Throughout the extract of the drama 'A Touch of Frost', disability, and in this case Downs Syndrome, is represented through the character of Billy. In the following essay I will discuss how this is represented in association with the micro elements.
During the opening scene the audience is introduced to two people through a mid shot seeming to refer to the character of Billy by stating 'I didn't think there was anything strange with Billy' in there dialogue. As the audience have not yet seen Billy, it makes them think about why they are referring to Billy in such a negative way and could even begin to them make assumptions that he has done something wrong.
In the first scene a long shot/tracking shot is used to follow Billy who seems to be walking through a forest at night where he comes to a stop and dusts himself off. This shot shows Billy's sheepish body language which can imply wrong doing through is strange body language. This feel is continued through the introduction of low key lighting as well as an eerie non diegetic soundtrack. Then a low level long shot is used to show a police dog searching for Billy, therefore once again implying and relating disability to wrong and dangerous behaviour. Another Tracking shot is then used to show Billy's sheepish body language. Following this an extreme close up reaction shot is used to illustrate Billy as frightened. The dialogue of the Policeman initiate a short chase where Billy begins to run, contributing to the sense of wrong doing because why would he need to run away from the police. A mid shot is then used to show Billy struggling with the policeman on the ground but eventually losing the battle. Through dialogue Billy pleads 'I didn't do anything wrong' Here he is presented to be weaker than the able bodied and perhaps in need of being controlled.
The next scene is initiated through a slow pan where is it apparent that neighbours a gathered by Billy's home. The fact that a police officer, recognisable through costume, is standing on guard contributes to the feel that disability is a potential threat to the local community. The setting then changes to the inside of Billy's house where a high angles mid shot is used to show Detective Frost and Billy's father conversing. Through dialogue Frost asks whether "Billy would be considered as mentally abnormal". The father corrects him by replying "handicapped". The body language of a nod is acquired to Frost in order to show his recognition of is mistake. It could be considered that the able bodied are being presented as ignorant to the disabled, not taking care in how they refer to them. Frost then states that he should "have someone with me in case I break the rules" and implies that they need to be cautious with Billy. Then a 3 person mid shot is used where Billy's both is introduced with the props a bowl filled with water when she asks if she can clean him to make him feel better. This presents the able treating the disabled in an over caring fashion by treating them like children.
Following this an action match of Frost and the father walking through the door is used to once again change the setting to a living room. A tracking shot is used to follow the father who eventually kneels down next to Billy and reassures Billy through dialogue and by putting his arm round him, once again showing the able bodied treating the disabled as child like. Here a high angle shot is used to show the camera looking down on Billy. Low angle POV shots are used along with several shot reverse shots where the 180 degree rule is applied. Close ups of Billy's face also allow the viewers to consider that he looks seemingly confused, supported by the fact that his head is slightly titled. The position of the father behind him acts as a purpose to present the able feeling as if they need to help explain and support Billy's view acting as an anchor. During this the Inspector is using very simplistic vocabulary as well as speaking slowly in a calm tone; reinforcing that the disabled are treated like children. Throughout this sequence of reversal shots, Billy is shown through a a high camera angle whereas when focussing on the inspector and low camera angle is used. Therefore forcing the audience to look up to Frost and down on Billy. Meanwhile Billy is acquired very simplistic replies, with minimal length to his sentences which also imply his childlike nature. Towards the end, Billy begins to become restless and impatient which is recognisable through the increase of pace and volume to his voice, once again implying how he is childish.
