Tuesday, 14 October 2014

Representation of Class and Status - Downton Abbey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscFlwFNB6I

The opening shot is a slow pan which establishes the limit of the action and shows off the massive house belonging to the upper class. An over the head shot off the newspaper boy is used to show the status of the upper class. When the scene changes to the lower class many quick shots are used to illustrate the busy hectic life of the lower class. When the newspaper boy hands over the paper to the servant, there is a slight tilt in camera movement showing the difference in status. A longshot is used towards the end of the table with many people eating round it, showing the lower class' busy lives. A shot from a low angle focussing on the butler shows how status also differs within class. These many hectic shots change to one continuous flowing shot following the lord down his grand stair case. This shot shows off many aspects off the house including ornaments, paintings and the setting in general. The fact the camera angle is rather low demonstrates his high class and status over other. Many over the shoulder shots are used in a conversation between the Lord and the butler; this shows how the butler has higher status over the working class as he is able to be present with the king. A shot including the lords daughters standing by his side being respectful implies his status within the upper class. Reaction shots are also used to demonstrate the lords status within the upper class. Throughout the scene many longshots are used to show off the costumes and setting to emphasise the differences in class.
 
 
 


Sound is also significant in the clip. The video begins with graceful music when the camera shots focus on the house and the people of the upper class. It is very peaceful in the women's room. However, this is the opposite from where the lower class are situated, it is very loud and chaotic which shows their different lifestyle as they're working for the upper class. The sound of the bell symbolises the upper class' status over the lower class. A variety of accents are used to imply the different classes. The upper class speak very educated, smartly and sophisticated whereas the lower class have more common. Within the lower class status is shown by a louder volume of voice acquired to the chef. The graceful music then returns as  the chaotic setting changes to be very calm and peaceful, this represents the lifestyle of the upper class. The lord is referred to as 'papa' and 'lord' which shows his status within the upper class.



The miss-en-scene also plays an important role in displaying class and status. The first thing the audience sees is the enormous house with a long driveway and therefore the recognition of the house automatically makes the audience assume it belongs to members of the upper class. This is associated with wealth in relation to the upper class. A very continuous colour scheme of gold is used to represent the upper class and the luxury of their lives. The upper class wear smart suits and elegant gowns whereas the lower class wear scruffy clothes and maid outfits. These different costumes are used to display the differences in class. The lower class' working area is seemingly dull and dingy which shows their lower class. The difference in colour of the pots between upper and lower class is very effective as the lower class have brass pots and the upper class have silverware. The fact that the butler is dressed in a suit emphasises his status over the other characters in the lower class. Throughout the clip countless ornaments, paintings, pictures, accessories etc. are included to demonstrate the upper class' luxurious lifestyle. A painting including a man riding a horse symbolises the references to ancestors which is usually associated with the upper class. When the lord is walking down the stairs he is accompanied by a Labrador which also fits in with their lifestyle. A telegram is handed to the lord to demonstrate his authority and status within the upper class.
 
 
The editing in the clip also portrays the difference in class and status. Many camera exchanges including lots of people on the set demonstrate the lowers class' chaotic and busy life. Also the lighting is very dull which takes away the pleasantness of the place. Slow, calm and flowing shots are used when focussing on the upper class with on a few people on set are used to show there separated peaceful life. The fact that the butler is included on the set at the head of the table when with the lower class shows his status; also he is also allowed to be with the lord which represents his difference in class.
 

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