His Dark Materials: Language and Representation blog tasks

 his dark materials

1) Write an analysis of the episode - using your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed reference to moments in the text using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots and movement, editing, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

You can currently watch His Dark Materials on BBC iPlayer here.

Camerawork, editing and sound: longshot handheld pan

Mise-en-scene:mrs coulter wearing red lipstick and red dress shows how she is evil

Narrative and genre: 

2) How does His Dark Materials fit the conventions of the fantasy TV genre?

      

     personal identity - teenagers , oxford

     personal relationships - will and lyra

     diversion - dramatic , exciting 

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do some of the main characters in His Dark Materials fit into? 

      

      viceral pleasure because of chase scene.

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 are multiple action and enigma codes throughout the episode. For example, the dialogue in the submarine, where a member of the Magisterium says that the "fuse has been lit", which suggests future conflict, alongside the dialogue later on, "the witches will want us to fight." 

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in His Dark Materials? How do these create narrative or drama for the audience? You can find reminder notes on all these narrative theories here - just scroll down to narrative. 

The dialogue where a character says that it's "time to draw sides" indicates binary opposition. 

Representations

1) How are women represented in His Dark Materials? Are gender stereotypes reinforced or subverted? Think about Lyra and Mrs Coulter here.

In the beginning, Lyra reinforces stereotypes of femininity by crying in the cave, however, in the next scene, she subverts them by exploring the rainforest on her own, suggesting she is strong and independent

2) How are men and masculinity represented in His Dark Materials? Think about Will and Lee Scoresby here.

Will completely subverts gender stereotypes, as he is beaten almost immediately by Lyra when they first encounter each other.

3) How is age (e.g. teenagers; adults) 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. Also think about Mrs Coulter and other adults.

The show effectively challenges stereotypes about young and old people. 

4) How is race and ethnicity represented in His Dark Materials? Are stereotypes reinforced or subverted?

Stereotypes of race and ethnicity are subverted, as race is essentially ignored throughout the episode. The cast is somewhat diverse, as seen with Will and the witch, Ruta. However, the Magisterium is mostly comprised of white men, perhaps reinforcing stereotypes. 

5) What representations of the world can you find in the episode - is it like real life? A fantasy world? Something from the past or future? Give examples from the episode.

The world (or worlds) in His Dark Materials is very fantasy-like: it has talking animals (daemons), malevolent spirits (spectres), magic (the witches), etc. However, it is also reminiscent of real life. This is evident through the vaguely European abandoned city of Cittàgazze, the abandoned children being very stereotypically working-class, the character of Will being from Oxford, etc.