Representation in soap operas

Representation in Soap Operas

‘Preview: This Spring on Coronation Street’

CallumThe character of Callum is represented as being a more aggressive and calculating character, as motivated by his desire to have control of Max.

CameraworkAt 0:16, a two shot shows the superiority of Callum over Max. This is because his body is shown above Max. This suggests that he is a possessive individual, especially when he’s confronted by someone who poses a threat to him. The shot here allows us to see his body language, also. Callum has his arms crossed which connotes the defensiveness of the character.

Mise en scene Throughout the trailer, Callum is seen wearing dark colours, which makes him appear as a more ‘evil’ character, as the colour black connotes to death, evil and mystery.

EditingA shot reverse shot is used at 0:54, which makes a cut from David speaking, to back to Callum, and then back to David. A use of sound has been used effectively with this. This shot reverse shot has been used to show the reaction of David’s claim that “He’s my son”, to which Callum replies “Is he?”. This makes Callum appear more calculating as this is said in a mocking tone to humiliate David in reference to how he’s not Max’s biological father. The shot reverse shot creates a juxtaposition between the two sides of morality – the good and the evil which is an example of Levi-Strauss’ binary opposites theories.

Sound

There is an effective use of sound in this trailer, primarily shown with the use of dialogue as this drives the narrative forward. Callum says to David, “You’re in no position to call the shots”. This represents Callum to think himself superior to David, and this with camerawork that shows him standing taller and ‘above’ David makes what he says more threatening. Also, in response to David talking about how Callum hadn’t “been on the scene for years”, he says “Sadly” in what may be heard as a sarcastic response. This implies that Callum has an ulterior motive and thinks his reason for disappearing a bigger priority than his own son. This represents him as a bad father figure and someone who puts himself before others.

Representation of Men

SteveThe character of Steve is represented as a weaker character, battling depression and having to deal with a family and a relationship.

CameraworkThe first effective use of camerawork is shown at 0:07, when Steve is provoked. A mid-shot has been used to show the frustration on his face as he stands beside Audrey which represents him as someone who is very serious, especially when something bad has happened that may have been his fault. At 0:23, a two shot is used with Steve and his daughter Amy. The shot shows Steve with his arm around Amy and her looking up at him. This represents Steve as a good father and family man as this two shot shows the stable relationship he has with his daughter.

Mise en scene The body language Steve uses in the shot 1:24 shows him clasping his hands together in thought. This represents Steve as being very thoughtful about his current situation, implying that his depression is the only thing on his mind. This ultimately represents him as somewhat weaker or troubled.

EditingThe lighting used in the sequence of shots from 0:23 to 0:30 is dull, as if it has been colour-corrected during post-production. This perhaps signifies the depression that Steve is suffering with. This represents him as weaker and suggests that the depression is not only affecting him, but also the people around him.

Sound

There is an effective use of sound in this trailer with the use of a sound bridge of dialogue as said by Michelle, “We are all here for you”. This represents Steve as being a weaker character who needs his family by his side all the way. However, it could be argued that this represents him as a family man who has raised a family up to be supportive and kind. Another use of dialogue is used to represent Steve in a different way as in the beginning of the trailer, he replies to Norris, who says “How’s the guilty conscience”, with “Just drop it, will you?”. This suggests that Steve feels guilty and represents him as being a very frustrated and angry man when mocked by the likes of his neighbours.

Representation of Men

StereotypesThe general stereotypes for males is that they are superior to

females.

In this trailer, Steve has been presented in a way that that goes against this stereotype in the moments where he is with his daughter

Amy and his girlfriend Michelle. They have been represented as strong individuals, with Amy replying with “Lady Gaga’s got

depression” comedically, implying her strength and calmness, despite her father’s illness, and with Michelle’s determination to help

Steve get better.

‘Double Wedding: Trailer’

MoiraThe character of Moira is represented as an attractive woman, but deceiving woman in this trailer.

CameraworkThe first effective use of camerawork is shown at 0:20 where a high angle shot and close up shot has been used to show Moira clutching onto something and crying. This represents Moira as being weak and distraught with what is happening in her life. It can also be seen in this shot that is rocking back and forth, which implies that she in an hysteric state, emphasising the representation that she is a weak woman.

Mise en scene Mise en scene has been used in the form of costume as shown at 0:20 when Moira is walking down the aisle. The dress that she is wearing is low-cut, showing her cleavage and use of the colour red of her dress connotes to desire and evil. This represents her as being somewhat of a vixen. Her facial expression supports this, as it is also shown in this shot her making eye contact with James, who is someone who she is in conflict with. This represents her as a devious person. EditingAn example of editing is shown at 0:18 when Moira looks up at James upon his accusation that she is a liar, as also shown with camerawork, as an over the shoulder shot has been used. She is shown with a shocked look on her face which represents her as being perhaps someone who underestimates other people as it seems as though she did not expect James to find out that Adam is his son. However, at 0:19, after a use of shot reverse shot, Moira shakes her at him, therefore representing her as a more of a liar as she is still denying his parentage to Adam, despite the evidence in front of her.

Sound

Sound has been used in this trailer to suggest ideas about what Moira is thinking to represent her as selfish. This has been done through the use of a sound bridge, which is used when Moira is walking down the aisle past James. The character of James is heard saying, “I have suffered, so why shouldn’t you?” This implies that Moira does not believe that she is in the wrong and so sees herself as deserving happiness, whilst James is to be left unhappy. This represents Moira as being selfish and valuing only her life above his, despite what happened between them being both their faults.

Representation of Women

Laura MulveyMale Gaze Theory

Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory refers to the theory that women in media texts are for the pleasure of the male audience and often dressed accordingly for this

purpose.

This theory can be applied to Moira in this trailer as in shots where she is walking down the aisle, her low cut dress shows her cleavage. The camera

angle in which she is shown puts her almost in the centre of the frame and is a mid shot, therefore clearly showing her cleavage. The colour of the dress

reinforces this as it is red, connoting to sex and desire.

However, it could be argued that the short pace of the shot is not enough to imply that Moira’s purpose in this trailer is to appeal to the male audience,

despite the fact that the mise en scene suggests otherwise.

MeganThe character of Megan has been represented as courageous and protective.

CameraworkAn example of the use of camerawork is shown at 0:25 with the use of an over the shoulder shot, which shows Megan mocking Charity. Her facial expression has her smiling, which represents her has brave, particularly to face up to Charity, whom she knows poses a threat to her family.

Mise en scene The mise en scene has been used in the form of costume as Megan is shown towards the end of the trailer wearing a floral top and yellow jacket. As the colour yellow connotes to optimism and confidence, this represents Megan as being a positive and determined person. The floral pattern she is wearing represents her as being a down to earth person, but also perhaps represents her as being pure in some way, which is reinforced by the fact that she is trying to protect her brother.

EditingEditing has been used effectively in this trailer. A match on action cut has been used at 0:26 to show Charity punching Megan, throwing her off balance into a wall. This counter-represents Megan as being a weaker character, perhaps only just physically though as shown by the rest of the trailer, she is capable of using her intelligence to rile Charity up and reveal her plans.

Sound

There is an effective use of sound in this trailer with the use of the diegetic dialogue sound bridge of Megan seemingly saying to Declan, “She is going to take you for everything.” This represents Megan as being a protective sister, but also a smart person and the way in which she says this line implies she knows what Charity is up to. However, earlier in the trailer, Declan is heard saying “I am marrying the woman I love, who also happens to be carrying my baby.” This, with the use of camerawork (over the shoulder shot), counters this as the shot shows her shocked and concerned facial expression, implying that she is weak in terms of trying to win her brother over.

Representation of Women

Laura MulveyMale Gaze Theory

Mulvey’s Male Gaze theory cannot be applied to the character of Megan as the mise en scene has not

been used to objectify Megan. Instead, she is dressed in clothes that cover her body and therefore, this does not represent her as

provocative.