Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is the representation of gender constructed in this Holby City extract?

Terminology

Examples

Explanation/analysis

The clip opens with dialogue,“there you are I’ve been looking everywhere for

you,”suggesting that she is rather needy and dependent.The use of dialogue

combined with the high angle shotsuggests that she is rather vulnerable.

Again, through the use of dialogue, “shut up”immediately give the male superiority

and power. Constructing the domineering alpha male and victimising the

woman.The effect of dialogueconfirms patriarchal ideology.The male is placed

immediately above her. This ideology is furthered, again throughthe use of

dialogue“I’m going to speak in single syllables, so it’s easy for you to

understand.”The use of dialogue is patronising, surfacing the stereotype that women

are dumber than men.

However when Michael having a go at her, the technique shot revere shotis used to

allow the viewer to see her reaction to the way in which he is speaking to her.Again

Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is the representation of gender constructed in this Holby City extract?

through this technique the woman again is victimised. A close medium shot is used

showing the woman’s heavy breathing and her eye lids bat and look down

suggesting that she is hurt by what he

has said, victimising her.

When the man is walking away from the

lady,shallow depth of field is used,blurring the male’s body and capturing the

woman who is in full focus,suggesting that she is now in control. However this shot

captures the male walking away highlighting he has the power and control.

An over the shoulder shot and a shot reverse shot is used, showing character

interaction. However it also shows the woman’s facial expressions, she rolls her eye,

smiles, tilts her head and poutcreating this passive/aggressive character. Also

constructing this convention of the super bitch character.

Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is the representation of gender constructed in this Holby City extract?

Lightingis also used to construct this sinister character,as half of the woman’s face is

lighted and the other is rather dark,creating this split personality, this good and bad

character. Portraying the modern woman.

Mise-en-scene is used, the uniform for the nurse and the surgeon.The male wearing

pink and the woman wearing blue,which would be considered unconventional as the

woman is wearing blue and the male is wearing pink, suggesting a role reversal,

maybe one has more power than the other.

Lastly when the woman is on the stepsa high angle shot is used with a canted

shot/movementmaking her look vulnerable as she is crying,portraying her as a

victim. In juxtaposition to the male a low angle shot is used denoting him as

powerful and in control.