Camera techniques in Merlin are used to show differences in class and status. A track shot follows Merlin from the castle marketplace, contrasting the clean castle with the busy, loud, and dirty market to represent Merlin's lower class. An over-the-shoulder shot of Arthur challenges Merlin, placing Arthur in a dominant position to show his higher status. A long shot also depicts differing class, with Arthur standing apart from others in the background.
1. In this clip of the TV drama Merlin, camera techniques have been used to show different class and
status. A track shot is used after Merlin leaves the castle and walks through the market. This shows
the audience the contrast of where he works to where he belongs. As the castle is big a clean and
the market place is busy, loud and a bit dirty. This represents Merlin to have a lower class than those
who live in the castle e.g. the prince and princess.
Another camera technique used was an over the shoulder shot. This was used when Merlin
challenges Arthur to a battle. The shot is over Arthurs shoulder to show that even though Merlin is
fully in the shot Arthur still owns the shot giving him higher class and status. This shows the audience
that Arthur is the superior in this shot as he dominates the left hand side even when his back is to
the camera.
A long shot is also used to represent different class and status. This was used when Arthur