Waterloo Road - Clip Analysis Gender

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKzOtiHJGtM

Within the extract of Waterloo Road, gender is represented in numerous ways, particularly through the use of camera, Mise-en-scene, editing and sound. This extract both depicts and opposes the common stereotypes of men and women.
The use of a camera shot of the mirror a young, glamorous teenage girl is holding whilst admiring herself suggests that women typically are interested in little but appearance and fashion, as evident through the use of this young female. Using continuity editing the clip then cuts to an upwards pan of the teenage girl, starting from her feet up to a mid close up shot of her face. In using these camera shots, a stereotypical image of a young teenage girl is portrayed.
Through camera cuts to a shot of the father and the young girl. In this shot the use of camerawork contributes greatly towards the stereotypical representation of gender. The most evident being that of high and low angles. The camera uses mid close ups of the mother and father when in conversation. The camera remains at the same angle, suggesting that neither character are dominant, this opposing the stereotypical association of men being dominant, this being used in most camera shots. However, her father being at a higher angle suggests dominance, which would then evidently suggest the teenage girls vulnerability. However the use of music (sound) and the mid-shot then immediately following, allowing the viewers to notice and comprehend the attitude of the girl suggests the opposite, that in fact she believes she is the dominant individual of the two. This contributes to the stereotypical representation of a rich, glamorous teenage girl who believes she is in control of situations, intentionally disobeying her parents.
Later in the scene, through use of continuity editing and panning, it is evident that the contrast between the young teenage girl and older woman is trying to be emphasised. The older woman represents a stereotypical older female teacher teaching the class in a reasonably 'boring' manner. The use of a young female girl emphasizes this contrast, both physically and mentally. Through use of Mise-en-scene the physical appearance of the two characters is in complete contrast, the older woman with short grey hair, minimal makeup and a suited outfit, whilst the young female has bleach blonde hair, masses of makeup and a uniform. Through use of high and low angles, it is suggested that the older woman is dominant and the young girl submissive, as expected. However it is evident through the scene that the episode opposes from the norm. The young girl attempts to become the dominant individual in believing she is more educated than the teacher, attempting to belittle her, but in doing so instead shows herself rather to be young and immature.
Mise-en-scene further contributes to show the representation of gender uniquely, the most notable being through use of evident contrasting costumes. Typically, an episode would depict the common stereotypes of men being overall superior opposed to women who are deemed to be inferior. However, opposing this, females within the extract are deemed to have higher status through costume detained by them. These giving connotations of the head the school being immaculate, hardworking and powerful, contrasting to traditional female roles.