television: his dark materials - language and representation

1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.) 

You can currently watch His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer here.

Camerawork, editing and sound: The director uses low angle shots in order to show dominance and a sense of superiority 
 
Mise-en-scene: rusty clothes to show what a adventure is shown get where she is.

You can access our notes from the close-textual analysis in a previous class here - you'll need your Greenford Google login to open this

2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?

It shows crossing world/ dimensions and there are suppernatrual being living alongside humans

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into?

Propp's character theory allows for the character realization of a number of the primary characters in His Dark Materials. For example, the protagonist Lyra Belacqua embodies the Hero archetype as she sets out on a life-changing quest to preserve her world. However, Lord Asriel, who opposes the protagonist's ambitions and acts as a fierce enemy throughout the series, symbolises the Villain character. Other characters that first seem to be allies but subsequently show their actual objectives, like Mrs. Coulter, can be recognised as the False Hero.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in His Dark Materials? Make specific, detailed reference to the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

Mysterious Origins of Lyra: One of the central enigmas in the series revolves around the mysterious origins of the protagonist, Lyra Belacqua.
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative. 

Younger and older as it fits with the fantasy plot and character flaws

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

Lyra Belacqua: Lyra is a central character in the series, known for her bravery, curiosity, and rebellious nature.

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

They reverse the stereotypes by putting men in distress with women often solving their problems

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) represented in His Dark Materials? Does the show reinforce or challenge stereotypes about young people? Think about Lyra and Will plus the abandoned children they meet. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.

His Dark Materials portrays age in a variety of ways, both in terms of reinforcing and challenging stereotypes about youth.The two main protagonists, Lyra (played by Emma Thompson) and Will (played by James McAvaty), are depicted as independent, inventive, and able to make decisions on their own. They are smart and determined, which challenges the stereotypical image of reckless, impulsive teens.6T

Narrative and genre: sci fi fantasy genre.

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

They subvert expectations as although the cast is still mainly white, they still have other ethnicities playing important characters.

5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.

In the episode “The City of Nowhere,” the representation of the world is a blend of reality and fantasy. The setting appears to be a modern-day city, resembling real-life urban environments with familiar elements such as buildings, streets, and transportation systems.