How does the clip from the TV drama ‘The Fear’ represent class with the use of sound, editing, shot types and mise-en-scene

In the TV drama ‘The Fear’ mise-en-scene, sound, editing and shot types are used to represent different class types within the scene. Characters of different social class are juxtaposed throughout, and when the ‘patient’ enters the scene he consequently disrupts the status quo which as of now, has been left untouched.

In 'The Fear' the use of sound is used to signify Ritchie's social class in terms of his dialogue. The diegetic sound of the dialogue itself, with the continual use of swear words such as "fuck" throughout, highlight the stereotype of people from a lower social class background and a lesser extent of education continually using curse words in their everyday language. Another way in which diegetic sound is used within the scene to represent social class is when Ritchie uncovers his phone and plays loud music aloud in the surgery. This action disrupts the equilibrium which has been created in the office, and therefore this action further implies Ritchie's lower level of class in society in general-- for that he doesn't care for the disruption of the status quo and a lack of self awareness.

The way mise-en-scene is used to represent social class is through the setting and lighting of the scene itself. The scene is set in a plastic surgeons office, open plan windows bask the room in natural sunlight, the walls are white, reflecting a lot of light and making the room appear airy and spacious. The colour white is suggestive of purity and can be an equilibrium in its own right, possibly inducing a calming effect on the audience watching the clip itself. The spacious feel that the lighting gives to the room, signifies a sense of wealth and high class. High class can also be exuded in the form of the clothing presented in the scene at hand. The receptionist wears a smart women's suit, with the surgeon opting for a suit of his own, Ritchie on the other hand enters the scene wearing extremely casual clothes. Juxtaposed against the other two characters within the scene, Ritchie seems out of place, and due to the overwhelming difference in the attire that they're wearing- he seems that of a lower class from the moment the characters are placed side-by-side in the scene.

Shot types and camera movements, is another way in which social class is clearly represented within the clip. The shot type most frequently used at the start of the clip were 'wide shots', the use of this particular shot and the start of the was to, "set the scene" in a way, and confirm to the audience how elegant and luxurious the setting is. As well as this it also creates an even bigger contrast between Ritchie and the other two characters. Another shot type which regularly appears in the clip is that of 'close-ups'. The use of close ups in this clip is to highlight the facial expressions of Ritchie and the Plastic Surgeon, as they are in increasing conflict with each other. In conjunction with the CU shots used; jump cuts are of frequent occurrence throughout, especially when the close ups and jump cuts are placed side by side. The quicker and more aggressive the conversation gets, the faster the jump cut becomes. This adds a lot of danger, aggression and tension to the scene, consequently making the scene more dramatic and fast pace. Brought on my Ritchie, the verbal fight within the scene also illustrates his class and character throughout- and that of a lower class. Throughout this scene Ritchie continually uses swear words in his dialogue, which further adds to his character, as a lower class part of society. The camera movement of pan is used throughout the scene, acting as an outsider looking in rather than a point of view of a character. This adds to the contrast between Ritchie and the opposing characters, as we are not biased in the way that we conceive the characters being and the way in which they interact with each other.

In conclusion the use of editing, sound, shot types, camera movements and mise-en-scene help portray Ritchie as a citizen of a lower class society, who disrupts the equilibrium of the plastic surgeons prestige looking office. Juxtaposed throughout the scene, Ritchie appears as a stand out figure throughout, with his foul language and desire for conflict between the other characters; eventually leading to his assumption of a lower class citizen.