Representation of Gender

Textual Analysis - Luther

 

In this short clip we see how binary oppositions struggle for power. Males stereotypically have more power than females, this is demonstrated in this clip when we see Luther using his height and big build to look down at Alice in an attempt of intimidation. However we are shown, from Luther's point-of-view shot, that Alice does not seem phased by Luther's attempt. Instead, she is surprisingly relaxed in the conversation which defies the stereotype of women being threatened by men's physical power. She even attempts to intimidate Luther using sex to try and manipulate him. This is when we see the struggle between the binary oppositions.

In the opening scene to the clip, we are first shown an establishing shot of Alice. We can see the street in the background which is accompanied with the sound of car engines and traffic. Both characters are presented with shallow focus which demonstrates that they are the main focus of the scene. It shows that what they are saying/doing is important and significant to the rest of the story. Throughout the clip there is a variation of over-the-shoulder shots from Luther looking down at Alice. His height makes him look superior as Alice is portrayed to be small and weak in comparison. This relates to the stereotype of women being inferior to the physical strength of men.
Through Mise en scene, Alice is presented as a very controversial character. Throughout the clip we are shown that she is wearing makeup. Stereotypically women wear makeup to  feel or make them seem more attractive to others. This suggests that Alice wants to attract Luther, or certainly impress him with her looks. Although she fits this stereotype, later on in the clip when scene changes into her apartment we get a different impression of Alice. Her apartment is pristine and is filled with academic resources such as a telescope and many books. She also shows a particular interest in the scientific miracle, the black hole, therefore this suggests that she intelligent.  This idea defies the stereotypes as women are typically more reserved and ignorant than men however in the clip, Alice is presented as the opposite.
There is not much sound in the clip other than the dialogue. This highlights that what the two characters are saying is important. At the start of the clip their voices are accompanied by the sound of the road in the background, demonstrating to the audience that they are in an urban area. Towards the end of clip, some background music creeps in as the pace of the dialogue gets faster. The tempo and volume of the music increases and creates a lot of tension between the two characters.
Throughout the progression of the conversation, as well as tension, the atmosphere appears to become more heated. This is created through fast paced shot-reverse-shots.