Thursday 1 December 2011

'Skins' - Camera Angles/Movements Example: How is Age Represented?

The idea that teenagers are curious about sex is reinforced through the over-the-shoulder shot used when he is looking at the older woman getting dressed through the window over the road. The shot is hand-held so that the audience can have the same experience as the teenage main character. The following close-up shot shows a lack of expression suggesting that this is routine and he has become disaffected by the image. This conforms to the stereotype that teenagers' lives are surrounded by sex and it plays a big part of their lives.

A track shot out of the driveway is used when the protagonist's sister is walking up the street. This type of shot may have been used to portray how other people in the neighbourhood see her and show that she is conscious of herself. Therefore, the shot draws attention to the fact that she has a secret to hide as her body language shows that she doesn't want to be seen and known for having gone out at night, so stereotypes of teenagers is conformed and her rebellious, mischievous side is brought out again at this point. 

In addition, a high angle shot of the protagonist's sister below looking up to the protogonist is used. This portrays that she is in a vulnerable position as she relies on her brother. The low angle shot of the protagonist suggests that he has power which conforms stereotypes of younger sisters usually relying on their older brothers for support. Another way in which this view is supported is through the use of the close-up shot of the 'OK' signal that the protagonist gives to his sister, showing that he is covering up for her. 

The close-up shot of the protagonist smirking and looking at the door suggests that he enjoys this regular routine of covering up for his sister as it frustrates his father. His father's frustration is portrayed through the use of the zoom as the more angrier he gets, the closer the camera zooms in. Teenage stereotypes are conformed here as the protagonist's mischievous side is shown too as teenagers are stereotyped as being misbehaved and causing unnecessary trouble.