walking on top of the wagon and finally when he carelessly hits groceries instead of Merlin. These clearly visible techniques were used by the director to show Arthur's lack of acknowledgment for lower class job's such as working on a market. Moreover, when Arthur climbs the wagon, it symbolises both of there positions in the social order (Arthur at the top Merlin at the bottom).
Different camera shots probably give us the clearest representation of class and status out of all of the aspects. Firstly, one of the most clarifying moments (in reference to the question) came when Merlin leaves the castle and there is an over the shoulder shot (with pan movement). The shot looks down on Merlin as he walks down the stairs. This shot correlates with Merlin's status; below those of the castle. Notice how the camera does not follow him and remains at the castle doors, inferring separation and establishing a hierarchy within the extract. Another great use of camera shots and movement, is in the scene prior to the fight scene when Arthur and Merlin exchange words and Merlin is antagonised, and the audience only, can see Merlin's reaction (facial expression), which makes the viewer empathise with Merlin as we see know how he's feeling, and are aware that he is reluctant to respond due to the possible consequences of challenging superior authority. In this media text, empathy is associated with the lower class' as Merlin is the underdog.
Editing is also used to represent different class. The majority of editing is in the fight scene, as it is the most significant part of the extract due to the symbolism (rich against poor). As one would expect, most of the editing in the fight is used on Arthur, indicating that the crowd's/townspeople's attention is on the more 'important' person, for instance the slow motion only seems to be used when Arthur swings his weapon, emphisising the concentration of the crowd on his movement.
Overall, the director has used all these elements to represent class and status very effectively and in particular through the use of camera shots and movement. In this extract, generally, Arthur represents those of higher class and status where as Merlin represents those of lower class and status.
Different camera shots probably give us the clearest representation of class and status out of all of the aspects. Firstly, one of the most clarifying moments (in reference to the question) came when Merlin leaves the castle and there is an over the shoulder shot (with pan movement). The shot looks down on Merlin as he walks down the stairs. This shot correlates with Merlin's status; below those of the castle. Notice how the camera does not follow him and remains at the castle doors, inferring separation and establishing a hierarchy within the extract. Another great use of camera shots and movement, is in the scene prior to the fight scene when Arthur and Merlin exchange words and Merlin is antagonised, and the audience only, can see Merlin's reaction (facial expression), which makes the viewer empathise with Merlin as we see know how he's feeling, and are aware that he is reluctant to respond due to the possible consequences of challenging superior authority. In this media text, empathy is associated with the lower class' as Merlin is the underdog.
Editing is also used to represent different class. The majority of editing is in the fight scene, as it is the most significant part of the extract due to the symbolism (rich against poor). As one would expect, most of the editing in the fight is used on Arthur, indicating that the crowd's/townspeople's attention is on the more 'important' person, for instance the slow motion only seems to be used when Arthur swings his weapon, emphisising the concentration of the crowd on his movement.
Overall, the director has used all these elements to represent class and status very effectively and in particular through the use of camera shots and movement. In this extract, generally, Arthur represents those of higher class and status where as Merlin represents those of lower class and status.
