Representation of Age

The first way in which age is represented in this clip is through mise-en-scene, specifically in the area of body language. The younger boy is forced to look up at the older male due to his position in the courtroom. This portrays the older male as more powerful and more in control, and is immediately noticeable as the clip opens with its over-the-shoulder shot. Body language is also used to portray the younger male as vulnerable, as if he is being scolded, denoting the character with his shoulders hunched and his head bowed down, occasionally looking up. Another example of mise-en-scene that helps construct the representation of age is the costumes. All of the people working in the courtroom are wearing grey wigs. Although this is a typical appearance of a judge, it can be pointed out that a stereotype of elder people is that they have grey hair. This perhaps allowed the audience to see that there is a distinct difference in age between the judge and the young boy. Mise en scene again features in this clip in terms of the setting. The younger boy is separated from everybody else by a box, making him seem vulnerable and alone, thus representing young people as weaker than older people.

Sound is also used to portray age is specific ways. The use of diegetic sound in terms of dialogue is common within this extract. The younger male is clearly portrayed as struggling to form a sentence quickly, and stuttering occasionally. This conflicts with how the older male is portrayed, for he seems to be very well spoken and completely at ease in terms of how he speaks. Also, he is replying to the boy so quickly that he is almost interrupting him, perhaps indicating that older people can be somewhat disrespectful to the younger people without punishment. As the clip progresses, non diegetic music can be heard, sounding quite ominous and dangerous as the younger boy speaks. This represents younger people as quite untrustworthy and people to be wary of. Diegetic sounds like sniffing and heavy breathing are also featured with the younger male, portraying him yet again as weak and child-like.

Camera angles are used concerning the representation of age in many ways. For example, the judge is mostly always shown at a low angle, forcing the audience to look up at him. This portrays him as powerful and as having authority. There are times in the clip also where the younger male is shown at a high angle, giving the audience a view of looking down at him. This is to achieve the opposite effect, making him look small and weak. Later on in the extract, a close up shot is used to show the boys reaction and body language, for example in the shot where boy rests his head on the desk, as if trying to hide from the judge and his questions, making his actions and overall behaviour seem quite child-like.

Editing is also used in this extract to represent the differences in characteristics and behaviour of various ages. The shots of the young male answering the questions given to him are long and drawn out, making it seem like he is struggling to come up with answers to these questions. This portrays young people as not yet capable of correctly forming sentences in a short period of time. However, the shots of the judge are fast and indicate that he is speaking at a fast, even pace, which connotes that the older male is superior in terms of his speech.

Key Words:

Denote - What can be seen
Conote - What can be conveyed
High Production Value
Low Production Value
Verisimilitude - Situation looks real
Narrative - A story constructed in detail
Linear - Chronological
Circular- Not from start to finish
Parallel Editing: Scenes happening at the same time but in different locations