1. Soap Opera Genre –
Independent Textual
Analysis
Name: Yunus
Candidate Number: 6570
Center Name: St. Paul’s Catholic College
Center Number: 64770
OCR Media Studies – A2 Level
Unit G324: Advanced Portfolio
2. Trailer 1 – Kat and Alfie Trailer-Eastenders-BBC One
Verbal Codes – Voiceover, Soundtrack, Sound effects and Dialogue
To begin with, the trailer starts of with an intense western soundtrack, followed by Kat walking towards the square, she
illustrates clear authority as she slowly walks back into her element (The Square). Both the character and soundtrack
are parallel and foreshadows that Kat is about to bring trouble within the square. Likewise, the sudden stop of laughter
from Janine connotes that she’s had conflict between herself and Kat, and its as if Kat has brought in negative energy
back into the square as Kat and Janine lock eyes. The strong bond between both Kat and Alfie is clearly illustrated by
the use of dialogue, for example “ where can I get a drink from here” and he replies “I think you’re gonna need one”,
this clearly signifies (Saussure's theory) the closeness they have with each other, as well as the romance and conflict
they share with one another. Furthermore, the pitch of the western soundtrack increases when Alfie replies to Kat, as
they both share a strong bond with each other. The voice over narrative is essential as it is used to inform the audience
on the trailer, “all kicking off in the square” this leaves the trailer in a cliff hanger and therefore keeps the audience
entertained.
3. Non-Verbal Codes- setting, Lighting, Costumes, Facial Expressions and characters
The first scene of the pub(Queen Vick) plays a significant part, as the building is a central part of Eastenders; likewise a pub
is a major part of the English culture as it reflects a certain period of time (Wendy Helsby Theory). Extreme close up of both
Kat and Alfie illustrates the desire as well as hatred they have for each other. The newspaper drifting across, insinuates
trouble is about to occur as this is a common theme within Western films. The road sign hanging off the building signifies
(Saussure’s theory) sense of destruction is about to occur, and Kat is the catalyst for the destruction of The Square. The long
shot of the pub demonstrates the damage of the square as a whole, as well as how the community are slowly suffering. The
facial expression of Janine changes once she sees Kat, this accentuates the bad history both characters had. Kat’s black
blanket implies that she’s ready for war, moreover the color black connotes authority and strength that Alfie has, and
therefore makes him a worthy opponent for Kat to face. However, Jane closing the blind and revealing a veil as well as blunt
facial expression emphasizes that the return of Kat foretells that trouble is about to return to The Square sooner rather
than later. The use of SFX is clearly demonstrated when Kat hits her boots into the ground, in which foreshadows that she
means business and that she has unfinished business to take care of. The different characters such as Patrick and Max
suddenly stopping their activities to pay attention on Kat, further connotes the negative energy she’s about to bring into
the square. The last eye bird scene of the two character at a far distance from each other reveals to the audience the
intense episodes that are about to be unveiled. Kat looking at herself with the mirror denotes that she wants to make sure
she looks good when returning to the square, likewise the mirror symbolises that a familiar face is about to return to The
Square and she’s clearly looking for war; this is represented through her clothing. Mise en scene is significant as the
cowboy/cowgirl clothing demonstrates the conflict between both Kat and Alfie. The cigar indicates the masculine strength
that Alfie has, and the status he has within the block, whereas the skirt and small amount of clothing Kat had highlights the
power Kat has on Alfie, and this is the “Male Gaze” (Laura Mulvey).
4. Technical Codes
To start with, the establishing shot of the Queen Vic demonstrates that something dramatic is about to occur within the
square; likewise the shot demonstrates how everything that happens within The Square links with the Queen Vic, as it is
the building that holds a huge part of Eastenders. The Queen Vic was owned by both Alfie and Kat, this means that it
was essential to put both characters against each other. The tension between the two character is very obvious and
something very serious has happened thus why there is such a demoralizing atmosphere. The extreme close up of both
characters illustrates how they still have passionate love for one another however there is still problems that must be
solved. One other camera shot is the tracking shot as it is used to follow Kat walking into the Centre of the square. The
scenes cut every few seconds, and goes from one character to another. For instance, it starts off with Kat walking into
The Square, and then cutting to scenes with Max, Janine, Patrick as well as other characters illustrating their views of Kat
through their facial expressions or body language. This initially allows the audience to be conscious of who clearly
loathes Kat and who doesn’t want her to be part of the community. The upward tracking of Kat illustrates her feminine
dominance as well as her strong posture, moreover it builds more tension as the audience are witnessing the return of
Kat, and they’re aware of the trouble she’s caused and has been through in the past; so showing the tracking shot gives
the audience a moment of excitement as they haven’t seen her in a long time. Additionally the cowboy shot is a very
powerful scene, as the mirror symbolises a gun and as she looks at herself, it connotes that beauty has a huge impact on
the community. A long shot of Alfie is shown once Kat turns around, and then immediately it cuts and becomes a close
up of Alfie, this is extremely influential as it instantly catches the attention of the audience as they look at the contrast of
genders (Hartley’s seven subjectivities), and how the camera shots differentiates due to the different characteristics both
Alfie and Kat have. As a whole, the camera shots portray Kat as being a character who is: strong, tough and passionate.
Whereas the other characters are portrayed as being inferior to both Alfie and Kat.
5. Trailer 2 – Skins series 1
Verbal Codes –
The trailer begins with straight cuts of scenes illustrating different characters. The use of straight cuts keeps
the audience engaged as they witness different scenes. For instance, Tony kissing Michelle as well as scenes
with Anwar and Sid. This gives the audience an overview of the chaos that is about to occur. Then, the scene
begins with Tony talking on the phone whilst there is a fast, pacey non-diegetic track in the background that
symbolizes the business of a teens life. Tony clearly demonstrates his dominance and social class (Maslow’s
Hierachy of needs), for example when Tony says to Sid “ tonight we are going to a party…you will finally pop
the cherry”; this signifies (De-saussere) the control and higher social class Tony has when compared with Sid.
When Anwar answers his phone during prayer, it connotes how teens in the 21st century has marginalised
religion from society, and it is an aspect that audiences are able to understand. Furthermore, the
conversation between the blonde school girl and Tony illustrates the energetic, crazy as well as intense lives
they have, Tony saying “sounds great” only emphasises the point that partying and having fun is a desirable
aspect for every teenager. Alternativley there is a contrast between both a teenager and an adult; this is
demonstrated when the father shouts at Tony for the loud music in his bedroom. This initially means that
adults prefer a more calm and bliss atmosphere, whereas teens prefer a more tumultuous vibe.
6. Non-Verbal Codes –
Mise en scene is significant as Jal uses her ability to use instruments to express herself and to feel accepted within
her family. Likewise, the clothes used are stereotypically worn by teens (such as the t-shirts with patterns or short
skirts), this is parallel with their chaotic lives that they encounter every single day. Moreover, the shirt and trousers
that Sid wears represents the younger audience and is something that the audience can relate to (Katz theory),
whereas the clothes that Tony wears is more formal and therefore it reflects his intellectual ability. Additionally, the
facial expressions of characters fluctuate over time. For example, Tony having a conversation with Jal, as this clearly
indicates the contrast of their facial expressions. Setting is a major aspect of this trailer as it constantly cuts and
changes the scenario as well as characters. This is emphasised clearly when Tony was having a flashback of what has
happened in a very turbulent life he is involved in. When Tony converses with different characters with his phone, as
well as being near a busy motorway; it represents the chaotic nature of teenagers and how their lives are all over
the place. The scene where Anwar is answering his phone during prayer, implies that he is a rebellious teenager who
doesn’t take religion seriously. The scene that reveals Tony, Sid and Michelle sitting around the table denotes that
they are planning to take part in bad behaviour such as Drugs. Another influential scene was when Sid looked under
his sheets and grinned. This represents teens within society today, as it is deemed as unusual when a teen at a
certain age has not lost their virginity, this is an aspect the audience can ‘relate’ to (Katz theory).
7. Technical Codes –
The scene showing Chris loosing his mum and having hardship (Rebecca Feasey) gives the audience a chance to relate,
likewise the reverse track denotes Chris literally running away from his troubles. Moreover, the calm soothing music is
synchronized with his relationship with the teacher, however his friends looking at him implies that it will all end
horrifically. The close up of both her and her father illustrates the difficulty they’ve been through and how they must
move on, foreshadowing that there is a better future for all of them. The mid shot of both Cassy as well as Sid,
demonstrates the closeness of their relationship and them holding hands symbolisies their bond with one another. The
final long shot shows five of the friends together in a river, this demonstrates how they all lived differently and although
they had their own individual paths it lead to the same destination.
8. Evaluation of Textual Analysis –
Compare and Contrast
Trailer 1) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
One feature I will look to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) will be the soundtrack, as the intense as well as dramatic non-digetic
sound is parallel to the Western Cowboy theme and this is an aspect which I really like about the trailer; therefore I will
be implementing this idea into my soap opera trailer, however I will be looking to use original music that has a similar
effect. The different facial expressions as well as body language used within each character is essential and are factors
I will be assuring that I integrate into my trailer.
Trailer 2) – Areas of Strength and what you would ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale)
Within this trailer I will be looking to ‘repeat’ (Steve Neale) the clothing's, as clothes such as a hoodie can be seen as
stereotypically for young troubled people, and this will link really well with our soap opera trailer, as it is based on a
range of characters being suspicious, and by including a hoodie it will enable us to bring this element into life. The
juxtapostion of emotions from characters is an aspect I will be looking to implement, as it is essential to keep the
audience constantly engaged at all times.
