1. Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of class and status;
In this clip we see 3 men in the landfill site and it mainly focuses on the character of
Macbeth and setting up in the restaurant.
Sound is used to represent the 3 bin men by the use of ambient sound. This shows the
area that they are in as you can hear the rubbish in the wind and the bird’s squawking. This
shows them to be of a lower class as they have a lowly pad job and are in a dirty, grubbyset
design.
Macbeth is shown to be of a higher status by his dialogue and the way that people speak
to him. For example people address him as ‘thank you chef’ and ‘sorry chef’. This shows he
has a high status in the kitchen as he is the only one called ‘chef’.
Camera is used in the clip to the 3 bin men as grubby and of a lower class. For example a
close up is used to show that they are unshaven, grubby and not the most attractive men
compared to Macbeth. The close up illustrates how they are talking whilst they are eating
also suggesting a lower class as they appear to have no manners.
The chef on the TV is shown to have much more authority and status compared to the
bin men. This is because he is shown to be in a slightly low angle low angle shot which
shows his authority. Also a close up shows that he is clean and dressed smartly and his
expression is very serious which shows that he is in control. This suggests a higher status, as
he looks like he has a nicer job and is dressed smartly.
Mise-en-scene is used in the clip to show the bin men as grubby and of a lower class. This
is shown by them being locatedat a rubbish tip, wearing grubby costumes and having
unshaven faces. This all portrays the image that they are of a lower class as they have a low
paid job and unclean. This is shown by their performance of eating whilst their talking,
which shows very bad manners.The lighting is natural which makes it look realistic and their
everyday job.
Lady Macbeth however is shown to be a much higher class. This is shown by her being
well groomed, smartly dressed with heavy makeup on. This makes her seem of a higher
class as she cares about her appearance and stands out against all of the other chefs.
Macbeth is also dressed fully in white as his costume, compared to the character dressed in
black when Macbeth jokily kisses him. This is ironic as even though Macbeth Is dressed in
white he is the most evil character later in the clip. This makes him seem of a higher class as
he looks like he is in the light. The lighting is the kitchen is washed out and un-natural, with
tones of grey and blue. This does make it seem authentic. This makes it seem cold and
cynical, also this is down to Macbeth as he is head of the kitchen. However when the prop
of the pig is introduced the colour red is introduced, which suggests death. This makes
Macbeth seem dangerous as he is the one in control of carving the pigs face. This portrays
Macbeth of having a higher status as he is the one in control of the kitchen and the other
employees.