Discuss the way that status is represented in Merlin
To show “status” in the extract in the extract from “Merlin” the film makers make use of various different features such as camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene.
The first time status is shown is from a long shot showing Merlin walking into a room. The luxurious surroundings of the castle doesn’t fit in and make Merlin in his bland, working class clothes stand out. Merlin is made to look furthermore out of place by the use of non diegetic sound. The eerie and tense music in the background enforces the point of Merlin not fitting in. Merlin’s slow look around the wall again enforces this, however by having him in the middle of the screen shows the viewer he is of importance to the narrative. When the female antagonist is introduced she is seen in purple. Throughout time purple has been symbolic of royalty and connotes luxury making her appear as a “higher class” then Merlin. Non diegetic sound is also introduced when the woman is first introduced. They use a sound effect to add increased tension to an already nervous situation, doing this only makes the reader think how out of place Merlin is and what will happen to him.
Non diegetic sound isn’t the only type used however. When Merlin talks to the Lady, he at first stumbles on his words. By doing so could suggests he feels intimidated by her and his surroundings, although the use of the camera shooting them eye line shots over the shoulder would suggest over wise and make them appear equal .
The following part shows a change of location were Merlin would appear to be much more suited. A long shot from a high angle is used to help show this as a market type environment with people dressed in the same manner as Merlin. The character Arthur is then introduced and is clearly seen as being in a higher social class. By having him centralised between guards and also dressed in armour all connote his power and wealth. On the contrary Merlin is on his own until Arthur calls him. Although at first the features of mise-en-scene suggest that Arthur is much higher up the use of camera would again suggest that’s not the case. Like in the previous scene Merlin has an eye line match with the person he’s talking to suggesting he’s not what a stereotypical person of Merlin’s background would be like. This goes on further to a point where Merlin actually appears to have dominance by being smug and humours, which after a short time annoys Arthur.
When they begin the start of the fight Merlin then appears far less in control, this is first show by Merlin dropping the weapon whilst Arthur can easily swing his about. The editing also changes to very quick cuts, helping add anticipation and show the danger Merlin is in. The camera also has takes a shot of Merlin from a high angle making him appear small. They then show Arthur standing tall which could represent the different social statuses. Whilst this is going on the non diegetic sound plays a jolly and upbeat score which helps add to the action. The use of the jolly soundtrack though suggest there is no real danger for either of the two fighting as something more sombre or scary would be played if one of them were to get hurt.
Merlin does get times where he gets in front of the fight, but this only happens when he uses magic shown by the change in his eye. By having a close up of his eye it demonstrates the change in its colour when doing magic and it takes up a flame like complexion. This could connote the passion Merlin had and refusal to give up against someone who is supposed to be superior to him.
This reinforced in the final scene were his teacher is angry at him but Merlin shows his passion for what he did and his belief in not being pushed about by people above him.
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