Sunday 16 November 2014

Textual Analysis - Downton Abbey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscFlwFNB6I

Camera Shots
The clip begins with a 'pan' of somebody cycling towards the country estate. This 'pan' ends with the cyclist going towards the house with the estate in the background; from this the audience is able to et a good sense of scale from the character and the huge mansion. We are then shown another 'pan' shot of a woman walking from her bed to her window; where we are re-introduced to the cyclist. A 'POV' shot is then used to show the audience the view from the opposite end of the table, from here we get a clear view of all of the servants. This is good as it is the first time we are shown them and the viewer is able to get a good overview of the scene. As each different character talks, 'over the shoulder' shots are used from different seats at the table to enable the audience a first-hand view of the dialogue. The next significant shot we are shown is a low angle shot. This shot is used in order to show a sense of power and dominance one character possesses over another. In this case; it is the servant and Mr. Carson. Another camera shot that is used is a 'tracking' shot of the Lord walking down the stairs. This camera shot enables the audience to follow the movement of the character whilst maintaining fluidity on screen.
Sound 
At the beginning of the clip we hear the music playing in the background. It is music that fits the time-setting and helps set the scene from the very start. As the clip continues into the characters bedroom, the music is lowered slightly and we are able to hear the crackling of the fire opposite her bed. As she approaches the window, the crackling is faded out and the music continues to be played under the sound of the bicycle on the gravel on the porch of the house. The soundtrack is played through to the next scene where the viewer can now hear the 'clings' and 'chimes' of the breakfast apparatus as the servants continue to eat. The continuous sound and noise hear is representative of the non-stop lifestyle the servants live; confirmed by the remark "No rest for the wicked".
Mise En Scene
The whole clip is representative of two classes, the upper and lower. From the speech used and clothes worn the audience is easily able to distinguish the two sets of characters. let alone the fact they each have their own separate living quarters. Something that both classes have in common is their respective dress. The servants with drab and old work clothes and the upper class men in sharp suits with the woman in big and beautiful gowns. The speech of the two character types is also telling. The servants who are more prone to slang and improper language whereas the upper class rarely use slang if ever, using perfect etiquette at all times.
Editing
The editing in Downton Abbey is interesting. The servants quarters of the house are very dull and drab whereas the wealthy side of the house is vibrant with silks and colour. Scenes involving the servants are very fast paced to convey the idea that they don't get a moments rest and are always on their feet. However, when the wealthy are on screen the scenes and camera shots are very slow, suggesting they are able to take all the time they want to do whatever they like.

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