Homework

How does the clip challenge or reinforce positive or negative stereotypes of age?
1) Camera angles, shot types, composition and movement
2) Editing or cuts, pace of the edit, prominence and continuity
3) Sound; dialogue, soundtrack, foley and sound effects
4) MES - Location, costume, lighting, colours and performance

1) When the adults are conversing with one another, there are long takes to reflect the serious atmosphere of their conversation, demonstrating the positive stereotypes of adults are responsible and wise. Point of view shots and over the shoulder shots are used in the confrontation scene so they audience understands how the young girl is feeling, showing her vulnerability and helplessness. In the part of the extract when the elderly woman discovers the young girl has gone, a wide angle is used to emphasize the stereotype of elderly people being isolated, lonely and a vast amount of space around them. Tracking movements are used whenever adults are in the frame doing something active, showing that they're working, responsible and of importance due to their capabilities.

3) Throughout this extract there is stylised dialogue for each character to conform to their stereotypes. The young girl attempts to act mature when other adults are around but when her real age is exposed, her dialogue changes and uses excuses and lies like a child would, using phrases like "I hate you", reinforcing the negative stereotypes of youths with rebellion and irresponsibility. The adult who is seen as her guardian is dominant in his dialogue, giving her orders and being responsible in making decisions and saying what's best for her. The headmaster is an elderly man who explains to the girl's guardian that she should return to school and finish her exams, showing that he's wise and tradition in thinking. The sound effects of her fast-paced footsteps could be an interpretation that youths always run away from their problems whenever the situations becomes too difficult to handle.

4) The first part of this extract is set on a farmland which appears to be a place of work and no children are present, implying that adults are responsible enough and physically able to work. The headmaster's costume was a well-dressed suit and attire which gives the audience the impression that he is an educated man with authority and is in a high position of power. The adult who is the guardian of the young girl is dressed in manual labour attire, suggesting that he's responsible enough to handle hard work. The young girl in this extract is dressed in jeans, trainers and a jumper