Monday 25 October 2010

Representations work - Secret and Lies

The clip opens with an establishing shot of “Maurice Purley Photography” (shop) with cars passing by, accompanied by music. The cars look old fashioned and dated which could represent the time in which it was set. Following this, is a medium long shot of a family of 4 including the grandmother, father, mother and son. Who we presume is the photographer, judging by his actions, appears in the shot for 14 seconds and then exits the frame however we can still hear his voice (off-screen diegetic sound). The costuming of the family suits both their age and gender, for example, the teenage boy is wearing a casual t-shirt and navy blue bottoms. In the background, there are no props apart from the newspaper which leaves with the photographer. There is also no scenery, just a backdrop for the photo which is made up of dark colours, smudged together to give a cloudy, muffled effect. The mother is in the centre of the frame, and appears to be the most important character. Body language of the father and son suggests he does not want to be there. Facial expressions of the mother and grandmother on the other hand shows they have probably organised/ planned the family photo. The lighting in this shot is low key, as the flash of the camera supplies the light. The sound is diegetic for the duration of the clip. Accents portray the family’s ethnic background (being British).    

In this clip there is only one individual however you can here the photographer. Judging by his costume (or lack of it), we presume he is a boxer. As far as make-up is concerned, it appears he has some means of this on his face and body to make him look wet and shiny as a boxer would be during or shortly after a fight. The body language almost contradicts itself as he is laughing with the photographer yet posing in a way to seem aggressive and strong, this is also shown through his facial expressions. The lighting in the clip reflects off his body adding to his ‘sweaty and toned’ appearance. The colours of the mans shorts and gloves, red, black and white, could be seen to represent the colours of the English flag as well as symbolising competitiveness. This clip shows a typical stereotype of someone involved in sport.    

The clip opens with the photographer questioning and conversing with the lady in the shot. She is dressed as a nurse in a blue and white dress with a white hat to match this. There is one prop present, an antique wooden chair. The women of orient decent, appears to be miserable, this is portrayed through her facial expressions as well as her body language seeming fake or put on. This is also stereotypical of working class people. The hair and make-up of the women is very minimal and ordinary. We assume from observing the mise-en-scene that she possibly represents a nurse during the Vietnam war which would explain her sad conveys.

 This clip is of a mother holding a fairly new born baby. The backdrop has now changed to a plain white screen and the mother is dressed in a simple white dress which creates a heaven like piece of imagery, the baby representing angelic innocence and purity as they are bare naked and celebrating the start of a new life and generation.

 
The final clip opens with five smartly dressed men, in suits and ties, representing their status, expertise and level of authority or importance. Four of the men are standing, while one man is sitting in a chair in the center of the frame. The slightly elder man who is seated is dressed in a three-piece suit, where as the others are wearing only suit jackets and trousers, this could suggest he is of a higher importance. The body language of the men makes them appear successful and professional this is because they are standing up straight which makes them look proud of what they have achieved as well as their happy facial expressions. The voice over is the photographer speaking and any other sound present is non-digetic. Again, the lighting is low key. The colour of the backdrop is dark, and the men’s suits are also dark which makes them blend in, however their white shirts and pale skin makes them stand out. The men in suits are stereotypical of working class English men, in the 1920’s.

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