Representation of Terrorism and Ethnicity in SPOOKS

Scenes 31 and 32 -

Ahmed holds Danny and Fiona hostage - Ahmed is represented in a negative way.

How are the binary opposites conveyed to the audience?

Danny and Fiona:

The CU's on Fiona make us feel sorry for her, she is breaking down, in floods of tears, she seems admirable and brave in the face of danger. "I love you," She is human, she knows what's important in life, she values other people in this world.

Danny is so brave, he dies because he stood up to evil. Extreme good against extreme bad, and in this incident extreme evil won. He is extremely moralled, and how can he be so controlled and so brave in such a situation, the audience really admires him and this heightens the sympathy and impact of his death as he is almost a martyr for his cause. He brings to the attention that all humans are equal, and that it depends on where you are born as to what your situation is, and it's the choices you make as a person which makes you who you are.

Ahmed: - .. 'you will never win'

He is represented as a heartless soulless character as he is not moved by Fiona's despair, his expression remains stony when he simply says "choose". He seems to be weakened by Danny's talk momentarily (he moves the gun away from Fiona's head), he has got a heart? he is human deep down? No, this just heightens his evil as he had no intention in letting them go. He shoots Danny despite his talk on morals and humanity, he has lost his humanity, but he doesn't care - he shot Danny because Danny's stronger than him, and he feels threatened by this and doesn't understand it.

Music, Camera Work, and Editing in underlining these representations...

Music:

The music heightens the tense atmosphere - the drums almost representing a quickening heartbeat. The sustained notes on the strings also create a tense suspenseful mood. The drums slow right down when Danny is talking, when he pauses in his sentence there is a quick rhythm on the drums and to me, it's almost as if the drums are agreeing with Danny, the music is on his side too. The music then becomes very discrete so as not to draw attention away from Danny, the audience must hear what he is saying to feel sympathy and admiration.

CameraWork:

The shots of Fiona are ECU's and this definitely heightens her despair and trauma. Her face is covered in tears, she is meant to be perceived as the 'goodie.'

Danny is greatly admired because he is always shot in CU, and this highlights his defiance and his bravery. He is not cowering and whimpering like Fiona, he is so brave and so strong that he is not afraid to stand up to these people he despises so much . The gun against Fiona's head is shown in all his shots as well - the framing reminds the audience of what he is fighting against.

The camera is not still, it always moving and this brings the audience into the action, as though we are viewing the scene through the eyes of a person breathing heavily, who is witnessing the scene. It really heightens the realism of the scene. The camera also focuses lots on the gun and then moves to Ahmed's face, the audience is reminded of the gun and then drawn to his face to see his reaction to Danny's powerful words, the audience sees him weakening.

Editing:

The editing is slow paced, and really focuses on the expressions of the characters and this enables the audience to understand what is happening better. I think it's much more effective for the editing to be slow paced as it fits in with the suspenseful mood created by the mood and the action. It also allows the viewer to deduce how the character feels, for example when Danny is talking there is a cut to Ahmed, we see his reaction to the words, he looks down, he is being weakened by them.

What techniques engage the audience emotionally?

There are lots of CU's, this make the audience feel sympathy for the characters. The camera movement brings the viewer into the scene and makes them feel as though they are there. The acting is realistic and convincing, especially the despair from Fiona.

What view of terrorism emerges from these scenes?

That it is a threat to anyone, anyone can be affected and that it is ruthless, but ultimately 'they can never win'. Terrorism is being portrayed negatively, and Danny scorns the reasons for terrorism , it could have been him with the gun, but it's the choices YOU make that makes you who you are, humanity and compassion wins all.

What do you understand by Arab, Islamic, Muslim, Middle Eastern?

Muslim and Islam are references to religion. Traditionally, people of an Arab or middle-eastern background follow Islam or are Muslim. It connotes images of hot sandy plains and chequered scarfs, praying to Mecca, etc. Very stereotypical images as i don't understand their culture or religion very well.

What are the same categories for describing British people?

I'm not sure, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish - different parts of the UK. Also Catholics/Protestants. Though this really isn't relevant in today's society. You can get labelled a Brit, a Southerner/Northerner etc.

Britain is very ethnically diverse, there is a lot of prejudiced labels that are not socially acceptable today. People can be labelled by where they come from, their reliegeon etc unecessarily.

Al Qauda

An Islamic extremist movement, attack Western countries, most notoriously September 11th. They aim to end foreign influence in Muslim countries, and are very against the Western way of life and Western civilisation, techniques include suicide bombings.

Representations of Iraqi people on the Internet:

Article One - small extract - Iraq is dangerous:

As the "war on terrorism" continues, some Islamic charitable organizations have been targeted and shut down by the U.S. government under accusations of terrorist ties. The U.S. Treasury Dept. maintains a list of banned organizations. To ensure that your contribution reaches its intended recipients, steer clear of questionable groups and contribute through reputable, international organizations.

Article Two - small extract - Iraq is vulnerable, needs help

Saddam employs thousands of secret police and informers throughout the country to turn Iraqis against each other, even within families. On TV, we watched Saddam reward fathers with large cash prizes for turning in sons who had deserted the army.
Even children are not spared. When I attended fourth grade in 1981, my teacher called me to the front of the class and asked: "Do your parents say anything bad about the government?" The whole class was staring at me. Stunned and scared, I answered, "No." But when one of my classmates said in passing that Iran was not so bad, she disappeared the next day, along with her family.

Article three- Iraq can make it on her own, Obama's speech to withdraw troops

Obama: As I’ve said many times, we must be as careful getting out of Iraq as we were careless getting in. We can safely redeploy our combat brigades at a pace that would remove them in 16 months. That would be the summer of 2010 — two years from now, and more than seven years after the war began. After this redeployment, a residual force in Iraq would perform limited missions: going after any remnants of Al Qaeda in Mesopotamia, protecting American service members and, so long as the Iraqis make political progress, training Iraqi security forces. That would not be a precipitous withdrawal. in carrying out this strategy, we would inevitably need to make tactical adjustments.

Iraq is represented differently by different people. Charities see it as a vulnerable place needing help, whereas politically America views Iraq as a dangerous threat.

Representation of Ahmed and Khatera

The episode of spooks does not mention religeon, they want revenge, revenge for the loss of their families in the Iraqi war. People have to be very careful about Tv/film topics etc, and this one is especially contraversial. They could be seen to promote Muslim extremism, or they could be seen to be racist and labelling all Muslims as terrorists. Getting the balance is very difficult, it's a sensitive issue.

In this episode of Spooks there is another Asian agent on the mi5 team and this is EXTREMELY significant because it prevents people from thinking that they are presenting the message that all middle eastern people are terrorists and can't be trusted. The young Asian is a comic, good looking character and portrays a very different image to the terrorists.

Danny, the main most admirable character is black. This is also significant, as it represents multi culturalism is British society today. Also, the tv production company cannot risk to be seen as racist, and therefore must hire people of all differnt ethnic backgrounds.

GG, S02 E04 - Representation

Episode Summary: Blair and her 'Posse' interview different girls to decide whether or not they would be inducted into their 'clique'. Dan bumps into new student Amanda and they form an instant bond however, Blair and her 'posse' attempt to sabotage Dan and Amanda's friendship by inducting her as the new girl in their 'clique' meanwhile, Serena meets a new lust interest and Vanessa meets with the Duchess

Rich teenagers are being represented, as the setting is an American private school. It is a classic example of youth school culture (predominantly American) - someone extremely popular having the ability and power to control other students around her. A representation of Social hierarchies within schools.

Costume: Dan is at a private school, and his school uniform reflects this as in most state American schools, a uniform is not worn. He's well kept, but slightly casual with the top button not done up, shirt untucked and the shoulder canvas bag, but other than that quite a 'geeky' studious appearance. Other students around the playground are dressed in the same uniform. Girls are kilted, it's formal, posh. Some students are more 'rebellious' than Dan with their uniform, the two girls he talks to have flamboyant hair pieces and socks etc, this suggests that they are 'cooler' and more likely to be friends with Serena, the girl he's looking for.
IN STARK CONTRAST
Serena does not wear the uniform religiously. A very short school kilt SO unlike most of the other girl students in the playground, no tights/socks, a tight white t-shirt with a mans tie tied loosely around her neck. She is sexy, confident, and not afraid to the break the rules. Her bag hangs over her arm casually, poised, she wants to be looked at, wants to look good. Her makeup is perfectly applied and her hair looks good. A stereotypical representation of a popular school girl, blond, pretty, not afraid to break the rules, quite 'slutty'/sexy.

Location: outdoor setting, quad, plants, outdoor tables, it is very well kept, Greek style benches suggests wealth, red bricks also suggests wealth and a higher class. Clearly a school, due to the uniform, students with bags milling around, and the corridor and large doors behind Dan as he steps out of the building. There are lanterns on the walls, and high wall to ceiling windows - this is not an ordinary State school, this is well facilitated and well looked after.

Music Music is very important in this clip. The track is Shove it, by Santogold. The main refrain is "We think you're a joke Shove your hope where it don't shine " the lyrics are synchronous - Dan is not liked, everyone is moving away from him because he ridiculed Serena, she is getting her own back by ridding him of popularity/friends. The beat of the music also represents youth culture, it's upbeat, dance like, young, quite 'poppy'. It also fits the pace of the sequence. The texture of the music builds up as Dan's anxiety builds up as he sees people flee from him. It's also parallel to Serena's 'catwalk' like strut towards Dan. She is flaunting herself in front of him, reminding him that he is missing out on, and is wordlessly telling him that he has to pay.

Dialogue: There is very little dialogue in this extract, the story is told through the action. We know Dan is looking for Serena as he questions the girls, but they do not talk to him. They look at him with disgust on their faces, they can not be near him, they move away quickly.

Action: its seemingly insignificant, but this is a HUGE turning point in Gossip Girl. The Bitchy Serena is back. No longer is she the nice one, who went out with Dan- she has reinvented herself and taken Blair's place as Queen bee. None of this is represented through dialogue, it is in Serena's walk, Serena's costume and the look she gives Dan and that SLIGHT shake of the head, that tell us that the 'bitch is back'. She looks at Dan with such distaste, such dislike and power that he seems small and insignificant, even terrified next to her. The slight tilt of the head as she walks away tells us that she has reasserted her power. These girls will follow her where ever she goes. This is a stereotypical representation of American school social statuses - examples being 'the core' in the OC and the film, Meangirls - an 'elitist' group who think themselves above the rest.

Camera Work - movement/ shot types: This clip has some interesting camera movement. The opening reverse track follows Dan's path, ensuring Dan is the focus. The pan of the playground sets the location and allows us to see that everyone in the playground is staring at Dan with distaste. The crane shot then rotates around Dan, and this really emphasises and brings attention to the fact that everyone is trying to get away from him. This shot could also reflect his state of mind, confused at what's going on, angry - not steady and focused. The camera then gets closer and closer towards Dan, starting at a MLS slowly moving forwards while rotating, ending up with a CU. This CU allows us to see his expression and feel sympathy for Dan, he looks annoyed and knows exactly what's going on. The camera then stops rotating on an OTS shot, allowing us to see Serena and her 'gang' strut into the playground. After the encounter with Serena, the camera tracks backwards, as though it's with Serena. This heightens Dan's vulnerability and the LS reveals that he's all alone.

Editing: One of the key editing features of this clip is the slow mo used on Serena's entrance. This almost suggests that time stops for her, she is so important. It also allows the viewer to really see what she's turned into (costume, way she's walking etc). Prolongs the experience. It's also interesting how it cuts back to Dan frequently, this really homes in on his expression. The way he looks her up and down stereotypically suggests that he's checking her out, but in reality he's looking at what she's become. The editing represents Dan as a timid vulnerable character whereas Serena is completely in control, a powerful and dominant character.

Representation of Time

The sections
1. In the bread shop - Victorian Times
- Costume: baker in white puffy hat, young boy in victorian flat cap, neck tie, 'breeches', old man, very victorian dress, wasitcoat, long tail coat, top hat in hand - signifies victorian times.
- Location: Bread shop very old fashioned, bread on wooden shelfs behind baker - clearly not modern day.
- Props: Loaves of bread shelved, large wooden box. Bread not stored/transported like that nowadays.
- Music: Light hearted, jolly, upbeat piano piece. Creates light hearted mood. Relaxed.
- Dialogue: Up north 'Here yerh goa lad ,' Definately in north england.
- Sound: bell rings as old man enters shop - very old fashioned - victorian.
- Camera Work: Backward track, allows us to follow the boy and see his face as he leaves the shop
- Editing : All one shot. Focuses on the boy, does not cut away to the baker or old man as he enters. The boy is our main area of focus.

2. Cart - Still Victorian Times... hat comes off TITANIC POSTERS - sets the time period, early 1900's
- Costume: boy in victorian flat cap, neck tie, 'breeches', hat comes off as he moves into more modern times.
- Location: Victorian Street, crowded, busy, narrow, dangerous, horse and cart, no cars, everyone else in old dress
- Props: Horse and cart, pig hanging up in butchers shop, titanic poster - reinforces idea of early 1900's - not as we live today.
- Music: Light hearted, jolly, upbeat piano piece continued from bakers. Mood maintained.
- Dialogue: None
- Sound: crowds mumering, general street noise, horse neighing. Diegetic - brings us in - makes it seem real.
- Camera Work: Some still shots, but lots of pans to follow his running, gets viewer involved.
- Editing : CU on face to see boys shock at the horse. From MLS to LS, allows us to see the location properly.

3. Womens Riots

- Costume: old fashioned dress, especially noticable on the women - long dresses, hats, long coats etc
- Location: Wide street, plenty of space for the protest, clearly Britain, well off area, posh houses, quite rich women rioting - signified through costume. Man's costume looks expensive too.
- Props: banners, placards, let us know its the Suffrage movement.
- Dialogue: None
- Sound: Protesting
- Camera Work: Quick pan as he runs, draws us in, makes us feel like we're there
- Editing : CU of women, still focuses mainly on the boy tho, ends with HA LS, allows us to see the location and extent of the movement. Makes us truely proud :)

4. Soldiers
- Costume: Soldiers, WW1 - young actors, evokes sympathy and realisation of the horrors of WW1. All these young men marching to their death.
- Location: Very British Street. Crowds of people waving of the soldiers, offering their support. Makes you feel proud to be British. Heightened by the salute.
- Props: Rifles, soldiers bags and hats,
- Music: Violins come in - sinister, sad undertones
- Dialogue: None
- Sound: marching feet

Street with car, we are moving into modern times, pan, follows the boys movement. Characters dress are late thirties early 40's.

6. War
The music changes. Single chords, sollem, quietens, hushed, in respect for those who lost their lives, reflective.
Location: Bombed area, clearly WW2, Broken families wander the streets
Props: WW2 fighting plane, portraits, the radio, broken furntiure strewn in the street - depicts the tradegy of the time.
Sound : THE RADIO, Churchills famous speech " we'll fight on the beaches, " makes us proud of Britain, soliders were heroes who faught for our country. Plane flying overhead.
Camera Work/Editing: Close up on radio, and the plane, and the broken families. Less focus on the boy here - very important message being put across.

7. Coronation Street Party
Music: Suddenly up beat again.
Location: Brightly lit street, wide enough to cater for large table and many children.
Props: Lemonade - a cheerful image, also very 50's, (Enid Blyton) Bright table cloth, Crown - signifies queen coronation and not VE day. British flags hanging in between the houses, Flowers on the table. Very happy, joyous atmosphere represented.
Costume: Boy dressed up as a pirate, shows that this was a fun period, playful, completely contrasts with the harsh sollem atmosphere created in the WW2 clip.
Camera Work: again, mostly pans, follows the boys path.
Sounds: Chatter, laughter

8) The 60's! Girls and Football 'CHAMPIONS'
Costume - Very important, represents the 60's. Mini skirts, coloured tights, hair styles, red boots. Also, the boys outfit changes, 60's sweater and coat.
Dialogue - "CHAMPIONS", England winning world cup in 1966!
Props - British flags in car, the type of car that would have been driven in the 60's. British flags are important, i think Hovis were trying to appeal to all, best of Britain, not best of England.
Sounds - Car horn
Music - guitars come in .... the change in time is not just represented through the visuals, but through the music too. Shows the progression of music - use of guitars in pop music - i.e the Beatles.
Editing - Cuts to inside of the car, we can see the boy running down the street from another angle, shows British flags hanging up in the house windows, a more intersting way of following the boys path. Also, low level of the boys legs as he runs, a quick pan, he's moving quicker now, building momentum.


9)Street with Asians and TV Shop
-The 1973 Racial Discrimination Act, this is represented through the Asian Couple.
-The tv shop shows the progression of technology through time.
Music - Guitars continue
Props - Tv's
Costume - Boy now has a '70's collar'

10. Cole not Dole strike/protest the 80's
Music - Stops again. Allows us to hear the rioting and the man, 'Ay lad, Is it past your bed time' Again, signifies we are up north,'
Sound - Sound of protesting. Rioting.
Props - Police outfits, plastic shields etc
Location - near water, if my geography/history of mining was better i could decipher where it could be. Newcastle?
Costume: police costumes,

11. Fireworks
Location- London, the milleunium!
Music - more instruments added, quite 'pop' and modern. Shows transition of time.
Camera Work: Pan, following the boys path.

12. Home
The kitchen is rustic and very wooden, and this could be because Hovis are trying to say that they only use natural ingredients etc.
Music stops - its the end of his journey 'through time'
It's clearly in modern times, boy is wearing modern clothes, kitchen is brighlty lit, music reverts to positivity.

13) Narrative/Story development through whole advert
Costume, props and location are the main signifiers of time. It's intersting, because all other sections clearly represent sepcific moments in time, however the fireworks could be from any period of time. But the viewer works out that it's the milleunium due to the narrative before this, as it is clear that the boy is travelling through time and the connection is then made between London, fireworks and the milleunium.