Sherlock - Power and Hierarchy

1. Sherlock Power and Hierarchy Mark Pawluk, Sam Peace, Alex Rayner

2. Confronting Moriaty

3. Camera

4. Medium Close-up This is a medium close-up of Sherlock when he confronts Moriarty, similarly its also a medium close-up of Moriarty when he also meets with Sherlock. This comparison of shots put them at the same level of hierarchy. This is of the ideology of the directory, by putting a sociopath (Sherlock) and a psychopath (Moriarty) on equal terms not allowing for any social power differences.

5. Camera and Lens Movement

6. Intensity There is a camera zoom in on Moriarty, this is used to intensify his presents in this scene, by doing this is creates a dominance over the two characters (Moriarty and Sherlock). Much like the zoom in of Moriarty, there is a track in on Sherlock, this helps cancel out the dominance set by Moriarty and puts them two on equal terms. Again, this proves that their isn't any hierarchy between these two; a sociopath and a psychopath.

7. Sound and Editing

8. Editing Medium length takes for when the character is talking- Never changes all the way to the end when Moriarty comes back and there are guns pointed on Watson and Sherlock. This shows tension between the two characters as both are trying to establish a superior advantage over the other. In a way it creates quite an oddly positive representation of the two characters because they are seen to be higher than Watson. Considering both Sociopathy and Psychopathy are considered mental disabilities it goes against the normal stereotype of disabled people to be considered as lesser than people without. in this way a sense of ideology is created to do with the super cripple theory, while the two dont have superpowers it is clear that they are superior to average people.

9. Editing When Moriarty leaves The take lengths shift from medium length takes to long takes. This signifies that the struggle for power has ceased because it is just Sherlock and Watson left, Sherlock has no threat any longer because the only person who opposes him has left. The long takes represent the cease of the struggle because it allows Sherlock to relax and thus so does the length of the shot. This also reflects on the sociopathic ideology of narcissism, now that Moriarty is gone Sherlock relaxes as he believes that Watson is no threat, whether it is a physical or intellectual threat he doesnt see Watson as either. This Continues the Stereotype that Sociopaths believe themselves to be better than the ordinary person, placing Sherlock at the top of the social hierarchy.

10. Sound (Tone) Sherlock's voice is always fairly calm but certainly authoritive, he speaks with a harsh tone but never raises his pitch. This could be due to Sociopathic tendencies in which everything has to be in his control and needs to be planned and organised. Moriarty shows off his method of control and tendencies by his voice and tone. He isnt as monotone as Sherlock and goes fairly high pitch when he says no you wont to Sherlock. He seems to be having fun in this situation and clearly shows a will to convey his dominance by fear. Having a use for different tones shows an unpredictable side which again shows his tendencies. This creates an especially negative image for Moriarty but not so much Sherlock. The reason for this is because it shows lack of caring for Psychopaths and as they are linked to evil anyway it helps with not caring for others. Typically it furthers a mediation between psychopaths and normal people as it conveys psychopaths to be dangerous.

11. Sound (Dialogue) Moriarty attempts to gain a position above Sherlock in terms of power hierarchy. He does this when he says Kill you? No dont be obvious. I mean Im gonna kill you anyway someday, dont want to rush it though. This shows that Moriarty thinks of himself to be above Sherlock and it creates a negative image. This is because he is shown here to be a little bit narcissistic which is looked down upon in society. This fits the stereotype that psychopaths have to be in control and need things to go a certain way for them to get the benefit, thus furthering the negative representation.

12. Sound (Non-digetic) The music that you here in the background is in a minor key, this is used to create an eerie sense of tension as the two struggle for dominance. Use of music techniques are efficient in creating an eerie feel. This shows that the two arent really normal and would be music used at the start of a confrontation between two characters are the pre-dawning of a fight. This creates an odd sense of desperation as the footage shows that the fate of the world rests upon the outcome of these two. This creates a positive and a negative representation. Positive because these two have a crucial impact on the average people but a negative one because there is violence involved. This goes against the stereotype of disabled people being not able to do anything because here we see the complete opposite. The music is the driving force behind the tension created which in turn creates a sense of urgency for the good guy ( Sherlock ) to be the more dominant figure.

13. Shots take the same time as speech, equals. Sherlock speaks calmly to show authority but Moriaty speaks quite casual, coloquial speech, shows no fear. Moriaty uses different tones of voice for emphasis while Sherlock dosent Editing and sound

14. Editing Medium length takes between Moriarty and Sherlock speaking shows a balance in power as its not fast paced action and despite the circumstances.

15. Mise-en-Scene

16. The use of the hand gun is present throughout the whole of the extract and is a common choice of weapon by Sherlock throughout the whole of the franchise. A gun is commonly associated with protection and defence yet also used for dominating purposes and attacks. In this case, the gun is held by Sherlock, (grasped by two hands to show secureness and determination) and is aimed directly at Moriarty from almost a point Blanc range, which therefore shows Sherlock has the power to kill this man instantly and hold his life in his hands. Moriarty obtains a stance very relaxed and calm; considering he is most venerable of the two and has a gun to his face; its almost un-natural and therefore represents his Psychotic attributes, both a positive and negative portrayal. His characteristics also contrast against Sherlocks, who although in control, seems to be the less stable due to his facial expressions and small movements. This therefore represents Moriarty as the more dominant one. In this case, Sherlock is almost hiding behind the gun.

17. Another prop used in this extract is the use of the bomb jacket. Un- willingly worn by Watson, its immediately removed by Sherlock as soon as Moriarty exists. Proving that this jacket has some relation to Moriarty and increasing his dominance over these two men, instantly. The relief on Watsons face as Sherlock removes the jacket shows how much power it had over him and how reassured he is due to Sherlocks actions, supporting the representation of Moriarty as the more dominant one of the three. As soon as its removed, the jacket is flung across the floor by Sherlock in an urgent manner, showing the danger and importance of this prop. Also representing Sherlock to be the more significant one of him and Watson in the light that he is Watsons superior. Watsons inferiority though is inevitability, due to this whole collection being based on the fictional character by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

18. The use of this setting helps to place the situation in a more modern era, instead of the more common Victorian environment we see in the remade films. A swimming pool is commonly associated with leisure and family, two very contrasting themes against the situation at hand. The water produces a subtle reflection onto Moriartys face, which helps to convey

Sherlock - Power and Hierarchy

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