Choose from one of the following clips and answer the question 'how is a representation of disability constructed in the clip? Comment on sound, mise en scene, camera work and editing.' Post your response in the comments.
G322 Disability extract OCR Media Studies TV Drama from N Tennear on Vimeo.
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ReplyDeleteHow is the representation of disability constructed in the clip?
ReplyDeleteIn the clip, the character represented as a disabled person shows himself as someone who is bullied and criticised because of his disability. This is shown in the clip when he is on public transport using a mid-shot camera shot to allow the audience to catch the facial expressions of the other attributes on the bus. This shows a woman looking uncomfortable and judging him based on his disability. Suggests that not many people understand and agree with disabled people or not an everyday scene. Also, when the ticketer comes around, as the character with a disability can’t speak as well as others the ticketer doesn’t give him any sympathy and becomes irritated with not being able to understand him. This is shown with a close-up view of the man looked annoyed; screwing his face up and rolling his eyes.
Also in this clip, there is another character with a disability but she is treated differently to the male. She is seen as innocent and well-treated. This is shown throughout the clip by the midwives wanting to treat her as any other patient. They say, “we are treating her like any other pregnant woman”. This shows that some people believe everyone is the ‘same’ and they’re as ‘normal’ as everyone else. They’re sympathetic of her case and only want what is best for her and the baby.
We are immediately presented with a birds-eye-view shot of Ben and David in their shared bedroom. Ben is asleep and seemingly unaware, whilst David is obviously in a state of thought. Somewhat unrelated clips spliced in editing to show his thought process surrounding human evolution and faults in genetics. The dialogue in this scene is non-diegetic and so is intended to come across as his thoughts as opposed to actual conversation. He confesses his plans to murder his brother and whilst this initial scene is obviously all done for satirical effect, it is clear that David is not happy in his situation.
ReplyDeleteIn the clip, it is clear that David feels unfairly treated in comparison to his disabled brother. Their mother seems to sugar-coat her discipline towards Ben in light of his disability. Whilst this may seem proportional, David questions her dialogue, for example; ‘a bit unfair?’. The parents seem to live busy working lives and so they do not have time to successfully settle every conflict that the two have. This is evident from their clothing; the father is dressed in his paramedic uniform and there are ambulance bags in frame throughout the clips in the kitchen. He states he ‘was at work all night’ and so would like David to accompany his brother to the toilet, leaving him time to eat his breakfast before it gets cold. It is clear that the parents pity Ben, a common representation of disabled people within media, and as such treat him intentionally differently to his brother. Ben also seems to have little remorse or consideration for David. For example, ‘I like Weetabix’. Whilst this is not deliberately malicious, links can be drawn to the representation of disabled people being evil.
Ben’s family have a shared responsibility to look after him and ensure he is safe, which often involves being with him everywhere he goes. This is something that David also resents. This is clear from an overlaid non-diegetic dialogue in which he states ’16 years and we’d never been more than half a mile apart’. Throughout the scene where they wait at the bus stop together, jump cuts and fades are used to connote the passing of time and ultimately David’s boredom. In contrast, Ben’s disability means that he remains entertained whilst waiting the entire time. David wants to leave his brother alone and ultimately does, despite Ben not wanting to travel alone. Close up shots are used here of his facial expression to demonstrate the inner conflict that David has between going with his friends and accompanying his brother.
There is a sense of vulnerability in the scene where Ben is on the bus alone. His inability to function alone in everyday life is shown from his facial expression. A close up shot of his face for the journey shows us that he feels uncomfortable and unsafe on the bus surrounded by noisy children. Whilst we are rationally aware that they pose no threat to him, echo on the voices on the bus portray a sense of being overwhelmed that we as an audience can appreciate and understand.
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ReplyDeleteClip 1
ReplyDeleteThe character of Jacob, a mentally and physically disabled young man, is presented as an outcast from society who is incapable of fulfilling actions that 'normal' people can. However, other people's views of him don't seem to knock his confidence and belief in himself, and we can see that he is much braver and more determined than this stereotype would usually show.
His separation from society can be seen at the beginning of the clip when along shot displays his stooped posture and strange walking action as he approaches the door alone. His body language and dated brown costume identify his weakness and vulnerability. His positioning to the left of the frame whilst he listens to the conversation about he and Sally on the other side of the door emphasises his loneliness; no one fills the corridor to the right of him, and the other characters in the scene are placed together on the other side of a wall, providing a clear visual for his outcasted position. Later in the scene, a low angle shot paints him as vulnerable whilst he sits on the bus, unable to communicate with the ticket officer due to his speech impediment. This is followed by a high angle shot of the ticket officer from Jacob's point of view, making him appear powerful and intimidating. We feel sympathy with Jacob at this point, after seeing the world through his eyes, however a cut from this moment to him walking down a street after his bus ride makes it clear that he has remained determined and continued his journey. Upon his arrival at the home where Sally is staying, Jacob's dialogue portrays his eager excitement at the thought of seeing his girlfriend. The fact that he has found love with another character subverts stereotypes that disabled people remain lonely throughout their lives. Sally's costume as she appears from the house clearly stands out from the bleak landscape around her, and also Jacob's plain costume. The bright green and blue shades that she wars reflect the colour she brings into Jacob's life, and also suggest that she is a happy character who feels herself to be full of life, subverting ideas that disabled characters are sad about their social positions.
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ReplyDeleteFar too brief! You haven't really used the PEEE structure I have been encouraging you to use. Start with a solid point such as 'Jacob's disability is represented as a weakness.' The observation you have made are appropriate but you need to start using more terminology - e.g. Elements of the mise-en-scene such as the lighting help to highlight this weakness - for example, low-key lighting creates a shadow on Jacob's legs suggesting this is his weakness...
DeleteThroughout this clip, disability is shown in a variety of ways and shows physical and mental disability. The main character, Jacob, is seen as weak and in need of assistance. The use of mise-en scene shows the audience he is unable to walk un aided and needs a walking stick. A long shot was used to show him walking down a corridor with him walking in the center of the screen. A zoom was then used as non-diegetic music played in the background. This made the audience feel sympathy for Jacob and we could hear diegetic noises of women speaking about his girlfriend in the background. The cross cuts used were very slow edits and the scenes lasted long so the audience could sympathies more for the Jacob.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, Sally is being treated as a child and not as an equal to ‘normal’ beings. When sally is being treated by the Midwife and the diegetic sound of her voice is very calming and speaks to her as a child saying ‘tip top young lady’. This shows that the midwives are pitting sally and feel bad for her. During this scene, not edits are used, it is simply one long edit which makes the audience sympathies more for sally. She is also being treated as a child by the use of mise en scene as she is surrounded by two midwives meaning she is in need of more care then just one person just like a child would be.
In addition, Sally and Jacob are seen as easy targets for ‘normal’ people to pick on. Diegetic sound was used here as a lady shouts at Jacob and Sally with an aggressive tone in her voice. She also continues to shout abuse at another lady indirectly shouting at Jacob. Faster cuts were used to show tension rise when the lady raises her hand to Jacob and this would build tension up. Sally and Jacob are both sat down whilst the lady is stood up suggesting that Sally and Jacob are weaker and inferior to the lady.
A good start - you have made an appropriate point about the representation of Jacob's disability. The comment about his being central in the frame isn't correct - he is framed to the left and this helps to isolate him and suggest he is on the outskirts of society (perhaps a common representation of disabled people not being part of mainstream society). The final example you mention in the last paragraph is a little unclear - how does this create sympathy? I think you are right but the explanation needs to be clearer - e.g. the cross cuts from inside the room to Jacob listening in the corridor further emphasis his exclusion from society. The mise-en-scene also supports this - the lighting in the room is bright and airy whilst the tightening close up on Jacob is shadowy and reinforces his exclusion.
DeleteIn this clip disability, has been represented as Ben being abundant on David’s life but when David is not their Ben is lost. A bird’s eye view shot has been used at the very beginning showing the room, half being messy and the other half plain and simple. This is suggesting to the audience that Ben's character is very childish and has a lot going on where as David’s character we see the simple side which shows how he is very normal and is grown up. Non-diegetic sound has also been used at the start of the scene which say’s “wouldn’t life be better”. This could be suggesting to the audience that David would rather be without Ben as he can’t go to places and do things that he wants to do.
ReplyDeleteThis relates back to the representation of disability as there has always got to be someone there to help them and make sure that they are alight and can make their way through life. We then see Ben and David at the breakfast table where David has been told that he has to take Ben to the toilet. There has been the use of a mid-shot here which shows the posture of David. This gives off the impression that he doesn’t like to care for his brother and would much rather being doing something else then helping him with going to the toilet.
Ben however as the clip goes on you can see that he is very dependent on David and that he can’t really go anywhere without his brother. In a close-up scene of Ben on the bus by himself, his facial expressions tell the audience that he is confused and frightened of being on the bus by himself. In that close up you are able to see that he is holding the seat in front of him which could be for his security as he is always used to having David by his side. Non-diegetic sound has been used which has a sympathetic tone which can make the audience feel sorry for Ben as he clearly doesn’t feel comfortable in the situation that he is in.
In the clip, Ben is represented as childish and dependant. The dialogue is used to make Ben sound silly, as he says “I need a poo”, quite randomly. This shows Ben as childish because that’s what you expect a child to say, and Ben is 16 years old. Following this, their Father tells David to “go and keep an eye on him”, because he didn’t want Ben to make a mess “like last time”. Also in the breakfast scene, the mise –en –scene and close up shows how Ben and David’s mother cradles and kisses Ben’s head before she leaves, and doesn’t look at David. This represents Ben as being childish because the brothers are close in age, but the Mother’s treatment of Ben is as if he is a young child. When the boys are going to the bus stop, a long shot is used to show Ben trailing after David, as opposed to them being next to each other. This shows that Ben can’t go anywhere on his own and David solidifies that when the non-diegetic voice-over states “He always needs someone with him”. Since Ben has a disability, he is represented as incapable of taking care of himself.
ReplyDeleteBen is also represented as a burden on his brother, David, who also seems to resent him. When David refers to Ben, he says quite dismissively “It’s just…complicated”. This use of sound shows that either David is used to declining invitations to take care of his brother, or he lacks empathy for Ben grown out of resentment for him. Also, in the beginning of the scene, David’s non-diegetic voice over states that instead of communicating with Ben, he “might as well talk to the dog”. He goes on to mention that the family doesn’t have a dog, and the overtone in his voice sounds as if he’s blaming Ben for that fact.
Ensure that your comments make clear links to the area of representation - for example, 'In the clip Ben's mental disability is represented in a way that makes him appear completely dependent on others and perhaps suggests that disabled people can sometimes be a burden. Perhaps more could be discussed on the editing as there are quite a few insert shots of David's reactions to Ben's behaviour or his dad's requests to take care of him.
DeleteHow is a representation of disability constructed in the clip?
ReplyDeleteIn this clip, the boy with down syndrome is represented as incapable of participating in everyday life. This is shown at the start of the clip where we see a high angle long shot where he is lying in bed and his brother is sitting up in the bed next to him. They both share a bedroom at the age of 16 which shows that the boy needs help to complete the small things in his everyday life. The dialogue in this scene is non-diegetic. The edit then change and an upbeat non-diegetic music starts playing. We then see a mid-shot of the boy eating his breakfast which shows him succeeding despite his setbacks and his disability. The boy with down syndrome needs help in his everyday life from his brother, this means that he cannot complete his everyday life without someone there to help him.
The down syndrome boy is shown as innocent when on the bus. There is a mid-shot used when he is sitting on the bus which shows him as looking bit scared as he is on his own. He is the only one on the bus who is making no noise. This shows him looking lonely as he doesn’t have his brother next to him. This shows that because he always has someone next to him to help him, he is not used to not having people there to help him and to talk to.
A good, solid point to open your first paragraph. There is perhaps more you could pull out about the mise en scene of the bedroom. The boy with down's syndrome has a messy but colourful sleeping area - this could suggest the chaos his brother might think he causes but could also indicate the child-like innocence we may usually associate with mentally disabled people. The other brother has a very organised side and this might go some way to explain his frustration with his disabled brother who is significantly different to him. There is also a cross dissolve used on his brother's face to the big bang - could this suggest that the brother sees Ben as disruptive?
DeleteHow is a representation of disability constructed in the clip?
DeleteIn this clip, the boy with down syndrome is represented as incapable of participating in everyday life. This is shown at the start of the clip where we see a high angle long shot where he is lying in bed and his brother is sitting up in the bed next to him. The you that has down syndrome, his bed is very messy but it is also is a very colour sleeping area which shows that he is very child-like. His brothers side of the room is very well organised. They both share a bedroom at the age of 16 which shows that the boy needs help to complete the small things in his everyday life. The dialogue in this scene is non-diegetic. The edit then change and an upbeat non-diegetic music starts playing. We then see a mid-shot of the boy eating his breakfast which shows him succeeding despite his setbacks and his disability. The boy with down syndrome needs help in his everyday life from his brother, this means that he cannot complete his everyday life without someone there to help him.
The down syndrome boy is shown as innocent when on the bus. There is a mid-shot used when he is sitting on the bus which shows him as looking bit scared as he is on his own. He is the only one on the bus who is making no noise. This shows him looking lonely as he doesn’t have his brother next to him. This shows that because he always has someone next to him to help him, he is not used to not having people there to help him and to talk to
Throughout the clip disability is shown in numerous ways, the clip starts of showing the brothers bedroom at a birds eye view, allowing us to see the whole room and notice a clear difference between both sides of the room, the brother with the disability has lots of bright colours and seems to have lots of toys near and around his bed, whereas the other brother has less bright colour and more dull darker colours and pictures instead of toys, this shows us straight away there's a huge difference in the brothers personalities and they clearly do not have the same views on and probably do not get on.
ReplyDeleteSound is also used as well, the upbeat music in the background shows us a complete different contrast to the opening line “last summer i decided to kill my brother”, the positiveness of the music compared to that dark statement shows to us that even though it is a dark thing to say the brother who says it clearly believes it will be a positive and will make his situation better. This also shows to us that this brother is clearly not getting on with the other one and clearly does not want him there anymore, he is sick and tired of it and believes the only solution is get rid of him.
The next shot used is a close up of one brother's face going round in a panoramic motion, his facial expression shows he is confused and fed up of his situation and this expression does not leave his face for the whole shot. The representation of this character is shown in these shots, he is shown as a teenager who is angry and annoyed that his life is being brought down because he has a disabled brother, he believes that his brother is causing him all his problems and has idea to get rid of him so that he can go and live happy by himself. This point is further implied in the clip when later he gets asked to go to a party and at first says no because he knows he has to look after his brother but after thinking about it he decides to go and make his brother get a bus home by himself which he knows is dangerous, he does this because he wants to live his own life and is fed up of being tied down by his brother, he sees this as a chance for once to only think about himself and do something not for his brother but for his own needs no matter how wrong it is for his brother.
Your first paragraph picks out a great example but you need to make a clearer link back to the question. A good way is through your point - e.g. The clip highlights the differences between the disabled brother and his able brother. It suggests the disabled brother is perhaps child-like and somewhat reliant on others. This can be seen in a bird's eye shot of the room...
DeleteIn your final paragraph you need to use more technical language - e.g. the clip represents the able brother as becoming frustrated with how much he has to do for his disabled brother. The editing allows the viewers to see this through a series of insert reaction shots. Close up are used so we can clearly see David's frustrated expression...
n the clip David has a disabled brother called Ben. The clip shows how David has to look after Ben due to his disabilities and how this effects his life.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that Ben is portrayed as almost a child in the clip. For example, in the first shot is shows a shared bedroom between Ben and David. On Bens side, you can clearly see a large number of toys meant for ages younger than he is, as well as having a much brighter bed cover and colour scheme. This follows the stereotype that disabled people are treated more like children than normal. This is contrasted by David’s side of the room being a grey and white colour scheme with no toys, more typical for a teenage boy of their age.
Furthermore, when they are eating breakfast Ben suddenly announces that he “needs a poo” which is something you would associate a young child to say. This makes Ben seem childish, and almost innocent, as if he doesn’t fit in to the norm for a teenage boy his age. This singles him out as he is clearly ‘different from the others’ fitting the stereotype that disabled people tend to not fit in as well as they should.
Carrying on, the use of close up shots on Bens facial expression in the opening few shots at the breakfast table really shows how simple he is portrayed in this clip. His expression looks almost confused at what he is looking at on his spoon, and he is gaping at the spoon with his mouth open. These are traits you might find acceptable for an infant to do. This shot backs up the representation of mental disabilities as childish, as is seen throughout the whole clip.
Also, when Ben is left on the bus by himself the music in the back ground becomes very simple, and might reflect the process of simple thoughts. This is used to mirror how ben thinks, and makes it prevalent that his thoughts are simple and innocent. To make this even more obvious a fight is going on in the background, but the music & bens expression stays the same, giving the impression that he is oblivious to the argument/fight going on behind him. This backs up the point that he is childlike and innocent to the real world.
Lastly, also when ben is on the bus the editing makes the shots slow down, this almost mirrors how Ben thinks. The slowed down effect gives the impression that he is not as fast as a normal person, and also makes it seem as though his is in his own bubble, not quite realizing what is going on in the world around him. This relates back to the child like features that ben shows throughout.
To conclude in the clip the disability is shown through the character Ben, he is made to look childish and unintelligent. Furthermore it is clear that he finds ‘normal’ tasks a lot more difficult than normal people would. This singles him out from other characters and gives him an isolated feel to the rest of the clip.
In the clip we see disability represented in the forms of physical and mental disability. This is shown through Sally and Jacob, two very different characters and different in terms of their disability. We see Jacob represented in the way of being weak and in need of assistance, and Sally in terms of she is treated like a child and needs help.
ReplyDeleteWe see Jacob constructed in terms of weak and in need of assistance, we see this straight away through the use of mise-en-scene as he has a walking stick when he comes into frame, we can also see this through the use of camera where a long shot is used to show how he struggles to walk with his walking stick, this gives us a clear shot showing us as the audience that he is weak and in need of assistance, in this case he has a walking stick to help him. Along with this camera angles are used to show us he is weak, as a high to low angle looking down over Jacob shows us that he is weak as the high angle makes him look smaller than he already is especially with the bus ticket officer towering above him.
We also see disability represented as being different from “normal” people, this is constructed through the use of editing where the two people with the disability are sat on the other side of the room from the “normal” people. This gives us the indication that they are treated differently and pushed away from society. We also see Jacob represented as “different” where we see mise-en-scene used in the form of clothing where Jacob is wearing dull bland coloured clothing, in beige and brown, where the “normal” people in the rest of the clip are dressed in brightly coloured clothing. This clearly sets him apart from the rest as the clothing clearly shows the difference in characters.
Throughout the clip the boy with a disability is presented a fragile and dependent on others. One way this is shown is through editing, in which a tracking shot is used to show the disabled boy following the exact footsteps of his older brother. This suggests how he is dependent of others and is seen as too fragile to make his own decisions because of his disability. The use of camera angles also conforms to the stereotype of disabled people being weak and fragile by the use of a low angle shot, this makes Ben appear smaller and makes him look weak and almost in need of help.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are first introduced to Ben, a non-diegetic cheesy pop song is played, this conforms to the typical stereo type of disabled people seeming childlike and immature. This is also shown through the way the mother speaks slowly to Ben when telling him off she tells him ‘That was a bit selfish Ben’ but doesn’t directly tell him off. He is then shown smiling by an extreme close up elevating the idea of him being childlike. When the mother leaves it is notable she kisses Ben and not her other son, this conforms to the idea of him seeming child-like and delicate. This idea of Ben seeming child -like is also shown through how by the use of a time lapse Ben is shown to be playing with different toys at a bus stop, this makes him seem child-like and conforms to the idea that disabled people need to constantly be occupied in order to distract them from dangers.
Through the use of an extreme close up Ben is shown to be almost in his own world, this is shown by how the background behind Ben is blurred. This makes them seem separate from him. This conforms to the stereotype of disabled people seeming ‘different’ as quoted by the times.
Through the majority of the clip Ben is shown as never being on his own, conforming to the idea of disabled people being dependent on others. Using a midshot, the audience can see Ben with his dad directly behind him. Ben is on a chair; this conforms to the idea that disabled people are dependent on others and need support. By his dad standing up and Ben sitting down, Ben appears childlike due to seeming smaller. His dad being behind him supports the idea that disabled people need that support and are not independent.
In the clip of 'Call the Midwife' we are shown a stereotypical representation of disabled people, who are isolated, helpless and incapable within society. The clip starts with a long shot, emphasising the fact that Jacob is alone in his surroundings and therefore isolated, but it also highlights his disability as this lengthy shot, along with the mise-en-scene of his walking stick, allows the audience to become focussed on it. Jacob's segregation is further suggested through parallel editing, as there is a separation between him on the outside of the room, and the midwifes on the inside of the room, who are talking about him. Therefore, this creates a sense of division between Jacob and the 'normal' society, as he doesn't play a part in the conversation. Also, there is non-diegetic solemn music playing beneath this scene, implying how Jacob's struggles with seperation from society are a normality- he is completely helpless in trying to change people's perceptions of him, considering the clip was set in the 1950's where people's attitudes to disabled people were much less accepting than now.
ReplyDeleteMoreover, Jacob being incapable within society is shown with the low angled shot of the bus conductor, suggesting he is important and Jacob is inferior. This signifies the fact that Jacob is looked down upon just because he is different, making him incapable in society. Also, during the shot reverse shot between the two characters, the diegetic sound of the bus conductor saying 'Sorry mate,' coupled with the mid-shot of his disparaging facial expression trying to understand Jacob's broken speech indicates that once again, he is incapable in society, as he can't be understood.
On the other hand, the female disabled character that we are introduced to later on in the clip slightly subverts the stereotype of disabled people being helpless, isolated and incapable within society. The mid-shot of her angry expression, along with the diegetic sound of her exclamation 'leave him alone,' suggests that she isn't helpless and incapable of voicing her opinion, as she is aware of what she wants in her life- which is Jacob- and she won't let anyone tell her otherwise. Perhaps she isn't so aware of her disability as Jacob is, as the mise-en-scene of her vibrant blue and green coloured clothing implies that she won't stand to be isolated within society, as she will blend in. This is compared to the dull beige and neutral colours that Jacob is wearing, which again emphasises that he is different to others. Also, the mise-en-scene of her being basked in natural light further supports the above point, as her disability isn't clouding over her- she won't become isolated by staying in the shadows, like Jacob does.
This is much better, Georgia! Definitely getting the hang of how to structure your writing and the type of examples and explanations these responses require.
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ReplyDeleteIn this clip, you can see that the disabled character Ben is pitied. You can see this from the Close up of his mom kissing him on the forehead and not David. This tells us that he is favoured by his mother. They introduce the disabled character by showing a close up of his face looking directly at the spoon confused this tells us that this character is disabled. Before they introduce him, they showed cheerful and fun music which stopped as soon as it goes to the close up of the disabled persons face. This might be a shadow of David’s life and how his brother has ruined it.
ReplyDeleteIn the clip the brother is presented as an outcast you can see this in the midshot of his upper body while he is in the front, you can see people behind him that are around the same age as him having fun while he is sat by himself looking lonely. This emphasise the fact that he will never be allowed to participate in everyday life because of his disability.
You can also tell that because of his disability he is unable to partake in everyday life and a burden to his brother. From the non-diegetic sound, you can hear the narration which is done by David about how his life was affected by his disabled brother. In his narration, you can hear him say “16 years and we have never been half a mile away from each other” which tells us that David has had to take care of Ben his whole life. In the shot reverse shot of David having a discussion with one of his class mates asking him to go somewhere he is hesitant as he has to take his brother home but he doesn’t really want to go. From this you can tell that David has had to pass a lot of opportunity to go out with his friends because he has to take care of his brother. At the start of the video you can see a tracking shot of David and his brother walking, the brother is behind him this seems like he is following him which is something that tend to occur a lot in David’s life.
It is clear that Ben is shown to have more child like qualities. For example the mise en scene in Ben and David’s shared bedroom is half brightly coloured (like how a child’s room would be) and half neutral colours. The close up on Ben’s face as he is eating his breakfast further proves this point as he seems almost confused by the concept of the spoon.
ReplyDeleteIn the clip, David is shown to be treated unfairly in comparison to his brother David who has Downs Syndrome. This is shown through the use of editing in when they are talking to their mother, Ben dominates screen time, however for the rest of the time David dominates screen time. This shows that their mother is concentrating on Ben more than she is David. When talking to their mother, Ben is also centre of the screen but David is slightly off centre. This shows us that their mother’s life revolves around and is more central of Ben. David questions this unfairness through his dialogue by saying ‘a bit unfair’.
Ben has a lack of concentration throughout the clip and has to be carefully watched by his family. As the brothers are sat at the bus stop, non-diegetic repetitive music is used whilst David speaks about how they have to go on holiday to the same place each year. This shows us that Ben needs structure in his life and does not like trying or doing new things. Quick paced cuts are also used whilst they are at the bus stop showing him doing a range of different things, emphasising his lack of concentration. During these fast paced edits, a series of different shots are used, such as a long shot and a mid shot which disorientates the audience and could resemble how Ben is as a person. However, when Ben gets on the bus by himself the pace of the editing slows down, showing us that he needs help to function ‘normally’ in society.
Jacob’s disability is represented as a weakness. He is introduced with the sound of his walking stick clanging on the floor as he is heavily reliant on it. The low key lighting creates a shadow casted on his legs highlighting that the weakness is there. He is introduced like this as the long shot shows the distance he has to walk and how he struggles to do so because of his weakness. You can tell he is struggling as his balance is off and it takes him longer to reach the door coming closer to the camera. It then J cuts to the next scene where you here raised voices in a lighter room suggesting the two people in there are more able than Jacob. It then becomes clear that they are talking about Jacob. This portrays him as a child as it is like when the parents keep secrets from the child. This shows Jacob is less superior than them and doesn’t have a voice due to his disability.
ReplyDeleteJacob is seen as an outcast compared to other people. When he enters the bus, he sits on his own while the crowd stare at him. It is a mid-shot with a slightly high angle making him look weak. The diegetic sound you hear of his voice is very slow and unclear as he struggles with his disability. It uses a shot reverse shot so when it switches to the bus driver it is at a low angle making Jacob look inferior to him. This is a struggle for Jacob as he looks high up making it harder for him to speak. Therefore, his disability is seen as hard effort for him to overcome and separates him from the rest. Although he is an outcast he still tries to fit in with everyone as he is polite saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Therefore, the director makes you feel sorry for him and that pity represents disabled people as fragile, again like a child.
The pregnant woman is portrayed as a happy character who is more dependent than Jacob. The scene is light showing innocence through high key, natural lighting. As the camera zooms out is becomes clear she is having a baby which is suggesting she is cable for having a baby and is responsible. There are still elements which shows she will need help as the mid wife stand over her shadowing her left said. This highlight the fact that her disability still means she struggles with becoming a independent mother and drags her down.
Representation of disability is constructed in the clip through the use of sound, mise en scene, camera and editing. One of the stereotypes that have been portrayed in this clip is the burden/ outcast image. Ben is seen to limit David’s life by what he always wants to do, and thus he’s forced to carry a lot of responsibility on his shoulders towards his younger brother’s wellbeing.
ReplyDeleteIn the use of sound, we see the relationship between Ben and the world in general. The fast- paced, non-diegetic background music constantly shows David being deep in thought, which suggests that he hasn’t had time to himself because of his responsibility towards Ben, so he can only ever put time aside to meditate. This is shown in the arc movement around David in his bedroom, which further suggests his frustration in this routinely lifestyle he has to follow, in order to meet the conditional needs of Ben. This is supported by Ben’s slow and timid speech- it contrasts to ‘normal’ speeches of people around him, where he’s depicted as an outcast. Furthermore, this responsibility is obvious to his peers as they seem to mock him on “babysitting again”. It implies David’s reduced social life with his mates, since he has Ben to be focusing on as his older, dependable brother.
In the use of mise en scene, we further depict David’s negative emotions through contrast of lighting. In the bird’s eye view of the bedroom, Ben’s side is lighter as he’s at peace and sound asleep. However, David’s side is slightly darker which allows the audience to see his unhappiness in constantly having little space from his brother. This is also replicated in their clothing as Ben is wearing brighter colours than David. It indicates how David’s always been in a mood with Ben around that, to the audience, he naturally makes himself look gloomy.
In the use of editing and camera movements, there are a lot of close ups and jump shots, revealing the fast- paced days of David and Ben. For example, in the fast- paced jump cuts of different days/ weeks, we see David’s life running on Ben’s satisfaction, where he’s always out with his brother and less with his mates. The extreme close up shots of Ben’s face emphasises his ‘abnormality’, followed up with David’s close up shots with how irritated he is with his brother’s ‘abnormality’, displaying him as a slightly insensitive, unsympathetic brother. These qualities of David highlight his constant suppressed anger on not having had his independence for the majority of his life, because he’s carrying the burden on his back (Ben) of having keep an eye on him every day. Therefore, David’s almost lost his teenage life because of Ben’s limitations, which is what makes him hate and resent Ben so much.