This document analyzes the representation of ethnicity in a hotel scene from the film Hotel Babylon. It notes that different ethnic groups are placed in separate locations within the hotel, representing their differences. Stereotypical representations are used, such as the two black men, one of whom is portrayed as homosexual, and the other mentioning stereotypical black interests. The two foreign women are shown as cleaners, portraying a stereotypical view of migrants. Rivalry is depicted between different ethnic groups, such as the English and Mediterranean chefs. Close-ups and long shots show the busy atmosphere with various ethnic groups, while the blonde man and woman are portrayed as high status through their dress and speech. Jump cuts imply that

1. OCR G322 – HOTEL BABYLON
REPRESENTATION OF ETHNICITY
All of the ethnic groups in this clip are placed in the same environment of the hotel but in
different locations which could represent their personal differences. An up-tempo, peaceful,
non-diegetic sound is used to start of the clip which is also atmospheric as it matches the
peaceful location of the swimming area. The two black men in this location aren’t
represented typically – during their conversation shot reverse shot is used followed by eye-
line match which allows the emotions of both persons to be shown. Benjamin is
represented as homosexual through his speech and the emotions shown on his face whilst
the other black man is seen as a stereotypical black guy through his diegetic speech
mentioning things such as ‘ganja’.
The two foreign women in the clip are shown as a two shot meaning they come together,
they are stereotypically cleaners, wearing a pale coloured cleaners dress, which would be
the hegemonic view of them – the non-diegetic sound in the scene increases in tempo when
the women appear on screen. The foreign women appear quite sneaky and find other ways
of earning more money which is what people assume about migrants. The Asian lady
appears to be rivalry with the foreign women. Rivalry appears often in the clip between the
races for example in the kitchen the Mediterranean chef wearing black clothing and a chef’s
hat just like all the other foreign chef’s has tension with the English chef – wearing white
clothing and a chef’s hat – shot reverse shot is used during their heated conversation to
build up tension which is also done by the volume and tempo increasing of the non-diegetic
sound which appears more menacing than the tranquil sound at the beginning of the clip.
Close ups and Long shots are used frequently to be able to show the busy and fast-paced
atmosphere which could contribute to representing having all different ethnic groups in that
environment. The blonde haired woman and man are represented typically in their black
suits and well-spoken speech with close ups to show that they are of high status and the
music more grand.
Jump cuts are used between the scenes to show that many things are happening at the
hotel but just in different locations.