Cuffs: Q1 and Q2

 PREP Watch this extract of Cuffs on Clickview: chapter 5 

Answer the following 2 exam questions on your blog:

1 Analyse how camerawork is used in the extract to create meaning. Refer to at least two examples from the extract in your answer. (5 marks) 

2. Analyse how far the extract creates a humorous view of policing. In your answer you must:

• analyse aspects of the extract using examples to support your analysis

• make judgements and draw conclusions about how far these aspects create a humorous view of policing. (10 marks) 

Example of how to answer on camerawork:

•   sweeping aerial shot of Brighton pier connoting a glamorous seaside location

•   bird’s eye view of the small police car driving through

  the streets of Brighton on a call-out, carrying connotations such as danger, excitement, and urgency

•   the use of an over-the-shoulder shot of the beach sign, as we arrive at the sign at the same time as the police officer, connoting surprise and anticipation of what is to come

•   slow pan / track of the new recruit police officers as they are introduced to the audience connoting authority and power

•   high angle long shot of the beach scene showing the police officer outnumbered by the group of men on the stag do

•   any other relevant analysis 

• Question 1:

• Firstly, one piece of camera work are the shots used between the conversation of Blake and the woman who spat in his face. The camera shots used are shot reverse shots, so it quickly cuts back between Blake's face and the woman. The quick shots and editing make the conversation seem fierce and severe with a dizzying feel. This isn't a normal conversation between two friends, but is between two enemies. Basically it's not an average conversation.

• Secondly, the extract uses over the shoulder shots with Ryan and Jake when they are talking to the teenagers, so as you see Ryan shouting at the teenagers you can see jakes befuddled and somewhat intimidated look, this shot shows us that Jake needs to become stronger and face up to these things and also tells us that he is also somewhat weak.

• Question 2:

• The way the humour is presented in cuffs is certainly an acquired taste . Some may find it hilarious while others may find it awkward. Firstly, there is a scene of a woman running away from the police holding what we presume to be stolen goods. When Jake comes close the woman starts undressing and screaming, implying that Jake was abusing her. Some might find this funny because of the fact she's faking it. Jake shows his lack of experience through his performance as it's happening, this may be amusing to some. On the other hand some may find this awkward or even quite disturbing in a way, this is known as dark humour as it's making a joke out of a serious topic. Dark humour like this can often be seen as offensive or just down right horrible in some cases. The idea of what the woman wants people to think as she screams is very serious and to the people it has actually happened to, it can be quite traumatising, so this is dark humour.

• Secondly at the police station, as they try to figure out the criminal's heritage, the make a quick joke about how one of the officers is Italian by saying "You've got a bit of Nona's lasagne stuck between your teeth", making the joke that lasagne is a traditional Italian dish, it is also seen as stereotypical for an Italian person to be eating lasagne just as it is for an Italian person to be eating pizza. The food in Italy is one of the things people remember most about Italy, so the joke may be funny to some.

• In conclusion, the extract successfully presents two different kinds of humour, and while the dark humour may be offending to some, to a few it can still be funny.

• 
  

The Observer news paper

 Examples of women being represented in the new paper

In a copy of the observer from 2018 a woman is shown with her fist in the air, bringing enpowerment and strength along with her image, unlike the woman seen from the 1960's who looked quite timid and were really only shown for the image and appearance rather than her brains, on the other hand the other woman is seen as almost a strong protester in a march so she was being shown for her social impact rather than her looks.

A different way in which woman used to represented in the news paper

Unlike in the modern day Observer, the old copies printed in the 1960's represented women in a much different way to how they are now. Similar to way in which women were represented every where else in the media, the news papers didn't care much for the women themselves but only cared for their looks, unless said women is well known or royal such as queen Elizabeth II. For example, on one of the papers from the 1960's a friend of Paul MCcartney is seen with a caption saying "My face and I" telling us that article is about her looks and appearance. This was normal for the time but now that would be seen as stereotypical saying that women only care about looks.

Example of the cold war being mentioned

On the copy of the Observer from the 30th of October, there is a small heading titled "America accused of spy frame-up". Around that time the subject of the cold war would've been a common subject among news papers, as it represents and updates us about the growing tensions between the US and the Soviet Union. It was accusation after accusation about how the Soviets were sending spies into the US and other countries. The first episode of the Avengers referenced these with shady looking people in a town which was usually deserted, the perfect place for spies.

Examples of domestic disasters

On the copy of the Observer from the 6th of November, one of the smaller headlines read "Man flees from police guard in hospital", also stating that in order to fool the guards, he placed books under the covers of his bed in the shape of him in order to fool the police guards. This shows that the police clearly have a lack of competence or at least that is what the public would think anyway and can almost be seen as a joke.

Example of European disaster

On the copy of the Observer from the 6th of November, it states that a plane had crash landed in the middle of the French Alps. seven people we aboard the plane and unfortunately it was almost impossible to find them.

gratifications for video games

 Blumler and Katz state that video games are used as means for gratification. One way in which video games are used as means for gratification is escapism. A way to escape reality and join a the world they want to. The lego plays out as if its replaying events from the movie letting any child playing imnerse themselves and make them feel as if they are in the movie, giving a new perspective you wouldn't see in the movie.

Another way in which it serves as gratification is how games can be seen as a way to relax. Give them something to spend time on and give Lego enthusiasts something to do that can satisfy them. Compared to other types of media, video games are the most time consuming. Video games often take at least 3 hours to finish which is far longer than a movie for example but also video games have a lot of involvement making video games seem like better of an investment in time.