His Dark Materials: Language and Representation blog tasks

 

Language and close-textual analysis

1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

You can currently watch His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer here.

Camerawork, editing and sound: 

To start off the episode they utilise epic non diegetic music (meaning the characters can't hear the music) to set the atmosphere for the rest of the opening scene and the rest of the episode. They also use an establishing shot of the "city in the sky" in order to hook the audience and communicate that it will have heavy fantasy themes. When ever they show us Mrs Coulter they almost always show her on a low angle shot because it makes her seem more powerful and portrays her as a strong and important villain. Before the chase scene, when Lyra peaks her head out to see what the sound was, there was a raise in tension using action codes which hook the audience. Also, during the chase scene they use multiple different camera angles and shots like drone shots, handheld and used fast paced editing and music to reflect the excitement of the chase. Throughout the episode they use CGI and SFX when the witches were flying.

Mise-en-scene:

The settings varied in order to fit the fantasy genre; they were in a forest, city in the sky, an island, the sea, a submarine and a hot air balloon. Mrs Coulter wears make up and is dressed quite elegantly, which reinforces stereotypes about women having to look a certain way, and also the men were wearing suits and these suits have connotations to religion. Mrs coulter also wears mostly red which connotes to danger, evil and violence which reflects her character as the villain. One of the settings was an epic and exotic sunset which reflects the fantasy genre. The different costumes wore by every character reflects what world they are from even the lighting reflects the type of character they are, for example Mrs Coulter is mostly shown with half of her body and face in dark lighting and you can barely see the whole of her face, this reflects her sinister ways and her villainous  character

Narrative and genre: 

Throughout the episode, it showcases various fantasy themes, including a deamon (a talking animal), a city floating in the sky, and even witches flying. It also showcases a steampunk genre, as it incorporates futuristic themes while also drawing on older themes such as submarines and aircraft. Multiple dialogues show action and enigma codes that feed into the narrative hinting at future conflicts and mysteries. A prime example of this is the chase scene as it contains both enigma and action codes and raises questions and conflicts in the narrative and it also mentions ' specters ' which are seen as the villains and utilises propps character theory.  

2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?

As it is set in an imaginary world and worlds that contain magic and mysterious characters and creatures, it is also targeted at a younger audience and at families like many other fantasy shows. 

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?

When we first meet Will: the villain as he sneaks up on Lyra 

Lyra and Will: the hero

Mrs Coulter: villain

Specters: villain 

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Action codes: Mrs Coulter is shown on a low angle shot to show her power, " The witches want us to fight" hints at future conflict, the chance scene

Enigma codes: chance scene, " The prophecy has begun " 

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative. 

Young and old ( children have to be more mature as there are no grown-ups in that world)
good and evil ( Mrs Coulter and Lyra ) 

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

 

Lyra is stronger than Will ( " Stop you're hurting me" - Will) 

 Lyra seems more in charge than Will, she makes the moves first ( Lyra chases after the two girls first )

 Lyra isn't the person who makes the food it is Will ( Will knows how to make an omelette and later teaches Lyra how to)

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.

will seems smarter than Lyra ( Will cuts off the two girls during the chase scene also Will knows how to make food, specifically an omelette) 

Will seems more mature than Lyra ( he stops Lyra and the girls from fighting and he also pays for the food he ate) 
Lee Scoresby is a classic masculine American man on his way to help Lyra 

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

The actors in His Dark Materials are from a range of ethnic and social class backgrounds and the character of Will subverts stereotypes of race and ethnicity as well as gender. However, some stereotypes are reinforced - the abandoned children in 

5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.

Some parts of it are like real life, like the food and the payment, maybe even the two girls running around the city like teenagers would do with their friends; however, many parts are foreign to real life, like the deamon, the multiple worlds, witches and the many vast sceneries etc.