In this essay I will show the representation of regional identity in the clip in relation to Mise-en-scene, sound, camera work and sound
In the opening scene of the short clip regional identity is displayed immediately through
a low angled shot from the level of the plumbers looking up at Doc Martin implying that he has a greater status. It is also straight away represented through the characters dialogue where distinct accents are used to imply the areas where they're from. Doc Martin's accent is significant ; it differs majorly from the other characters as his accent would be associated with a 'londoner'. He has an educated posh accent whereas the two plumbers have a very distinct accent which is usually associated with a rural county. The other characters all have the same southern accents which implies that Doc Martin is out of place in relation to his regional identity. Doc Martin's vocabulary, which is shown through dialogue, is seemingly intellectual posh whereas the elder plumber is portrayed to be less intelligent as he struggles to put a sentence together and uses regional dialect. However, the younger plumber uses very intellectual vocabulary which demonstrates how he is seen to be educated unlike the other plumber and therefore confronts the stereotype of his region. Also the recognition that the younger plumber refers to the elder as 'dad' through speech represents that they have a small family business which is usually associated in small rural areas. The jobs they do further the identity of their region. They are shown to be plumber through the use of costume. Doc Martin is wearing a suit which implies that he is a business man who would stereotypically work in urban areas. The other two characters' are dressed in dark all-in-ones which define that they're plumbers. The costumes distinguish the difference in regional identity between people from urban and rural areas.
The identities of the two sets of characters can be represented by the body language
acquired to them displayed through a long shot. Doc Martin is shown as uptight and tense where the plumbers are laid back and the elder plumber isn't doing any work. When the elder plumber picks up a piece of equipment (prop) and begins to work he breaks the sink straight away. When the sink breaks, Doc Martin reacts seriously and quickly which is shown through medium and close up shots which make his body language and facial expressions clear. Whereas as the plumbers, who are supposed to know what they're doing, are slow to react and the elder plumber in particular is laid back about the situation. Despite the fact that Doc doesn't know the term used to describe the equipment needed he improvises and grabs a pillow to to the water. The editing in this scene associates a fast and frantic pace displayed through many cuts between close up shots emphasising their actions associated with Doc Martin. A slow pace with the other characters to show the difference in lifestyle between them. The prop of the dog also represents to region where the clip is set; the fact that it is has no collar implies that it is left to roam around the streets, emphasising the culture and nature of the area.
The next scene begins with a tracking shot which follows Doc Martin walking with the
dog in the previous scene and it also has a non-diegetic background soundtrack which contributes to the regional identity of the clip and provides it with a rural/country feel. The setting shown in the tracking shot contributes further to the regional identity as it is made up of very narrow streets and many small, old looking attached houses which represents a small rural area. Also the prop of fishing nets being sold outside a small corner shop is included on this shpt and is equally significant. They define the location of the setting extremely well and imply that it is set in a rural area near the beach. The pace of the scene is once again slow, it is visible through the tracking shot that there are not many people walking about and it is relatively calm and relaxed which adds to the regional identity. The diegetic sound of a sea gull also contributes as it represents a location which is very rural and near a beach.
Another tracking shot from a side on angle is then used when Doc Martin takes the dog to the police station. This in itself conveys the calm/relaxed nature of the area as it seems very safe as the main things the police have to deal with is stray dogs. A camera tilt helps display that a hoover is used as a prop to show the calm atmosphere of the area as the policeman, who is dressed in a police uniform which is also shown of by a camera tilt, is hoovering instead of stopping crimes. Shot reversal is then used to display the conversation between the two. The character's speech of the policeman knowing Doc Martin's name, despite it being the first time they have met, suggests that the location is small as everyone knows everyone. The policeman also has the same accent as the plumbers which therefore adds to the regional identity of the clip.
A two/tracking shot is used to show the conversation between Doc Martin and another
person who lives in the area. This shot shows off the setting which consists of narrow streets and small houses but it also shows a landscape in the background which represents the
rural location of the clip.This idea is furthered due to the apparent diegetic sound of sea
gulls heard. Also once again another person already knows of Doc Martin without meeting
which shows that the location is small. The accent of the women is different to the other
people around the area and is more similar to Doc Martin’s. This suggest that she is
educated and is also implies that she has moved to this area as she opposes the stereotype of women in the area.The prop of a prescription pad and a pen is also shown in the tracking shot to illustrate Doc Martin’s job as a doctor and furthers the impression that he is educated and intellectual. The editing and pace of this clip is seemingly slower which implies that Doc Martin is coming to terms with the lifestyle and nature of the area.
The ending scene off this clip consists of a two shot showing a conversation between Martin and an elderly woman who is emptying crates of vegetables out the back of a van. The
prop of the crates of vegetables assists in creating the regional identity as it represents that food is grown and distributed locally which usually occurs in a rural area. The fact that an
old woman is delivering food adds to the regional identity of the clip. Stereotypically elder
people move to more rural areas for the relaxed lifestyle which is demonstrated throughout
the whole clip. The woman mentions the word ‘skulking’ and ‘skulks’ which is regional
dialect. Also the first sight of a sea gull is introduced right at the end which confirms the
location of the setting. Finally the clip ends with a pan which shows of the setting; the setting itself illustrates the narrow roads with old looking houses which is associated with rural areas.
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