Editing question

PREP Analyse how editing is used in the extract from Cuffs to create meaning. Refer to at least two examples from the extract in your answer. (This means that a good candidate will write fully and freely, covering more than just 2 examples, as we practised in class).
Worth 5 marks: write half a side of A4 and post on your blog tonight. If you have DoE, take an extra 24 hours

 
Slow motion is used  when the police officers are fighting the racist who attempted to murder the young Asian boy. The slow motion is used to show us what's happening in Jake's mind as he is thrown into an environment that he is not used to at all, he has to make big decisions in such a small amount of time. The use of the shot being held for a long period of time almost shows to us his thought process and what's happening to those around him whilst he's frozen there. 


Close up and cross cut into the recording is used when DI Kane realizes there is a clue into where the little girl might be. The last frame is held for a long time while his brain and eyes clarify what he thought was true. We then see it for ourselves using and extreme close up of the hotel name and we feel the same as the detective. The close up verifies what we and DI Kane assumes and hopes to be true, as the camera focuses on this tension is built and we immediately want action to be taken.


Shot reverse shot is a editing technique used when the father of the abducted child is hanging on the edge of the balcony ready to commit suicide. There are close ups of the man's hand which is almost completely over the balcony. Both men are focused on each other however do not say a word because it might trigger unnecessary action from both of them. After DI Kane saves the man there is a close up shot on his face and we see the relieve and shock on his face. This makes us feel a slight sign of relief as well.

Mise-en-scene question

In the first scene of cuffs we see superintendent speaking, he is wearing clothing that symbolizes a certain  atmosphere, he is seen wearing white gloves which emphasize the importance of the chief and the day. All the people listening to him and that are in front of him are far less important , we can see this because he is positioned on a podium higher above than the rest of the people.


Towards the middle of the episode we see a drug addict with bleeding arms, the use of the close up cameras focusing on the state of his room. We can see the mess he has lived in, empty bottles, dirty floor and clothes everywhere. The mise-en-scene shows the background to his lifestyle and that he doesn't really keep an organized, healthy lifestyle. The use of mise-en-scene in this scene shows the viewers just how much trouble he's really in and how badly he needs the police help.

At the end of the episode we see a smartly dressed Asian boy going into a shop he is soon followed by a gang of racist white boys. The way in which the racist boys are dressed and positioned is quite intimidating, his shoulders are broad and his chest out. This creates a complete contrast in shape of body and tone of voice between someone who's shriveled up and someone very intimidating. It is important that mise-en-scene is used to show this contrast.

camera notes

 
 Towards the beginning of cuffs we are shown most of the police officers gathered around a woman being arrested, she thinks she is more important because of what her mother does. Ryan states ' we don't care what people's parents do' as he says this there is a focus pull showing Jake's face and then the reaction of the people around him. This creates the effect that it shows everyone as it happens , you can see the tension as it unravels.

 Further on in the episode a slow zoom into a close up shot is used when Jo  has left the room and is reflecting on what has happened and realizes what a mistake the affair was. It is clear that so many emotions are going through her head;emotions such as embarrassment, regret and misery. There is also very harsh light to emphasize the hurt.

A crane shot is used  during the pursuit to give an idea of the ground they have to cover.The use of the shot emphasizes how hard it is for the police to catch criminals.

Exam question 5

'Explain how social contexts influence television programs. Refer to The Avengers.' 

Social context can have an influence on television programs, it doesn't only affect the audience watching but the actors within those programs. A good example of a program influence by social context is 'the avengers' , this was first aired 20 years after the war when people carried themselves well and were very well dressed. They had a great deal of pride in themselves and the way they dressed, the men would wear a bowler hats and suits. This shows that the men and possibly women were very knowledgeable about everything in their society and are focused on their appearance. However, in our society today we probably wouldn't be able to name different kinda of hats or take much notice.

The Avengers was aired 20 years after the war and after women first got the vote,1918,women were gaining more and more independence. The fact that Mrs Peel and Steed are equal in power proves how times were changing. The Avengers , as a program, wanted to show that men didn't need all the power they wanted women to start to feel more empowered. Usually in programs the man is the brave one and the one who goes on the investigations. However, in the Avengers we see Emma Peel taking on just as much of the work as Steed. For example, when Steed arrives to meet Mrs Peel she doesn't make him tea when he asks she simply says 'the milk's in the Kitchen'. This shows to the audience that she doesn't want to be any less important than him, she wants equal respect and importance.

Exam question 2

 


In the first episode of cuffs we are introduced to the scenery and characters by panning shots that show Brighton. This gives the audience an idea of the general ethos of the program. As this is happening there is a voice over from the chief policeman, he is stating that his police officers carry themselves with 'pride, admiration, dedication and a lot of training' and  have 'moral responsibilities 'to the community. We see police officer Ryan on his way to stop the violence on the naturist beach as this is happening cross cutting back to the chiefs speech is used he states that his officers are well experienced and professional. That they carry out their jobs  ' while earning the greatest respect from the people they serve',this is particularly  ironic and comedic because he is disrespected completely by the stag revelers and victims. This method, cross cutting,  is effective because it  gives the audience the police's perspective and the 'criminals' perspective at the same time.

Further on into the episode we see Ryan and new officer Jake trying to sort out a very unstable drug addict and has used a knife in an attempt to hurt himself. To start with the inexperienced officer Jake has a very harsh tone towards the man which isn't what he's meant to do. Officer Ryan is very calm, kind and gentle towards the drug addict, his aim is not to punish him like any other criminals but to simple get him the help he needs. He gradually builds up a relationship by being so considerate, he has a vast wealth of experience. He makes small little jokes to try and put the addict as ease. Their methods contrast with each other greatly, as Jake learns how to deal with the situation. Piano music in the background, non diegetic sound, is used to show that he's learning. As the music progresses as does Jake's knowledge. He uses the more experienced police officers method ' i am here, I'm not going to leave you' , this is far more effective and he achieves what he needs to. He repeats this and the use if a close up camera shot shows the audience everything from that person's perspective and as we are understanding so is the character. We as the audience feel sympathetic towards what the police have to deal we on a daily basis.

In one of the last scenes is where a boy is assaulted by a racist gang simply because he's not white,he is stabbed in the back and taken to intensive care. Another police officer is introduced to us, Jo Moffat, she has to handle situation professionally but her only witness to the crime is a young boy so she has to get the balance of firm but sensitive. The audience not only sympathize with the victim but with what the police have to deal with. We view the police and Jo Moffat especially as professional and sympathetic towards each case.

exam question 1

In the first episode of Cuffs non-diegetic sounds are used. The mood at the beginning is very upbeat and lively, every character is being introduced and nothing sinister seems to have happened then. The sounds relate to Brighton and its overall scenery, for example, the seagulls and the children playing on the beach. This emphasizes how the audience are supposed to feel towards the characters. The lighting relates to the upbeat mood and sounds at the beginning.

Further on in the episode a boy is killed by a racist gang. The sound used in this episode is far more intense and sinister, as the tension on screen increases as does the sound.  The music intensifies and becomes more in depth. The music makes the audience feel a certain way. Without it the audience wouldn't feel sympathy towards the characters. Non-diegetic sound is used a lot in these scenes, this means sounds is added in the editing suite.

In conclusion sound is used to create many meanings that contrast with each other, one sinister mood and one upbeat mood. This is effect and has an impact on the audience and the way they feel towards certain scenes and characters.