MERLIN

In this extract of 'Merlin' there is variation between the length of takes. In scenes which are dramatic the takes are shorter, making the action faster. This is used, for example, in the fighting scenes. Longer takes are used when there is dialog or when setting is being established, long takes are also used whilst the character Merlin is going to retrieve Arthurs armour, as the length of the scene being drawn out helps to create a tense atmosphere. Also the shots which focus on the only female character we see in this extract, are a little longer than the shots of other characters, this signifies that she is there for the males to look at, the 'male gaze' theory.

The mise-en-scene has achieved verisimilute, because the props, costume and action taking place are all relevant to the era in which the programme is set. The fighting scenes are acted out with armour and swords, and it is male characters who are fighting, this is stereotypical of men as they are frequently portrayed as stronger and more violent than women. The women dress differently to the men, they are wearing long dresses and long hair, also the key female role is wearing make-up and jewellery, in comparison the men are wearing long tunics with trousers, have short hair and are not wearing make-up, this signifies that there is higher importance on a females appearance, and they were in that era, still encouraged to look feminine, and the men to look masculine. There are some countertypes however, as one of the male characters has long hair, although he is old and a magician/wizard, therefore making it less unusual. Also the king wears jewellery, which is stereotypically feminine costume, although the king will most likely be wearing it to show his wealth.