Utopia essay, S2E6 opening analysis.
The opening to Utopia is effective because of the camera shots used. For instance the scene opens with a medium shot from behind the child creating the effect that he is being followed. This toys on the sense that everyone is being watched by the network and not just adults; even children. The camera then shows the assassin make eye contact with the camera and pans around making the viewer feel like he is talking to them; creating an intense and realistic viewing experience. The mother then appears and enters into a conversation with the assassin and at this point we see a 180 degree shot used as the two engage in talk. As the assassin begins his intense speech, the camera then constantly flicks between both actors, each time showing a different type of shot. A medium shot is used mostly on the mother as this allows us to see her facial expressions better. However, each time the camera flicks back to the assassin, the camera is getting closer and closer using shots such as close ups. This creates suspense and an intense atmosphere for the viewer. At the end, the assassin stands up and leaves during a low angle shot; highlighting the fact that he is in the dominant one and has one the conversation; leaving the mother in shock and awe.
Gender
Gender is presented as being quite stereotypical in Utopia as the male is presented as being the stronger dominant character whereas the female is presented as being the lesser one. This is shown when the mother apologizes to the assassin for the child sneezing because sneezing is something innate and we cant stop it. So by the mother apologizing this highlights the fact that she doesn't want to offend/ upset the assassin. When the man begins his speech he constantly interrupts the women regularly cutting her off and asking her intimidating rhetorical questions. The female is unable to get a word in at all and appears to be quite hesitant about her words, this is shows the viewer immediately who is the most dominant sex and who is the inferior. The scene ends with the man being stood and in the superior position through the use of a low angle shot once highlighting the dominant force before exiting leaving the women behind.
Zeitgeist
The zeitgeist of this scene is that of trusting no one and everywhere you go; someone is watching you. In my opinion I think the message is quite clear; that in this day and age you don’t know who you are talking to and really highlights the fact of stranger danger. This scene could also worry parents as it sets the mind that children aren't safe even when with their parents. I also believe that through the representation of gender this highlights the fact that women are still inferior to men despite the fact that modern day equality we claim to have.
