Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?

Terminology

Examples

Explanation/Analysis

When Warren is burning stuff, a sound bridge is used, the sound of a train is heard

which is carried into the next shot where a toy is seen. This mise-en-scene, the toy

train may symbolise Spencer’s child-like mentality. Displaying a stereotype of

disability, those less abled people are like children.

The use of composition, the levelling and spacing between Warren and Spencer

when they’re sitting in the living room suggests in some ways both are different to

each other. The idea that Warren is above Spencer suggests superiority and power,

and vice versa the idea that Spencer is below Warren suggests that he is inferior and

has no power or control.

Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?

2 frames are used when Spencer is speaking. The first when his speaking about

wanting porridge and about his mum and Louise, his presented as very naive and not

aware of his surrounding as, as the audience we can see Warren getting wound up,

this is shown by using the camera technique, shot reverse shot. Through the use of

diegetic sound, Warren shouting is heard in the background whilst the camera is

focused on Spencer, the camera than zooms in showing his reaction to Warren. The

effect of the zoom suggests that Spencer is frightened and scared.

The use of non-diegetic sound of the fire alarm ringing and Spencer singing a song,

creates vulnerability, denoting the stereotype that less abled people are vulnerable

and weak. Additionally the very idea that he does not know how to act when the

Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?

porridge sets on fire suggests that he is unable to carry out everyday activities, again

playing up the conventions of disability.

The use of diegetic sound of Warren shouting at Spencer when he sets fire to the

porridge creates this superiority to him, which is juxtaposed against Spencer when

he just stands there frozen, unable to speak making him inferior to Warren. The use

of the juxtaposition highlights Spencer’s disability and draws attention to it. The shot

than fades out unto the next shot, where the atmosphere is more calm and

collective as the diegetic sound of the ringing has stopped. Also through the use of

dialogue, “I can’t have you here anymore” undervalues Spencer.

Through the use of the 2 shot, it suggests the relationship between Warren and

Spencer, which I further developed through other micro elements. From the earlier

shot where composition was used, through the use of levels, where Warren was in

some distance above Spencer. In this shot, levels are used to suggest some equality.

As Warren comes down on to Spencer’s level. However a low angle shot is used

when Spencer stands up suggesting that he has some control, on the other hand

Chelsea Howsin

Media: How is disability represented in Hollyoaks?

when Warren shouts Spencer than sits down where Warren than stands suggesting

again this superiority, control and power.