Analysis Of Status In Rome

Having watched a clip of Rome, I can see how status is represented. We see how the slaves are shown through them working. We also see how the higher status men in the army are portrayed by them working behind a desk, are not doing anything practical. The status of women is shown to be very low, through the only female character we see. Also, through the dialogue the soldiers use, when they talk about women, shows how low they think of women.

Camera is used in this clip to show the status of people. The clip opens with an establishing shot of the scene that pans, not only does it set the scene for the audience we see men, the soldiers seen as slaves. They are shown to be doing a service which is all they are useful for. There is also a high angle used which emphasises their low status. We also see a pan and what we presume to be a slave standing in a room doing work. We then see a mid-shot of the man being spoken to, but he never speaks back, showing that he is not to speak unless he is told to.

We see two guys having a discussion, in an office, where one is sitting behind the desk probably looking at some paperwork; this shows that he has a higher status than all the other characters. This scene opens with a two-shot, showing that they having a conversation. This is shown in a low angle, which connotes they are of a high standard. When both men are talking, we get a sense that the younger man has a higher status than the older man. Through the close-ups used of their faces, not only do we get to see their facial expressions, but through the facial expressions, status can be explained. For example, the close up of the older character is serious, however the other characters face shows that he is not bothered what he thinks, and that its up to him what he decides.

When the scene moves we see a long-shot we see a soldier, and as the shot comes closer to the character we can see that it is a female. The two characters are having sexual intercourse; however it seems to be just a “one-time” thing as it is outside, in public behind a tree. This shows that the women have low status and are not valued by any of the people. We see very little of the female character and she has no speech throughout. With the camera following the male character, adds to the sense that the female character is not important and is only there to pleasure the male character. Towards the end of the scene, the main male character addresses another character, the camera shows him in a high angle, connoting that he has a lower status to the main character, also he addresses him with “sir” adding to the sense he has a lower status. The main character addresses another character, maybe his son, by “boy”, the boy is shown in a high angle to him, stating that he also has a lower status.

To conclude status is shown through camera very well. It is easy for the audience to distinguish the different status' involved in the clip. The representation of the lower status is very stereotypical, for example the female character represents women in a stereotypical way in that time period.The representation of higher status is also stereotypical in that time period, showing that men, have a higher status. Also in the clip has a majority of male characters, this indicates the target audience.