The document discusses how gender is represented in an extract from Doctor Who through the use of camerawork, mise-en-scene, editing, and sound. Initially, stereotypes are depicted where males are dominant and higher in status than females. However, the character Martha later proves these stereotypes wrong by becoming quite domineering. Camera angles, costumes, props, editing techniques, and music are used to first show Martha as vulnerable but later as powerful as she rises up against the Master.

1. Discuss the representation of gender within the extract of Doctor Who.
Make reference to the following;
-Camerawork.
-Mise-en-scene.
-Editing.
-Sound.
Within the extract of Doctor who, gender is represented in numerous ways,
particularly through the use of the technical attributes, Camerawork, Mise-en-
scene, editing and sound. This extract specifically depicts the common
stereotypes of women and men, as it is evident that males are dominant, higher
in status and perhaps superior as opposed to that of women. However, later on
in the extract it is adamant that women, particularly Martha is quite
domineering; proving these stereotypes to be some what challenged.
The use of camerawork contributes greatly towards this representation of
gender. The most domineering being that of high angles and low angles, as they
are used widely throughout the extract; high angles are used whenever Martha is
in shot to portray her vulnerability, lack of confidence and more importantly her
seemingly having a low status as opposed to the master who has a much more
high status, who is strong willed and powerfully dominant- these are through the
use of low angles. The general stereotypes of males having the tendency to be
more dominant/ powerful are yet reinforced and definitely supported by these
camerawork techniques. However, this isn’t consistent throughout the entirety
of the extract, as towards the end of it the former situation changes and some
what is reversed. The master is now the vulnerable one and Martha is now the
superior of the two; the low angles are now used on Martha and the high angles
on the Master. This perhaps derives the connotations of Martha being a feisty
character, as she has fought back against the Master and become more
triumphant; in contrast with her former vulnerable, wearied self at the beginning
of the extract.
Several long shots are used to establish where the characters are within the
shots; basically it is cleverly staged. The Master is shown to be always standing
above the stairs, in which it could be argued to represent has thorough
importance and also to support the idea of males being the most powerful,
where as Martha is always below the stairs to show her intimidation acted upon
her from the Master and her lower status. A tracking shot of her also initiates
this representation, specifically when she enters the beginning sequence; she is
seemingly shown to be alienated from her close family and ‘singled out’ from any
other character, this perhaps giving the connotation of her being weak and
helpless and also isolated.
Another significant camerawork technique used to show the representation of
gender is the use of a focus pull. It is used when the Master looks over at
‘countdown clock’. The Master begins the countdown and soon after this, he is

2. taken out of focus and the clock immediately brought into focus as it descends in
time. This further highlights the fact that he is in control and adamantly superior.
Mise-en-scene also contributes to show the representation of gender uniquely,
the most notable, being through the use of the evident contrasts of costumes;
They specifically depict the common stereotypes of men being overall superior
opposed to women who are deemed to be inferior. Males within in the extract
are deemed to have higher status’ through the costume detained by them, these
subsequently giving the connotations of them either being business type men
with immaculate/ regal appearances, hardworking, laborious and powerful and,
or having a hands on approach and doing the manual work. Costumes that make
this seem apparent are; suits, military uniforms and just general/casual clothing
particular to that time period/era, yet dirty and mattered clothing.
In comparison, the females’ costumes consist of maid outfits in which is showing
they’re of lower class/status/importance and perhaps it is their duty to serve
others. However, in contrast with this, the master’s wife is wearing a red dress
inflicting the connotation of her being a sex object and particularly very feminine.
Martha’s costume however, doesn’t comply with any of these common
stereotypes of women, hers seemingly challenges the stereotypical ‘norm’ as
she’s wearing combats in which are more associated with males. This then
derives the connotation that she is a resistant, feisty character with a tough
nature.
The props within the extract are highly significant as they not only enhance the
sci-fi nature of the program, they segregate the women and men’s stereotypes
uniquely, the men in the extract are holding some sort of military weapon in
which this reinforcing the initial idea that men over power women.
The use of editing within the extract significantly helps to contribute to show the
key representation of gender. One way in which this is clearly evident, is through
the use of a cutaway. At one particular time when the master is in shot, he
commands the space and then it ‘cuts away’ to a shot of them, specifically to
show they’re under his command/control; thus then representing his profound
domineering persona and his power withheld in him. This therefore supports and
reinforces the stereotype that males have the tendency to be more dominant
and instructive opposed to women. Another way in which a cutaway is used is
when Martha’s flashbacks are shown; colour grading filters are used to create
and enhance the state to moving another era or just generally back in time. As
opposed to her once being the vulnerable character within the shots during the
flashbacks she is shown to be quite confident and up gains power as she
preaches her story about the Doctor. This goes against the stereotype of males
being dominant/powerful and females being the weaker of the two genders. The
screen time in which the character has within the extract is very significant. The
Master and Martha have the most, arguably the Master has the majority more so
at the beginning anyhow, this makes it apparent that he rivals with more
importance against the other characters- perhaps his domineering persona.

3. However towards the end of the extract Martha is shown to have redeemed
herself and ‘rights’ the Master. This allows her to have the majority of the screen
time compared to that of the Master at this stage.
The sound that is evident within the extract is significantly important in
addressing the representation of gender. A cutaway is shown of the space-
shuttles, in which it is noticeable that diegetic female voices are used, when
complying with the Master’s instructions. This perhaps is portraying me/males
command and are dominant whereas women are more inclined to be controlled
and serve men, this being one of many common stereotypes. Another important
aspect of the sound present is that of the non-diegetic musical score that is
played throughout the entire extract. The music played within the scene as
Martha enters is seemingly dramatic; this enhances and upholds the tense and
desolate eeriness within this particular part of the sequence. It also portrays
Martha’s vulnerability and intimidation received from the Master. In contrast
with this Martha then redeems herself and becomes more powerful as she rises
against the Master. The musical score at this point becomes overly-dramatic, and
eventually builds up a climax, this then representing Martha to be triumphant
and domineering.
Emily-jane Mason.