Representation of Age - Assessment Point

Discuss the ways in which the extract below constructs the representation of age using the following:

• camera shots, angle, movement and composition
• editing
• sound
• mise-en-scene

Here is an exemplar opening to this essay. Your task is to write the next section of the essay, focussing on the representation of age as constructed through the character of the maths teacher. 

Read my opening first before then continuing the essay. Begin with the sentence highlighted at the end of my opening and move forward from there. 

Exemplar Opening

This extract constructs representations of differing age groups.

At the very beginning of the extract a representation of middle-age is constructed through the character of the strict teacher. This representation is that of middle-age as possessing authority and power, with the character having control over other characters who are both teenaged and young adult.

A sense of enigma is created on this character's first appearance as we see a tracking shot of feet walking through tables from a low level. The absence of non-diegetic sound allows us to focus clearly on the noise of the character's footsteps. A cut to two teenage boys clearly shows them as behaving in a suspicious manner before we cut back to the feet steadily approaching. This juxtaposition constructs meaning for the audience as it becomes clear that the boys are keen to hide from the approaching adult, suggesting that he has authority over them. 

A series of quick cuts adds pace to the scene before we see the middle aged teacher's face for the first time in close-up. The use of a close-up allows us to see an expression that has connotations of enjoyment as he passes judgement over the boys. He puts the boys under pressure by asking where they were as everyone else was 'suffering the screening'. This dialogue, an aspect of diegetic sound, helps to further construct his character as being a somewhat disillusioned and cynical representation of middle age. The composition of the shot where he questions the boys gives him power as he is anchored in the centre of the shot with the boys either side of him. 

His character is developed through his use of sarcasm in the delivery of lines of dialogue such as when he finishes the first boy's sentence by saying 'holding his hair..' The actor's tone of voice, an element of mise en scene, is patronising and this character is developing into a very negative representation of his age group. His use of non-verbal commands, such as the clicking of fingers, and commands using the imperative tense, 'Give it!', ensure that the audience are aware of his authority, a fact supported through the character's costume with his suit, shirt and tie having connotations of power. Further interactions between the character and a young adult teacher reinforce his representation as middle aged authority.


A different representation of middle age can be seen at the end of the extract through the character of the maths teacher. He comes across as an easily manipulated character by the fact that he put on some 'teenager's clothes' in order to impress a girl after being told to. We know when this isn't a good idea when two girls are seen laughing at him from across the corridor. 

The addition of diagetic sound of the rap music as the maths teacher steps out of the room shows that he is supposed to be acting cool and collected but from his embarrassed facial expression we can see that he his well out of his comfort zone. We can also see his is not used to this look when he asks the other girl about his jeans and says "Are these meant to be like this?". This gives us further knowledge that he isn't entirely comfortable. 

He finally decides the clothes are a bad idea when the two girls laugh at him and he lets out an awkward, forced grin to hide his embarrassment. This happens again when the teacher he is trying to impress tells him he looks ridiculous and walks off. This gives off the impression that he is socially awkward and, unlike the strict teacher, is looked down upon by both the staff and kids.

A second teacher picks up on his which is the man in the grey shirt. He points out his clothes that aren't typically worn by a middle-aged man and at this point the maths teacher knows he doesn't suit because he even admits himself that he looks 'ridiculous'.