In our lesson today we watched various clips to ensure that we got the idea of how class is portrayed through media. We then went on to thoroughly analyse the clip of Merlin.
Merlin portrays class throughout the whole scene due to camera work, editing, mise en scene and sound. Firstly, class is shown through the camera as the first significant shot as the clip starts is the establishing shot, whereby merlin finds himself in a room with upper class belongs. This is shown through the amazement of expression on his face, and his wonder when he walks towards the objects on the table. More over, the close up of the objects as merlin handles them shows them in a slow movement, highlighting his suspicion and represents that as he is of a lower class, he shouldn't be in this room or touching them. Within scene 2 a point of view shot is shown from Merlin's father outlooking through the window. This is too show his concern for his son, this camera shot showing his concern represents how his class isn't used to getting into fights as he isn't trained too, like the other soldiers. Linking back too this first scene, a long shot shows the woman walking towards the room Merlin shouldn't be, this shows her surrounding and how she is of a higher class than the first actor. This is shown by the recognition of the stained glass windows, the large building and how the woman walks and what she wears. Finally, the last shot that represents class is the high angle shot of Merlin walking down the stairs which makes him look small, this shows that he is looked down on by the other characters and is shown as a lower class in comparison to those who are shown in mid shots and lower angles to show their power. This high angle also shows his innocence.
Moreover class is also represented through Mise en Scene. Costumes portray the class of the characters in a significant way as Merlin is shown in dirty ragged clothing and doesn't have the belongings that the other actors have, in comparison to this the upper class was shown in armour and presentable clothing which is used as protection within the scenes. Also props were significant in representing class, one prop which was the weapons given to Merlin who was shown as not knowing how to use it and looked at it with awe, where as the upper class actor used it carelessly and knew exactly how to use it for defeat. Setting also showed class in different lights as the large surroundings which was the building and village they was within showed how the upper class lived there and the lower class were working within the village. In addition to this the main representation in showing class in Merlin was through the actors, the way they was portrayed for example what they said and how they said it, for example the father of merlin speaks with wise terms however within this his expression shows how he is of a lower class, as he isn't used to this attention with his son and is usually working for the upper class characters, like the boys dressed in armour who mock Merlin.
Sound is another factor that represents Class. Dialogue used within the clip is incorporated throughout but the highlighting point that sticks out is when Merlin refers to the boys in armour as 'lord'. This shows how Merlin is of a lower class and respects those who are above him. Animal noises are in relation with the lower class and they pair the two together by having the animal noises as non-diegetic sound over the camera shot of the pan across the village of workers, this shows how they are compared to animals and are made to work in poor conditions. Linking with non-diegetic sound, this is also added with the footsteps when the woman is approaching the room, this sound is enhanced to show her presence and authority. Music is also added over the top when Merlin is venturing through the objects at the start of the clip; being slow and mysterious, this is too show his suspicion and how he is rebelling against daily rules. As well as this music is added within the fight scene which helps build the tension between the two boys fighting, however the sharp music could show how this doesn't often happen between those type of boys.
Editing within the clip shows how class is a division within the clip, for example with special effects used, there is a glare in Merlins eye within the fight scene and this causes an object to move showing his unknown power, used against the upper class boy. This is ironic as he primarily doesn't have the power however this is turned within this fast-paced scene. The narrative of this clip shows merlin within a restricted room, getting into fights and then having a serious talk with his father, this represents class as it shows how a lower classes life is being messed around and is never within a routine. The pace is slow then fast and carries on like that throughout the clip this could show the tension between the classes and how there is a division between upper and lower class, such as Merlin and the armoured boys. As for screen time, Merlin receives the most focus throughout the clip, even though he is of a lower class his power is underestimated until his magical powers appear, therefore representing the irony that someone of a lower class in comparison to upper class can take control and have power.
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