Hollyoaks Deconstruction: Representation

“Discuss the ways in which the extract creates representations of gender and lifestyle.”

This extract of ‘Hollyoaks’ creates representations of gender and lifestyle by using a range of effective techniques such as camerawork, editing, sound and mise en scene. By combining these macro-techniques a subtle representation is created in the TV drama. The excerpt begins with a master shot of what appears to be a wake, this setting is created using mise en scene, for example, all characters shown in the frame are dressed smartly in black. In direct contrast to this, a girl is ‘river dancing’ suggesting a surprisingly upbeat nature of the atmosphere. The girl is further contrasted by her outfit, a slender black dress showing lots of skin and a bright red bra showing. She is presented as a main character as the camerawork suggests, she is in the centre of the frame with spaces to either side. The congregation of the wake appear to be a traditional Irish family; we assume this because of the mise en scene and also the sound of Irish pipes being played. This stereotype is presented blatantly to make the audience instantly aware of the family’s culture. The audience is then presented with a two-shot of characters in dialogue; the focus at this point is on them, rather than the dancing legs in the foreground. This signifies their importance in the scene and their detachment from the other characters.

The ambience of mumbled conversations is withdrawn as the character of ‘Chris’ enters the room; this evokes immediate emphasis to the character. Before a shot of ‘Chris’ is shown; a series of reaction shots are presented, with family members gasping in shock. This creates enigma as we do not yet know of the characters arrival. Mise en scene techniques are used to full effect as ‘Chris’ enters dressed in an all white dress in direct contrast with the black attire worn by everyone else in the frame. A long shot of the room is presented with ‘Chris’ positioned in the middle of the frame with the former main character in the background. This highlights his dominance in the situation and his importance to the narrative. This long shot also presents the audience with a view of the direct contrast ‘Chris’ and the congregation possess because of the striking white dress among the black suits. This creates an instant representation of a cross dresser, displaying his femininity with great impact, this immediate emphasis on the character is created by using all four macro-techniques. Chris is also dressed in knee-high red leather boots, the colour of the boots suggest connotations of danger and passion. This relates very powerfully to the character and the lifestyle he chooses. The cut speed at this point is increased, to build tension in the scene whilst a master shot of ‘Chris’ is returned to after close-ups of other characters reactions to his arrival. The shock displayed by the congregation is obvious as the sound of a vase smashing is all that can be heard above the deathly silence. Although the character of ‘Chris’ Mum’ is talking; the camera still focus’ on ‘Chris’, this signifies his importance above all other characters in the frame and the attention the character demands. The shots used in this scene are mainly close-ups to show the supporting characters disgust and disbelief.

An effective sound bridge of music is used to connect this scene to the next, in which we are presented with a medium shot of ‘Mercedes’. A desaturated camera effect is used to signify a flash back, in which ‘Mercedes’ remembers the time spent with character ‘Malaky’. The flashback is instantly noticeable because of the camera effect and the use of black and white signifies the difference in time. A synchronous soundtrack is used to coincide with the feelings of nostalgia possessed by the character. The content of the flashbacks features both characters rolling around on a bed; this suggests that the subjects lead care free lifestyles where there were no previous consequences. A transition of a fade is used to link the flashback to a pondering ‘Mercedes’ this gives the impression of regret and want of a past time.The four techniques of camerawork, editing, sound and mise en scene create representation by fine details, the importance of the techniques are to not be obvious, and to go undetected by the audience whilst still impacting the narrative of the TV drama.