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.

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