Merlin essay: How is class and status represented in this clip?

 

In Merlin class and status is mostly represented as conforming to the stereotypes of the upper class being snobby and superior to others, then the lower class being hard working and looked down on. This can be shown using camera, editing, sound and mise en scene. Some characters such as the princess are seen as superior and of a higher status to the working class who are outside cutting wood and looking after animals due to the costumes worn.

At the beginning of the clip the sound is eerie as Merlin enters the castle, this is during the establishing wide shot of the castle outside and inside showing the expensive goods the upper class own. But in this shot Merlin is looking to steal some of their goods this shows the lower class in bad light. This also shows suspense and highlights the mischievous behavior of Merlin, also making it clear that he is not allowed in the castle therefore breaking the rules. The sound highlights the misbehavior of Merlin due to the dark minor key and slow pace of it.

Whilst Merlin is searching the castle room we the audience can hear the sound of the princess’s high heels walking which symbolizes superiority and is a prop used to show this. This also reflects the high status of the princess, although we don't feel intimidated by the princess and she is dressed (her costume) in a beautiful purple dress with dark long hair. he costume makes Merlin respectful and polite to her and she is of a higher status than him, she is also treating him fairly considering the behavior he is portraying. 

The camera work is also used in this part of the clip as there is a over the shoulder shot of from the witch in the mirror point of view looking at the princess. we notice that Merlin has respect for her and speaks to her politely, this could be because he may find her attractive. As it is unlikely for him to treat the upper class with a lot of respect considering his behavior to the soldier. This presents class as a negative thing in society and it makes people believe they are better than others and makes people disrespect other people which is unnecessary as everyone is equal. It could be seen as bizarre that he is polite to her but not to the soldier but i think it it purely because she is showing respect to him.

The sound in the clip when Merlin is walking outside and everything is going on at the same time, the sound is chaotic and this is the same during the fight between Merlin and the soldier. The transitions of shots are quick during this section and so is the pace, this shows that the life in this town is chaotic and nobody is respectful of each other. This presents the working class as hard workers therefore conforming to the stereotype. This also makes us feel empathy for Merlin as he is not supported by anyone and nobody protects him from the royal soldier who's intentions were to wind him up and harm him.

Before the fight between Merlin and the soldier we can hear the diagetic sound of the other soldiers laughing and taking the micky out of Merlin for wanting to fight the soldier. This conforms to the stereotype of the higher class looking down on the lower class and shows negativity between classes. The lower class are seen as unable to fight and inferior, of a lower status, meaning that they should be treated with less respect. This makes us feel empathy for Merlin as everyone should be equal and treated the same. 

Merlin always tends to be in the middle of the frame when he is shown, he is in a 2 shot mid shot when in an argument with the other magician. This presents Merlin as the most important character in the clip as he gets the most screen time highlighting that he is the character we should be focusing on and that we see most things from his perspective.

There is a tracking shot where Merlin is in the middle of the frame walking away from the soldier showing him little respect although he is trying to wind Merlin up. This presents the upper class as snobby, disrespectful to the lower class and rude, again conforming to their stereotypes and making us feel empathy for the lower class. In this example Merlin. 

Editing is also used to present class, the editing is fast pace during the fight between Merlin and the soldier and there are fast transition showing that this is a chaotic part of the clip. The pace is also slow when the princess is walking outside the castle and catches Merlin inside. This presents the lower class as being mischievous this conforms to their stereotypes of being immature. This could suggest that the upper class are of such a status that it doesn't effect them to be in a fight because they have nothing to be worried about, no job, nor do they have to do anything themselves. For the working and lower class their situation is completely different and the decisions they make involve consequences.

The lighting is bright on the soldier showing his arrogance and positive behavior of his life as he is superior and of a higher status compared to everyone else, as he is wealthy. This conforms to the stereotypes of rich, upper class people being snobby.