Doctor W ho Clip Analysis How is Gender represented through the micro features in Doctor Who?

Within the clip of Doctor who, gender is represented through mainly the characters of Martha Jones and the Master. Gender is represented in many ways, using stereo typical characterisations as well as contradicting the stereo types and challenging ones views on the typical woman and man. Using the character of Martha Jones it can be argued that she is represented as a strong and confident woman being she who helps the Doctor defeat the Master, yet can also been seen as a female protagonist at the beginning of the clip due to the camera angles used such as low angled shots. She is articulate and confident, yet calm under pressure due to her facial expressions highlighting within the clip, having the Doctor’s success down to her intelligence as well as calm actions when delivering the message to the four corners of the earth.

Firstly, the micro feature of camera angle is used to enforce the representations of gender. The uses of a mid-shot of the female character, Martha Jones in centre frame with two security guards on either side, signifies her imprisonment and that she as a female is unable to escape against the two male guards. One may argue that this potentially portrays Martha as weak and over powered having to follow the commands of the men. Within this mid-shot, Martha glances to her left creating the impression that she is looking at something or someone with sympathy and concern due to her ad facial expressions that are emphasised within this shot. This can represent women as caring and in touch with their emotions compared to males which are stereotypically not.

Martha looks to her left again and the director has chosen to cut to a tracking shot with the movement of left to right having a frame three ‘servants’, due to their clothing being the stereotypical, black dress with white apron and bands in their hair. Due to the servants understanding smiles towards Martha and sad eyes it presents that they are under arrest. This is conveyed through the use of a subject holding a rifle as well as being uniformed in a stereotypical security outfit. Three women are presented as ‘servants’ highlighting the stereotypical position and work of women, being lower than men with serving jobs such as servants to keep the men happy. Cutback to the framing of Martha Jones who is looking nervously ahead, the camera shot is taken from a high angle, creating a perspective of fear or not knowing.

The majority of camera angles used when having continuity editing with the Master and Martha are mid-shots from a low angle. This is appropriate for the relationship between these two characters due to the Master needing a menacing appearance. Then towards the end of the clip it is role reverse and the camera angle is low again yet with Martha having the power, or more authority. There are many quick continuity edits used with the camera cutting back to the female as she is taking in her surroundings, signifying she is constantly aware of what is around her. At the beginning of the clip this represents women as inferior to men and objectified, yet towards the end it can be seen as role reverse and women can be portrayed as more powerful compared to men. This can be seen in different ways showing that men usually deal with situations through violence yet women can be perceived as more manipulative, dealing with situations through words.

Furthermore, within the clip editing techniques and camera movements are used an example of this being, gradual zooms in the sequence of shots when Martha is moving to signify the movement of the character as slow, meaningful yet it can be seen that she is also nervous being careful with her movements. This is enforced through the uses of the non-

diegetic music which builds tension for the audience. This music suggests a scene of Cowboy duelling music highlighting that Martha will confront the Master. The music foreshadows the next part of the clip when Martha reveals what she has been completing the last few weeks and that she has the power now. This music is typically used when two main characters are fighting for the ‘authority’ within the relationship. In contrast, earth is represented by the shots of the female character, who is on a journey informing the different cultures and people she visited of the crucial name they all need to chant being, Doctor at a certain point.

Using the lighting within the scene when earth is shown with the space ships are surrounding it the lighting on the earth is dim and low. The lighting used at this point connotes that the earth is in danger and so are the people on it due to the quick edit back to the people on the earth. The camera angle used is bird’s eye view looking directly onto the people portraying their vulnerability and power compared to these robots and ships. The clothing the civilians are wearing are mostly dark, connoting their emotions of gloom and worry that something will happen. Their faces are shadowed which further highlights the emotions as well as the major world landmarks having shadows cast upon them which enforces the seriousness of the situation.

During the clip CGI is used when the doctor is surrounded by a radiant blue light as he changes from a fragile old man to his real self, highlighting that he has his power back due to the purple connoting power and wealth. The dominance of the field of light is shown due to blinding those around him is a part of the special effect, which signifies an empowered Doctor. This can clearly be contrasted to the feeble old man who was caged by the Master highlighting he was restrained and now is not. The use of costume and performance is important to the extract. In contrast, the Master is bold smart and well presented, he is surrounded by armed guards with weapons, the woman to his right in a red dress, is represented as an object as she stands by his side showing her loyalty. This represents women as dependent on men and stereo typical with all the makeup and dresses taking care in their appearance. The woman is positioned behind him in the background within every frame except when she rebels and chants ‘doctor’. This highlights that she had no authority until she was able to join a load of people.

There is plenty evidence of the use of shot reverse shots, for example during the dialogue between Martha Jones and the Master. The use of the 180-degree rule is evidenced in the dialogue led drama, these are combined with the shot selections outlined above. The use of the shot reverse shot allows the audience to follow the conversation and narrative. Further, enforcing the relationship between the characters.