Arooj Aftab

Sexuality in t.v drama

there are many stereotypes when a person thinks about sexuality - especially in t.v. drama today, it can be expressed in many ways.Sexuality is often expressed in physical means - this can be through clothing, acting, the setting and props used.

SEXUALITY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngbLG_e7ZmQ

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Homosexual characters in TV drama have often been portrayed in very stereotypical ways, from the clip we can the typical stereotype of a gay man. - Camp, high voice and a lot of knowledge in fashion. From the mise-en-scene, especially the clothing the character 'Kurt' wears is very neat and tidy, from this we can infer that this character takes pride and looks after his appearance which would often be associated with the stereotypical gay man. From the camera positioning the viewers POV is seen to be looking up to the male character, emphasising the confidence and bold personality of him. This is also presented through his posture presenting the character's assurance in himself. The representation of camera movements enforces the camp nature of the character The camera looking up presents his dominating side, which we would expect as a stereotypical gay man would be seen as loud and brass or negative with a low quality of life. In a TV Drama you are mainly only shown with these two representationsThe use of high key lighting adds a positive atmosphere and mood to this scene perhaps corresponding the nature and personality of 'Kurt'.The sound used adds to the mise-en-scene, at the start of the scene we can hear the rattle of hangers and later someone typing on a keyboard sets the scene of an office. From the clip we see the male character at a job interview at a fashion company. The fact that the gay male is at this particular interview becomes ironic as it builds on the stereotype of gay men which are seen to be feminine and with a great interest in fashion. This is the cultural expectations of how certain characters should act, behave and operate in society.

Analysing the clip