The document analyzes the representation of a lower-class family in a television drama through the use of camerawork, mise-en-scene, editing, and sound. It discusses how shaky zooms and a messy home filled with beer cans reinforce stereotypes of instability and irresponsibility. However, the family's laughter and enduring love despite struggles presents a somewhat positive portrayal. Fast editing emphasizes the father's aggression, though continuity editing aims for realism. Swearing exhibits informality, though the father's education challenges full conformity to stereotypes.

1. Danielle Duffy
Social class
Camerawork
The use of shaky zooms communicates how the lives of those of lower/under class are
rough and unstable. This instability constitutes their daily struggle to get by, due to their
lack of money, often causing trouble within families as I can see the conflict arising between
children and father in the extract. I think that this conforms to the stereotype as the media
often aimto portray how poorer families’ lives are in a state of disorganisation. I think that
this relates to hyperreality as the representation of lower class families is almost
exaggerated as entirely unstable therefore presenting them as pitiful.
Incoherent and sudden zooms are featured within the extract to create an informal and
almost jokey atmosphere as the family converse showing the lack of seriousness in their
relationships. This might communicate to us that the family are comfortable with each other
and used to each other’s outbursts. Later on the family are seen laughing together which
reinforces this idea of lower class families being closer to one another as they have to stick
together and support each other’s through their struggles. This is rather conventional as
bigger families of lower class often have to share small spaces together as they cannot
afford large property and so must learn to share what they have. I think that this
representation is somewhat positive as it expresses the importance of family and enduring
love, and their struggles unite them.
Mise en scene
The scene of the lower class family home is littered with a mass of beer cans (props),
emphasising the messy and informal nature of the family. It could also reflect their lifestyles
as dirty and present them as lazy and uncivilised. This is a rather negative portrayal of them
and I think that it exaggerates stereotypes and could cause us to believe that all lower class
people are like this (Dyer’s theory that stereotypes legitimise inequality). Also it could
suggest that the father or perhaps one of his older sons have an alcohol habit. Furthermore
it could allow us to infer that this family spends whatever money they have on drink and
therefore they are irresponsible. Construction of representation like this could lead the
audience to believe that all under class people are like this; linking to Gramsci’s theory of
hegemony involving the elite controlling the mass through presenting lower classes in a
negative way in the media, making us believe that they are incapable of leading proper
lifestyles and therefore should be outcasted, and deserve to live struggling like they do.
Additionally, Frank’s daughter comments on his consumption of drugs, a stereotypical habit
of under class people (along with alcoholism) further reinforcing irresponsibility as a typical
attribute. Some members of the audience who maybe relate to the families’ situation may
disagree (and therefore oppose it; in correspondence to Hall’s reception theory) with this as
it is building a negative portrayal of people which could cause others to look down on under
class people.

2. Danielle Duffy
Editing
Fast paced-editing is comprised through the use of jump cuts in a sudden and incoherent
way. This has the effect of emphasising the man’s aggression and child-like behaviour.
Stereotypically those of lower class are presented as pugnacious as they are commonly
unhappy with their lifestyle and feel the need to unleash their anger on others. His actions,
exaggerated through the use of jump cuts build upon the image of him being incapable,
supported by his almost drunken demeanour that makes the audience feel as though that
those of lower class are functionally unstable. Relating to Hegemony, the elite could
represent him in this way so that others feel these people need to be controlled, and how it
is only the higher ups that are capable of this. However it could also be argued that lower
class people are shown expelling their anger because they feel ill-treated in how they have
to struggle. Continuity editing is used to create verisimilitude within the drama, making the
situation appear realistic and believable to the audience. The use of the 180 degree rule
keeps the viewer orientated and gives us a clear and cohesive view of the scene, involving
us in the struggles of the family which helps to build empathy. This is a conventional
element of TV dramas as they aim to reflect the lives of real life people so that their
audiences are able to relate and enjoy the piece whether it be for recreational purposes or
to gain an insight into lives of those from other classes.
Sound
Dialogue featuring swearing is used several times, for example “bollocks” by both adult and
(older) children, exuding vulgarity and informality. It is a stereotypical and rather realistic
portrayal of lower class to have a lack of mannerism, in contrast to those of higher class who
speak more articulately and see swearing as rude and common. In this extract, this
convention is both conformed to and challenged as Frank also shows articulacy in
juxtaposition to the swearing, including a reference to famous, traditional plays by
Shakespeare; playing on a line from Macbeth (‘Is this a family a see before me?’), showing
that he has been educated to a somewhat sufficient level allowing him to communicate on
the same level of those of other classes. This might suggest that he has moved class,
perhaps down, as conventionally we think of under class people as lacking education.
Additionally, the use of non-diegetic sound creates an empathetic atmosphere, connoting
family love. After this; the atmosphere seems calmer, and therefore love is presented as
what keeps families together despite times of struggle.