Thursday 19 April 2012

How is representation of age constructed in this extract? (from about 3:02 to 5:55)

 The extract shows two age generations  the elderly and the middle aged  some would present that they are presented in a positive light  and this representation  of the characters shown is realistic 

We are presented with an establishing shot  which reveals that they are in a bar celebrating a birthday we can see this through the props that have  chosen to use l the birthday cake and the champagne  which usually indicates celebration of some sort ; through shot reverse shot the conversation between the elderly pair is filmed  there is a binary opposition between the two of them  one appears to be wealthy whilst the other not as much this is emphasized through their clothing one male though it's his birthday is wearing casual clothing whilst the other is wearing a suit this is highlighted through the dialogue as one of the men has contributed to the other's funding so that he could move away; he additionally talks about his  pension you could say this is a stereotypical representation of the elderly , as you usually attach a pension and or  retirement  with someone who is elderly ;however you can say that this is an atypical representation of elderly people as one refuses to go into retirement but continues to work in a underground risky job  

though they are in a bar they are drinking champagne you could say that they are presented in a positive light  as they are not throwing back beers but are taking part in a glass of champagne which is usually associated with class  this could also suggest that they are content with their age  and accept the fact that they are getting older . however from another perspective you could say  one is trying to hold onto his youth by him staying at work and working with people half his age . through the mise-en scene there is a separation between the older generation and the younger generation in the bar as they a dining quietly away from them .

the next scene shows a group of people in  their working environment they are younger than the elderly man  they are presented with a more laid back attitude drinking tea/ coffee and making jokes with each other they unknowingly exclude the older man from their conversation in addition unlike the previous scene the conversation is more lively and engaging which could attach the label that the elderly are boring  ; it is revealed later that one of the members has been previously wounded in action this this could be stereotypical as it goes with the stereotype that the younger generation is reckless  . Unlike the previous scene the editing is more fast paced which could mirror the age difference the close ups of the central characters also show that physically they are younger than their boss .

though these portrayals of the different generations appears to be positive one could argue that the representation is generalising as not all elderly people maybe boring and or dull. the audience may identify with the younger social group  as they are presented as witty and clever more fascinating to listen to  

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