Merlin Gender Representation.

What representations of gender are constructed by the extract through the use of mise-en-scene, editing, use of camera and sound?


Trailer -


Merlin is the first character to be introduced, this and the fact the programme is called Merlin shows he will be the main focus of the series. When Merlin is introduced, he is sitting a dusty dirty room which represents the idea that men are not very organised and untidy. It could also suggest that he is not important in the sense that he does not have a maid or servant to clean for him. (Whereas Athur's room is usually clean and tidy) The next character that is introduced is Arthur, this shows that he is also an important character to the story. He is introduced talking to Merlin, instead of a high-angle shot of Merlin and a low-angle shot of Arthur - to show that Arthur has more power than Merlin - they are shown on the same level which suggests that Merlin's magic makes him and equal to Arthur in terms of strength. Arthur is wearing armour which shows the audience that he is rich, powerful and high in society because not everyone could afford armour. Arthur is shown fighting and always doing something which represents the stereotypical male - active, strong and slightly aggressive.
The first woman in the trailer is shown with her back to the camera which adds the the mystery of the character. She is wearing a long elegant purple gown which shows she is high in society, this is also represented in the fact she is entering the royal hall. In the hall, there is a raised area, on it the King is sitting on the throne and behind him there are two men who look like knights because they are wearing the same long red cloaks as the King is. This shows the the King is heavily guarded because they are armed and there are also two guards at the door. The King looks quite proud and slightly arrogant because he is leaning back in the throne and has his arms firmly on the arm-rests. There are two other women who stand out slightly in this shot, Morgana and Gwen. It shows that they are not as important because they are lower down than the King, this represents the traditional idea that women aren't as important as men and should have less rights - if they were on the same level as Uther it would show that they were equal. However, there is also a difference in power and status with women as well because the way they are standing - Morgana in front of Gwen - and their clothes show that they are not eqaul. Morgana is wearing a long purple gown whereas Gwen is wearing plain clothes and a apron which shows she's a maid. However, the fact she is in the royal hall and not off cleaning shows she is not an ordinary maid. The fact she is standing behind Morgana suggests she is a lady's maid.
The shot of King Uther on the balcony is a low-angle shot which shows he has power and control over the people. This also suggests he does not mingle with the commoners and takes the traditional role of the noblility. The crown and medalions round his neck sets him apart from Arthur and the other knights.
Gaius represents the idea of the wise old man. He has a relatively large room filled with bottles and books, he is also quite well dressed compared to Merlin which suggests he not the average working man.
The next representation of a woman is the witch. The audience assume she is a bad character because she is old, ugly and has bad teeth which shows the stereotypical idea that ugly = evil and beauty = good. Morgana and Nimueh represent the stereotype that woman care about their appearance because they are fully made up - bright lipstick and perfect hair. Gwen represents the natural beauty because she looks like she has hardly any make up on and has her hair down and wavy. However, this could show that Morgana can afford to look good whereas Gwen is only a maid so it wouldn't matter how she looks.
The voice-overs are only male voices which could represent the fact women didn't have a voice in those days.