Gemma Lovitt

Hustle- Mock Exam In the viewing of the Hustle the audience are introduced to the key binary opposite that runs throughout the extract which being the study of gender. This theory of Levi-Straus is highlighted through the two main protagonists as it portrays the ways in which the two opposing genders contrast one another. Similarly the two characters characteristics are conveyed through mise-en-scene whether being lighting, sounds, or camera. Firstly the main female protagonist in the extract has been conveyed by the director in a very dominant manner. We are first introduced to this character as a background piece in the first scene. Within the first couple of shots the audience are finally given a close up of the character so that the audience can make an interpretation on the characters characteristics. The close up shot allows the audience to really focus on her emotions and attitude by the facial expressions given as she gives a very stern look creating a message towards the audience that she is the mischievous type whos up to no good, therefore leading to her to be the main point of focus to concentrate on throughout. Furthermore the theory of binary opposites in this case being gender is portrayed in the majority of scenes. Similarly the theory of Todorov where being an equilibrium, disruption, and resolution highlights the way in which the two opposing genders handle disruptions in particular situations. The disruption in this narrative is where the female protagonist loses her ring. At this point of the extract the audience are able to hear the non digetic music that is only meant for their ears as the characters are unaware of any other sound apart from dialogue contained within the narrative. The non-digetic music fits in well and is used in order for the audience to feel a certain message and tone and to feel more engaged as if they were a part of that scene. The non-digetic music continues whilst the camera is tracking following the female character searching vigorously for her ring, and speeds up dramatically illustrating and relating to her signs of panic and awareness of her surroundings. This scene is essential when studying the binary opposites of gender as it illustrates and visualises the ways in which stereotypically the female gender would handle certain situations in comparison to the ways the male gender would deal with disruptions. Furthermore the male protagonist (the one who eventually finds the ring) has been conveyed in a different manner by the director in comparison to the female character. However the director has used similar shots that were used in previous scenes with the women such as the use of close ups. The close up shot was used when only focusing on the males face maintaining at eye level as this is the scene where the male character gives direct eye contact to the camera leading the audience interpreting that they are being looked at. This shot engages and maintains the interest of the audience as they begin to feel more involved. Similarly the close up of the males face portrays facial expressions that convey the same meaning and message that the female character was trying to suggest, therefore the audience start to interpret that this character is also the mischievous type whos up to no good. As the extract progresses the use of mise-en-scene still remains. The use of sound is used in a few ways during this extract as it has included non-digetic music and dialogue from the narrative. The dialogue given to the male character follows a very stereotypical view of a

Gemma Lovitt

male way of handling things. The dialogue given you take that highlights the imperative used illustrating the aggressive and stern tone of voice that is stereotypically used by males in order to sort something out or to get their own way. During the disruption scene as the problem starts to come to an end the director uses a shallow focus shot of the shop assistant and the man who finds the ring. The shop assistant is part of the background blurred out so that the audience are automatically attracted to the main point of focus ensuring that they dont get distracted and taken off of the main character. The shallow focus also illustrates the dominant character who has more power and control. Lastly mise-en-scene is included within the males body language and costume. As the male character is conveyed in a suit it ensures that he fits in with his surroundings as he is portrayed in a business suit like standard therefore illustrating that the male character is a part of the posh and upper class environment that he is situated in. In conclusion it is clear to the audience that the theory of binary opposites by Levi-Straus consists throughout the extract highlighting the two opposing genders as the mise-en-scene used illustrates the two genders characteristics and their similarities and differences when trying to overcome particular situations or disruptions. Personally I believe that the theory of Levi-Straus is vital and essential when making and directing an effective and successful extract/clip.