TV Drama Essay

Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs representations of ethnicity using the following:

camera shots/angles/movements
lighting
sound
mise en scene
editing



Hotel Babylon is a TV drama in which showcases a range of different ethic groups. It often shows the ethnicity in a conventional manner showing the audience the stereotypes that the public are all so used to. However the programme just as frequently challenges the common conventions of ethnic groups, portraying three dimensional characters containing qualities that go strongly against their stereo type.

This is shown straight away in the first scene. We see a black man rushing around, serving others around the hotel. He smartly dressed and speaks with polite English accent. This challenges the conventional stereotypes of black men (relaxed and laid back). When he confronts his friend, the audience are shown two representations of black men, the new form as just mentioned, and the classic stereotype (slang language, dreadlocks and informal dress). The new stereotype (the manager) is shot with a slight low-angle. This represents him in a positive light, showing that the new representation of ethnic is the true one and has authority over the old one, represented by the man in the swimming pool, who is interestingly shot at eye level.

We are then shown a scene of eastern European maids, performing a strip to a customer. We know the scene will be seedy and sexualised, by the sinister diegetic music, which opens the scene. This represents the maids and thus polish people as those who will do anything for money. Once in the room, we are shown a wide shot of a Japanese man and there is a cut straight away to  close-up shot of money. This tells us that the man is wealthy and represents the common stereotype of Japanese men which is that they're rich, the close up also mimics how important the cash is to the maids. High key lighting is also used in this scene, perhaps indicating that it is revealing the seedy nature of both nationalities.

We next see a Chinese lady rushing around running errands. A tracking shot is used to help the audience relate to her frantic organising. This represents her nationality as hard working and dedicated to their job. Dark lighting is used in this scene to mirror the ladies disappointment of the running of her business, representing the high standards that her ethic group upholds.

Finally we see a confrontation between an Italian and British man. The Italian is dressed in black, perhaps showing him to be the antagonist in this scene. He has a fiery temper, which is mimicked by the fast cutting within the scene. The mise-en-scene is important here as the manic kitchen, adds to the intensity of the scene. The Italians aggressive nature is stereotypical and thus easily identifiable to the audience. Although he is smaller, he has authority over the Englishman, challenging the idea that in a workplace only the English have the more important jobs and authority.

Overall the clip showcases a variety of ethic groups, which both challenge and conform to their individual conventional representations.