Regional Identity

>Linked to class

Representation of Social Class

Social Class can be portrayed in multiple different forms, along with other representations, comes with its own array of unsightly stereotypes. Both series, Shameless and Downton Abbey are portraying two different social classes. Shameless portrays the lower class, while Downton Abbey portrays the higher class. It should also be noted that both of the social classes that have been portrayed, are from generally different eras.

One other incredibly important point to be made, is where these series both originate from. Shameless is an American TV drama, whereas Downton Abbey is a British TV drama. Therefore, differences are already distinguished.

Immediately, you are able to make assumptions about the social class of the people on each poster, through their costume, posture, appearance, and also the mies-en-scene around them. Going a little deeper, and the text on the alternating posters are being used as another form of portrayal.

The actors who appear on the Shameless poster, are notably younger than those on the poster for Downton Abbey, and the actors who have been casted are generally who one may think of when thinking of that specific genre. In other words, they specialise in the genre they are being shown in. This is one of the most important choices that a filmmaker could have made, as it shows that they understand the social class they are trying to represent, therefore decide on specific actors yo gain the target audience their work is aimed towards.

For example, the man on the far right the Shameless poster, front most, is a character being played by William H. Macy. This actor is generally well known, and has played in other movies and such sharing the comedy genre with Shameless. The choice to cast him was most likely made due to the social class that is portrayed on this poster. Since many of the characters whom appear are younger, therefore, these actors are not as well known as he may be.

I'm going to quickly cover the same thing with Downton Abbey, to distinguish a clear line between both the social classes being portrayed. With Downton Abbey, a few more better known actors have been cast, however, the main female actor playing the character to the left; Maggie Smith. She is an actor who is famous in many typically British shows and movies, one of the more popular being the Harry Potter series of movies.

Something I've been wanting to bring up appears on the Shameless poster, and this part of the mise-en-scene represents this social class, yet at the same time, is a somewhat hateful stereotype against this class of individuals. They show typical imagery of the American Revolution, such as the two flags, what appear to be flares, and the most iconic; a smashed and flaming bottle. This generally portrays a rebellious nature, unsightliness, and members of society who don't really tend to fit in.

Characters are also posed in a rebellious way, almost appearing as if they are in fact a mob, and are not at all inviting. Expressions say it all, especially here. Many of the characters seem to be giving what is a typical 'war cry', mouths opened and eyebrows creased. Again, this goes back to the idea of rebelliousness that is being portrayed, which is therefore a negative stereotype.

However, one expression which differs from the rest has caught my attention more than many of the others. The song man on the far left of the frame, holding the smashed bottom, has a different yet more than interesting expression. He not only has a rebellious nature to him, but also that boisterous, youthful, somewhat cheeky expression, which connotes that he typically does cause trouble. This could easily link in with the idea of youth, and stereotypes portraying this.

The last thing I

Back voer to Downton Abbey, and the mood changes entirely. We see a mansion centred to the middle frame of the poster, surrounded by a gentle, and inviting yet private landscape, typical to Britain.

Main Theorists

Richard Butsch (1992)
Working class males presented as; "Incompetent and ineffectual, often a buffoon, well-intentioned but dumb. In almost all working-class series, the male is flawed, some more than others...he fails in his role as a father and husband, is lovable but not respected."

Appeals to young working class males & females, makes the stars more human, like them.


Keith Gandal (2007)
Target audiences drawn in by the; "Sentimental rags-to-riches story,"

Wouldn't sell to social cards C1-E is an already wealthy (A/B) person, no sentimental story, wouldn't feel they have anything in common with that person.

Keith Gandal (2007)
B/C1 represented as; "Social norm"

Pitching at B/C1, subject/s usually appear smartly dressed in sharp suits, look in control, well-off.

Andy Medhurst (1998)

"They are awful because thy are not like us."

Practice Analysis
Shameless

First of all, I'm going to cover the opening to Shameless, as I feel this actually shows a lot more than the rest of the clip. But I'll get back to the rest of the clip later on. For now, opening.

We start off in with what appears to be