Cuffs Q1+Q2

PREP Watch this extract of Cuffs on Clickview: chapter 5 

1 Analyse how camerawork is used in the extract to create meaning. Refer to at least two examples from the extract in your answer. (5 marks) 

1.  In the extract, there were many uses of different camera type shots. One of these which I thought was very effective was at the beginning when there was a sweeping aerial shot of the Brighton pier. This creates a nice atmosphere as the pier is very pretty and glamourous. Especially as it is sunny, the pier looks even nicer and full of life. A seaside location is very  attractive and many people dream to live by there and so to open the extract with the view is refreshing. As it goes on we see it get more chaotic, and so this shot gives a fake front that everything is fine and happy. 

Another shot in the extract which I liked was arc shot when the camera panned round the square. This was very effective as the scene was very chaotic and so the camera was going round in circles. It shows a showdown and arrest which is taking place quickly. The shot could show that the police officer -that was trying to be framed for sexually touching the woman- that his head was spinning whilst trying to figure out what he should do next. It shows all the facial expressions of the people gathering around them which is effective as you can see how everyone is viewing the situation. It is also effective because the camera is placed where people stand and so it puts the viewers in the peoples shoes as if we were watching it. 

2. Analyse how far the extract creates a humorous view of policing. In your answer you must:

· analyse aspects of the extract using examples to support your analysis

· make judgements and draw conclusions about how far these aspects create a humorous view of policing. (10 marks) 

2. The extract can create a humorous view of policing to an extent. The extract and show does try to make a tough and serious job seem lighter and more family friendly. It incorporates subtle jokes and dark humour to try and lighten the topic that it is covering. One example of this would be when a lady is running away after stealing a packet of cigarettes and when caught tries to make out that Jake - the police officer- is sexually harassing her. Some may find this amusing because even when stealing a few pack of cigarettes, a massive deal was made which suddenly drastically escalated into claims of assault. Although this is very dark humour, some people might like this as it is trying to lighten up a very serious topic. Only on the other hand trying to make a joke out of sexual assault claims should never be done as it can ruin peoples lives and shouldn't be made just for a persons enjoyment or maybe a laugh. This can been seen as sad because some policemen and or women could have to go through this and it isn't a laughing matter as it is a sensitive topic.   

Another example of the humorous approach was in the police station when a lady officer mentions that one of the male officers has his nannas lasagne stuck in his teeth. This is all happening while the woman who stole is being brought into the station. This could be funny because it shows that even in the most stressful and tiring work environments, there is still jokes between co workers. People could like this because it shows that police people are human and do know how to joke around, as many people at work do. Even though they are under pressure they still have time to insult one another!

In conclusion, I do think that some audiences would find these hidden jokes amusing as dark humour can appeal to some people. As well as what a lot of people could relate to, which is making jokes to lighten the mood when in a difficult situation. Although in my opinion, I don't think that it was funny, only either sad or the uneasy truth of being a police officer. You have a police officer who is trying to do his job, being set up as sexually touching a woman, Joe- the interviewer- who is trying to question boy for an important case being shut down because of past ways of the police and the frustration they must feel. They were disrespected and taken for as a joke which shouldn't really be used in a comedic way. Police can't do their job without respect and they don't get a lot of it and so to turn it into a laughing matter isn't that humorous. Therefore, I think that the extract does show the humorous side of policing to an extent, but mostly the sad reality of their job.