Doctor Who Analysis

Mise – en - scene

The main male character comes across as the one with the authority – his costume suggests has power. He was at a higher level than everyone else which shows the power he has over everyone there. The security guard maintains a physical strength as he holds the others back and is threatening with his armed weapons. The men are seen as the more dominant gender. The women are seen as the less powerful gender. The maids represent the stereotype of women cleaning and serving men. The main female character shows a dominant attitude as she the male character does feel threatened by her in ways. The other women in the scene such as the woman in the red dress are seen as the more feminine type which portrays her as the damsel in distress. The main female character dresses in a dominant way as if she is ready for business. She is not seen as a feminine type. Set in a sci-fi atmosphere with a lot of special affects and spaceship like features.

Cinematography and editing

The different camera shots used such as: Mid-shot to show some facial expression while also showing some body language. The low angle used when the other characters look up to the main man shows his dominant position and the power he maintains. Seeing the female character in a high angle shot shows someone else has power over her however she proves he will not win. Close up shots signifies the facial expressions of both genders however also shows both are equal as both genders get as much focus at that moment. Two shot for the maids as it shows solidarity between women as men are more independent, at the end of the scene the maids hug the female character which shows they are comforting & that stereotypes women. Point of view shot shows the male looking at the time which adds tension to the scene as the clock is ticking and time is running out as they speak.

The sci-fi weapon used by the doctor adds tension and suspense as he has dominant power which makes us think what will happen next. The sequence is made up of a range of editing such as flashbacks, ellipsis, shot reverse shot, 180 degree rule and cross cutting.

Ellipsis editing is used to compress time and show us how she was travelling the world to tell people the news about the doctor. It is used to build up the power of Martha within the scene. It emphasises her power and dominant position.

Cross cutting is used to show to show the power of the villain as it shows a field of missiles and army backing. Cross cutting also shows the previous actions within the scene which allows the viewer to understand and follow the scene storyline.

Slow motion editing is used to emphasise the struggle some characters are having. This is shown through showing them out of breath and tired. The slow motion slows the scene down to make the effects more realistic. This gains sympathy for the villain within the scene.

As the sound mix changes throughout the scene it becomes louder at times which portrays excitement and emotion of the actors. The flashback editing is used to show was has happened previously. This is often significant to the story line as it shows why other things are happening. The flashbacks engage the audience and make them aware of the full storyline.

Editing techniques such as sense of realism make the story line seem more believable as the sense of realism makes it come across as real. This has an effect on the audience as they become interested and often gain sympathy for the villains.

The 180 degree rule is used during the scene because it allows the scene to maintain continuity throughout. The use of fade to white editing gives the idea of possible death as bright white lights portray heaven and a godlike image. This suggests ideas for the upcoming events within the scene. The sound of drum beating building up sets a pace for the scene as it builds up tension and suspense.

Sound

There is a range of sound tones and paces throughout the scene. The use of daunting and threatening music adds suspense and tension within the scene. The contrast between the loud and quiet music show the different things happening and the build up is created to make the viewers think what will happen next. The sound mixes used such as music gradually fading away and then building up again makes the scene seem scarier and suspicious. As the music fades out it gives the idea that it’s all about to end however as the music builds up louder and louder it leads us to believe something and and dangerous is about to happen. This leads the viewers to have different expectations and ideas from the scene.

During the scene choir like music is played, this suggests an idea of death and funerals as the music was funeral like. The choir music emphasise possible danger or something bad happening. It was slow and high pitched which does not suit a drama, therefore it shows something is about to happen and build up. The sounds created by the technology come across as very daunting as they are threatening noises and set a mood of danger. Bold brass instruments are used to emphasise what is happening during the scene. They build up tension and suspense as the music is loud, bold and threatening. It makes us think something bad will happen.

The steady drum beat represents Martha’s state of mind and represents her as being in control. The use of different sound pitches allows the viewer to believe possible dramas within the scene or a good thing, depending on the pitch of sound.

Major and minor keys are used to emphasise happy and sad sounds. The use of robotic dialogue shows that they are robots which set the sci-fi image throughout the scene. Echoing sounds are used during the scene to create a threatening and daunting image to the audience. This is also done through the use of the actors shouting and using worried fast dialogue.