Discuss the ways in which this extract constructs the representation of ethnicity using the following:
Camera shots, angles, movement and composition
Editing
Sound
Mise en scene
In this extract of spooks, ethnicity is represented through camera shots, editing, sound and mise en scene. Firstly we notice the setting and this very quickly tells us it’s a baron area, deserted and cold. The fireplace is not in use so connotates coldness in the area which reflects the atmosphere. The fireplace also adds to the grand and big room which contrasts the stereotypical Iraqi buildings. The clothing in which the characters wear is contrasting with the stereotypes. The stereotype of an Iraqi leader would be a sari, and quite loose clothing due to the weather and religion. However, in this extract the Iraqi leader is wearing a plain suit which makes us think differently from the stereotype of that ethnicity. The two spies would have a typical stereotype of black clothing, and gadgets. However, the woman is wearing a suit, and as is the man. The woman appears to be Iranian, and is wearing clothes which don’t really tell us this. The sidekick is of an ethnic background and is a black male, yet is the one treated with least respect as he rarely talks showing the Iranian, British woman is more dominant, and he ges a knife put to his neck, showing he is weak despite the stereotype of a black male being strong and powerful. We also can tell that he isnt a vital character as he doesnt play much of a role in the scene.
As the photo was placed on the table in front of the spies, non-diegetic music is played of bombs and explosions which shows danger and could be seen as typical for that ethnicity, as Iraq is a dangerous place and this is a dangerous situation the characters are in and the music emphasises the tension. The stereotype of violence is also portrayed as the guard is carrying weapons for the Iraqi leader; this associates this ethnicity with danger and violence. So the guard is shown as a stereotypical Iraqi man as he connotates violence. The lack of lighting in the room exaggerates how mysterious this masked guard is and so adds tension to the scene and a horror factor.
A steadycam is used to film this extract which adds to the atmosphere as it is shaky and so adds tension and an amateur feeling to the scene almost as though they were not allowed to film there. However, it is not too shaky that it’s hard to watch without losing concentration. The camera angles used are to show which ethnicity is dominating the other, for a lot of the scene the Iraqi leader is superior to the Iranian woman and this is shown by the camera looking down on her. This happens both when she is sitting at the table and when she is sitting in front of the video camera. The video camera is a prop which connotates hostage, violence and fear which some may associate with the Iraqi ethnicity.
Camera shots, angles, movement and composition
Editing
Sound
Mise en scene
In this extract of spooks, ethnicity is represented through camera shots, editing, sound and mise en scene. Firstly we notice the setting and this very quickly tells us it’s a baron area, deserted and cold. The fireplace is not in use so connotates coldness in the area which reflects the atmosphere. The fireplace also adds to the grand and big room which contrasts the stereotypical Iraqi buildings. The clothing in which the characters wear is contrasting with the stereotypes. The stereotype of an Iraqi leader would be a sari, and quite loose clothing due to the weather and religion. However, in this extract the Iraqi leader is wearing a plain suit which makes us think differently from the stereotype of that ethnicity. The two spies would have a typical stereotype of black clothing, and gadgets. However, the woman is wearing a suit, and as is the man. The woman appears to be Iranian, and is wearing clothes which don’t really tell us this. The sidekick is of an ethnic background and is a black male, yet is the one treated with least respect as he rarely talks showing the Iranian, British woman is more dominant, and he ges a knife put to his neck, showing he is weak despite the stereotype of a black male being strong and powerful. We also can tell that he isnt a vital character as he doesnt play much of a role in the scene.
As the photo was placed on the table in front of the spies, non-diegetic music is played of bombs and explosions which shows danger and could be seen as typical for that ethnicity, as Iraq is a dangerous place and this is a dangerous situation the characters are in and the music emphasises the tension. The stereotype of violence is also portrayed as the guard is carrying weapons for the Iraqi leader; this associates this ethnicity with danger and violence. So the guard is shown as a stereotypical Iraqi man as he connotates violence. The lack of lighting in the room exaggerates how mysterious this masked guard is and so adds tension to the scene and a horror factor.
A steadycam is used to film this extract which adds to the atmosphere as it is shaky and so adds tension and an amateur feeling to the scene almost as though they were not allowed to film there. However, it is not too shaky that it’s hard to watch without losing concentration. The camera angles used are to show which ethnicity is dominating the other, for a lot of the scene the Iraqi leader is superior to the Iranian woman and this is shown by the camera looking down on her. This happens both when she is sitting at the table and when she is sitting in front of the video camera. The video camera is a prop which connotates hostage, violence and fear which some may associate with the Iraqi ethnicity.
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