The Fear

The TV drama clip ‘The Fear’ can be used to construct representation of social class using the following components: camera shots, editing, Mise-en-scene and sound.

           One way in which social class is represented in this clip is through the use of camera shots, angles and movements. One shot that is used a lot in this scene is a wide shot. This shot could be used to show class as it shows the setting for the scene, which is obviously an upper class doctor’s office. The room looks clean, with lots of furniture like large couches and computers which shows that place obviously has money. The room has large windows that go from top to bottoms and light up the room to show that it is normally a calm and relaxed place. Another show which could be used to show class are close ups/medium close ups. There are close ups or medium close ups of each of the three characters involved in the scene. The receptionist looks well kept with her hair and makeup down neatly, the doctor also looks well kept with his hair styled, and you can see his suit and tie all neat which shows his upper class positions. Compare these to the close up of Richie, where he looks scruffy, with overgrown facial hair and his top button undone showing a more relaxed/scruffy look. Also, when Ritchie is talking to the receptionist, the camera is tilted down to her, and up to him to show him as more powerful, however when the doctor walks in, Ritchie is shot straight on, to show the shift in power.

           Mise-en-scene could also be used to represent class, as the props used in the scene show that the scene is set in a wealthy place such as the computers and big chairs. It also looks like there is some art on the walls which shows that the people have an upper class lifestyle. The prop of the computer could also be used to show lower class because although Ritchie used the keyboard as a threat because he is angry, it could also show that he sees it disposable, ad though he doesn’t have an idea of the money spent on it, which could indicate his class. The styling in the scene also shows the difference in class, as the doctor and receptionist both look very professional and neat, him in a suit and tie, showing his class, and her with neat hair and makeup and a classy dress, compared to Ritchie who is in mismatching clothes, with his top button undone showing that he is a bit more relaxed about his appearance, again suggesting his lower class.

          Sound is also used to represent class in this clip. The dialogue in the scene shows the difference in class between the characters. Ritchie’s voice sounds aggressive from the start, talking down to her (which could be because he thinks he holds more power over her because of her gender and the stereotypical female secretary role). The woman replies in a softer tone but also assertive, which could show that she thinks she is from a higher class and is trying to belittle him. Ritchie also swears a lot from the start of the clip maybe showing that he lacks manners and social etiquette.

         Lastly, editing can also be used to show class in this clip as the scene shows a lot of cutting from wide shots, to show their upper class surroundings, to close ups of Ritchie to show his aggressive manner.

        Overall, camera shots and angles, editing, Mise-en-scene and sound are used in this clip in different ways to show the difference of class between all three characters, for example, their styling, the language/tone used and the props in the scene, all show Ritchie to be of a lower class then the doctor and the receptionist.