1. 1) Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs meaning through the following:
• Camera shots, angles, movement and composition
• Editing
• Sound
• Mise-en-scène
Answer:
The ‘construction of meaning’ is perhaps a subjective phrase, but in terms of
representation in media, it likely refers to the building of purpose, significance and
symbolism of the content in a certain medium. In this extract from “Orange is the New
Black”, we are presented with four inmates of a women’s prison; three of them new and
undergoing orientation. We see them stared down by the other prisoners and we
subsequently follow the main character’s initiation through identification photos and a
medical exam. The displayed adjustment to the life of incarceration contains many
instances of purpose, significance and symbolism being constructed, through
camerawork and editing, sound and mise-en-scène.
Through the use of camerawork, we see meaning being constructed throughout the
extract. A wide shot is used to establish the fenced setting of the particular scene in
which the main character, a Caucasian, blonde woman, together with Hispanic, African-
American and Italian-American women, walk past a line of intimidating convicts. This
diversity in cast represents a myriad of races, which then allows a greater span of
attraction in the audience. In terms of cinematography, the shot reverse shot, in
conjunction with a tracking shot and eyeline matching, highlights the tension and fear felt
by the main character. This intimidation is emphasised by a medium closeup of her in
which we see her clasping her baggage. Medium closeups are also used to display
menace, exemplified by predatory teeth-licking and visible mocking laughter. In the ID
photo sequence, we are introduced to two correctional officers in a two shot, which
contrasts with the singularity of the main character in her own shot. The two vs one
situation is an exhibition of power, solidified by the injustice she faces when she is
scolded for helping the officers fix the camera. Evidently, we see the construction of
meaning in exposition and characters through the use of the camera and editing.
Editing is also used to construct meaning in this extract. As aforementioned, eyeliner
matching, a form of continuity editing, is used to display tension and intimidation. The
main character is initially slowly introduced to the prison but scene after scene, we see
that it is a very procedural orientation: she is driven, led inside the building, identified
photographically and medically examined. We see this through jump cuts that abruptly
transition to the next scene of initiation procedure. This undermines anything that
happens in between scenes, conveying continuous action and business showing that the
prison is a place of unrest and bustle. Through different types of transitions and cuts, we
see meaning built in regards to setting.
Also used to construct meaning, is sound. The prison emanating hustle and bustle can
also be attributed to extensive use of sound effects, such as constant buzzing, beeping
and static sound effects from officer’s radios, as well as announcements in the
background through intercom speakers. However non-diegetic sound is also used,
specifically music, to create an uneasy and tense tone. paralleled by the intimidation that
the main character experienced, mentioned earlier. Haunting piano music transitions into
menacing rock bass riffs, building tension throughout the intimidation scene. Ambient
shouting noises, murmurs and laughs also consolidate the prison as a setting. Through
2. dialogue, we see the main character made continually uncomfortable and threatened,
seen first in the very beginning of the extract when she is scared out of conversing with
the driver due to the African-American inmate asking “Who the fuck asked you?”. This
aggressive and unnerving attitude from African-Americans to Caucasians is a real stigma
which can observed as commonplace in society. Thus, this adds a sense of verisimilitude
to the scene. She is also unjustly told to keep her mouth shut and to stand still by an
officer for helping him out. As the main character is assumed to not ever have been in
prison and probably has never lived in such a place like that, we can assume great
contrast in what to expect from normal people in the normal world. Thus, the dialogue
also helps to contrast the setting with non-prison societal norms. For example, we expect
the conversation between a nurse and their patient to be as empathetic as possible, with
the average amount and topics of small talk. However, the prison nurse talks about his
enjoyment of pork and chicken when the main character expresses her personal story of
getting her tattoo. The sound; diegetic, music and dialogue, all help to construct meaning
in the setting, exposition and characters in the extract.
Meaning is constructed also through the use of mise-en-scène. The colours scheme of
the extract is very intricate and symbolic. The titular orange is very important in
constructing meaning, as in costuming it not only separates the new inmates from ones
who have already settled in, but it literally highlights these particular characters as
important figures for the future of the plot. Orange is widely known for inmate clothing but
it is also used to grab attention from viewers. It also contrasts with the light blue and
green colours of the correctional officers and prison nurse, showing that criminals and law
officials are definitely separated by a boundary of rights and freedom. Blue represents
stability and masculinity which is appropriate in this case as it is a women’s prison,
foreshadowing some male domination of the inmates. The setting's palette is a dull mix of
brown, white, orange and concrete grey, emanating boredom and lack of expression.
Fences are also prominent in the setting, symbolising entrapment and isolation. Meaning
in the exposition, setting and costuming is constructed through mise-en-scène.
The effects of camerawork, sound, editing and mise-en-scène all collaborate to construct
meaning in the extract. A variety of shots and editing techniques allowed the meaning of
the setting and exposition to be established, as well as the use of sound effects and
costuming, and many more. The concept of the show is definitely a counterstereotype in
terms of a comedy drama television series. This has meaning in itself as it evidently, has
plenty of space for a wide variety of representations; different cultures, sexual
orientations, regional identities and the like.
