Analyse the clip
through representation of age.
Mise-en-Scene is the first area to which this
representational issues are presented. The setting of the opening scene focuses
on natural lighting and a rural background. This in deliberate contrast to when
we are first introduced to Amy, wearing a bright yellow top and fashionable
jeans, suggesting she is at odds with her surroundings. The other members of the
community are dressed in farming clothes, further emphasising this contrast. The
initial high shot of the workers represents a clear sense of community and
security.
During the next scene the audience come to learn of Amy’s
true age. Focusing on aspects of Amy’s body language during this scene Amy
seemingly appears to becoming visibly younger by the second, showing signs of
dependence and insecurity by the need to hug those she loves and depending on those
much older and independent to speak on her behalf, further demonstrating her
immaturity. It is here that her youth is solely focused on.
A lot of aspects are covered in the next scene. To begin
with a clear representation of traditions and the older generation are focused
on. The oak room the scene is shot in is the only location that shows absence
of youth, including that the only characters who enter this room are Paul and
the head teacher. The use of brandy as a prop hints the dominance and
superiority of the older generation, and conforms to the representation of
tradition and formality. This all being in extreme contrast to all previously
seen. The two characters are shot in low angles, representing them as figures
of authority. When Paul leaves the room a stereotypical demonstration between
the ages of Amy and Paul is presented, with Amy running away from the situation
and no progression being made between the two characters in contrast to the
previous discussion between Paul and the head teacher, representing maturity and
stability in the older generation. The use of camera in this scene further
highlights the difference between the two. Deliberate high-angle and low-angle
shots are used to illustrate dominance, lack of control and vulnerability,
further demonstrating the distinction between the two characters.
The final scene provides further illustration of innocence
and youth. Here Amy is presented in a very child-like manner. Mise-en-Scene
establishes use of reds and pinks as a colour theme to the room. There are also
props used such as decorative cards, pyjamas and a teddy bear. These are all
clear signifiers of her youth and innocence. The vulnerability we see in Amy is
demonstrated again through visual codes when she appears to hide her hands
under her sleeves and reminiscing on family photographs. The use of panning and
a focus pool when focusing on the photos helps the viewer to empathise with
Amy. Use of non-diegetic music foreshadows the event of her leaving.
Evidently through the use of Mise-en-Scene, camera, editing
and sound we are presented with the representation of youth being something
which is fragile and vulnerable and rather adults inhabiting a world which
frowns upon teenage emotion and understanding.
