Representaion of Regional Identity

Textual Analysis - Doc Martin


Doc Martin is a British television comical drama series starring Martin Clues. The show is set in the fictional seaside village of Portwenn and was filmed on location in the village of Port Isaac. During the clip we have studied, regional identity is constructed to reinforce the stereotypical binary opposite between those who live in the city and those who live in the countryside. Positioning the audience to find humour, rather than challenge traditional  representations, in the difference between Doc Martin and the difference between the locals.


A common stereotype associated with regional identity is that depending on the area you live in can effect how hard working you are. In the opening scene of the clip, the audience is introduced to some of the characters through an establishing shot. In the shot we can see two of the local plumbers who are working in the outdated doctor's surgery. Through the use of Mise en Scene, one of the locals is sitting down on a chair eating a sandwich and drinking from a flask cup. He also appears to be rather over weight. In addition he doesn't seem to be giving any contribution to the job he is supposed to be doing. The other local plumber, who appears to be working at the start of the shot, gets easily distracted when asked a question and quickly forgets about his work. In contrast to the two workers, Doc Martin, shortly after entering the room, starts on emptying boxes. He is also standing up whilst the other two characters are seated. The obvious contrast demonstrated in this scene suggests that the local workers are more lazy than Doc Martin. This could be because the two stereotypes originate from two different parts of England, consequently portraying those who originate from the south look less hardworking and laid back.


Another factor that sets apart the locals from Doc Martin is the clothing codes. The use of a wide angle allows the audience to see the difference between the characters' choice of work attire. Doc Martin, who represents someone who comes form a very urban area, is wearing a smart and clean suit which makes him look very presentable. In contrast, the two local tradesman are dressed in navy boiler suits. The audience can use the clothing codes to establish sophistication between the characters. The fact that the local workers are not dressed as smartly could suggest that they may be more backward which could maybe enforce the idea that those from a rural background are less advance in comparison to those who originate from an urban background. The clothing that the characters are wearing can also enforce a judgement made on their social class and status. Doc Martin, who is wearing a smart suit, looks as though he works in a job which involves looking presentable, similar to a doctor. The two plumbers are wearing practical boiler suits that are ideal for their job type. However it is very easy to tell what sort of work they do from the attire. Due to the fact that the clothes can illustrate what type of career the characters have, it can also give us an indication of their salary. From their salary we can infer the type of lifestyle they may be able to afford and incidentally what social class they may fit into. Therefore regional identity can often have a link with social class and status. In this example it is the Doc Martin with the urban background who seems to assume a higher social class. 


It is a common opinion that those who live in rural areas are often so much more laid back than those who come from urban areas. The older trade worker is shown through shallow focus, which immediately positions the audience to focus their attention on him. Then using a tracking shot, the audience follows him whilst he attempts to contribute to fixing the appliance. This results in him bursting a pipe and causing a spray of water. We then return to an establishing shot where the audience can see the reaction of the other characters. following this, through steadicam the audience follow Doc Martins reaction of stopping the water flow. Then using fast-paced editing the camera flips between head shots of Doc Martin and a new character called Elaine. This creates the feeling of chaos. On top of that there is a lot of non-diegetic sound such as the phone ringing, the sound of the water and the older trade worker talking in the background. This also enforces the idea of chaos and panic.