Language and close-textual analysis
Camerawork, editing and sound: There was non-diegetic sound in the episode. this is when lyra and will saw the two kids and started chasing after them, There was intense music.Mise-en-scene: Lyra is wearing cloths from the 1980's, However Will is wearing more traditional new age British cloths. The setting was a abandoned village where everybody evacuated from.
Narrative and genre: Sci-fi and fantasy
The show fits in to the fantasy genre since its narrative arc is based around a quest to find Lyra. There also are creatures such as Lyra's daemon. The show takes place in many different time periods and worlds
3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into ?
Lyra is mainly the hero/heroine
Will subverts the stereotype as men always being the hero as the majority of the time he is helper since he is the one doing all the things that stereo typically are depicted as things that women do these include cleaning and cooking food
Mrs Coulter is the villain since she portrays a character which is dangerous and in control. Presented as sinister and as a threat. Evil villain who wants Lyra and control the world who would go to extreme extents to get what she wants she even Tortures a witch to "death" and then she prepares to kill the head of the Magisterium so she can gain more control
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.)
There is mise-en-scene when the setting changes from Lyra being lost in a forest to a village Non-diegetic sound at beginning or recap: music and voice-over to be able to set the scene. There is also non-diegetic music which may suggest that there is drama, or an important moment at the end of the scene. There are camera shots used to show meaning. High angle shots of Lyra to make her look innocent and vulnerable, whereas low angle shots of Mrs Coulter to make her look powerful. The fast paced editing for the chase scene makes the music change with it which is non-diegetic. This creates pace and excitement for the audience: Who are they chasing and what will happen next? Allows the audience to imagine they are in the series.
5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials?
An example of binary oppositions that are found in His Dark Materials is good and bad people, and young and old. This helps to show the conflict and narrative of the story.
Representation
1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter.
There are strong female characters in that are represented in His Dark Materials. Lyra is independent and tough and doesnt need help or ask for it from anyone. Lyera also can't cook and takes anything she wants which subverts these gender roles. Mrs Coulter is powerful and a villain. These subvert gender stereotypes as women are supposed to act the opposite. Lyra also subverts this as she shares a lot of masculine traits: walks on the bed, takes Will's room and doesn't seem bothered by it. Gender roles have also been subverted as the girls were ready to fight and Will was trying to break it up. Mrs Coulter was the only women in the submarine scene: "If you men have finished your discussions..." / "We cannot allow this women to take over".
2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby.
Men are also represented as aggressive when the magisterium were throwing glass to the point were it broke. They are also seen as incompetent. There is a subversion of gender roles as Will is in the kitchen cooking and caring more about his hygiene that Lyra. This was shown when Will made Lyra an omelette and tried to fix the shower. Lee Scoresby reinforced these gender stereotypes as he is a classic masculine man on a mission to help Lyra.
3) How is age (e.g. teenagers, older people) 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. Think about Mrs Coulter and the other adults.
Age is represented in His Dark Materials in many ways. One way is through the spectres. This is because it is showing the audience that it is safer being a child as being an adult is dangerous. This helps to appeal the show to a family audience. Most of the main characters in this series are children as well and are representing that they don't need adults or help from older generations. The abandoned children in episode one also demonstrates that they can make a living without adults which subverts typical stereotypes. Mrs Coulter also subverts these stereotypes as she is a parent that chooses not to look after her child.
4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?
Race and ethnicity is shown as being very diverse in His Dark Materials. Lee Scoresby is American. By including an American star it makes the series fit for a global appeal (Co-production with HBO). It reinforces the heroic, adventurous stereotype of American actors. The actors in His Dark Materials are from a range of ethnic backgrounds and the character of Will subverts stereotypes or rave and ethnicity as well as gender. The diversity of the cast reflects modern social and cultural contexts (2020 Britain).
5) How are politicians, religion and people with power represented? Think about how the Magisterium are shown in this episode?
- Religion and government - Magisterium / 'Cardinal'
- Corrupt , evil and incapable
Subversion of religious people as they aren't supposed to treat people badly and is showing a lot of demonic traits. Reinforces the gender roles of men but subverts this as well because they are religious. They are supposed to be helping people not treating them badly.
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