Monarch of the Glen

Analyse the clip through representation of age.

Throughout the clip presented from then sequence ‘Monarch of the Glen’ there is a clear representation of age division. Aspects of both youth and the older generation are key and clearly resembled by the character Amy, the head teacher and the remaining members of the community.

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.