Luther Clip analysis Representations of Gender

This clip shows in a variety of different ways the representation of gender. This can be
seen through a range of camera shots/angles, sounds, body language, editing and mise
en scene. These different techniques give the viewer a common ideology on how the
different genders are represented in todays world.
At the start of the clip, there is a mysterious sound as the female character Alice turns
around. She also has a mischievous look on her face indicating to the audience that she is
up to no good. This is an example of a non-stereotypical view female character as she
gives the connotations that she is not a kind, sweet innocent woman but an almost
villainous character.
In the opening scenes of the clip, the camera work is used to show the representations of
gender types. When Alice is talking, there is an over the shoulder camera shot looking
down from Luthers point of view which shows his dominance over Alice as he is looking
down upon her as if she is beneath him. The over the shoulder shot is used throughout
the clip supporting the fact that Luther, the male, is seen as governing over Alice. This is
a common ideology throughout media as men are typically assumed to be stronger/more
powerful than women making them inferior.
Through the dialogue between Luther and Alice at the start of the scene, the male
character asserts his dominance by trying to stay calm and professional. When Alice
mentions about her dog, Luther shows very little emotion and states that the burning of
her dog was just protocol proving that he is trying to stay professional and dominate.
This supports a common ideology/stereotype that male protagonists have no sympathy
and emotion and are more serious. Also, female stereotype is also shown in this scene as
after Luther says it just protocol, Alice immediately replies with He was only a dog!
showing the stereotype that women are more emotional than men.
From the clip, it shows that Alice is a mysterious/dangerous woman who has had some
involvement in criminal activities and run-ins with the police. However although she
seems to have this villainous persona, Luther still, visits her alone which showing his
masculinity and raising a point that men feel that they have no need to rely on others for
help as they feel more dominant over women, even with Alices pedigree. The common
term for tis often used is a lone hero.
Later on in the clip, there is a noticeable change in the representation of gender. Whilst
being interrogated by Luther, she begins to turn the conversation around and almost
seem to interrogate Luther. Luther begins to become more nervous as a constant
dialogue battle of questions and witty answers from both characters takes place. It seems
that Luther and Alice are fighting for dominance over each other. Then during this battle
Page
1

Luther Clip analysis Representations of Gender

for superiority over each other, Alice says: why does your wife turn her face from you
John? this seems to have an impact on Luther as the camera moves to a close up of his
face which has changed from an intense/professional expression to a shocked and hurt
face. Alice knows that she is inferior to Luther for size and strength but can use emotion
to hurt Luther giving her more dominance in this situation. This goes against the usual
stereotype that men have. This clip shows that men arent always strong and
impenetrable but that they are vulnerable just like women are perceived to be.
Mise on scene is used to show the different representations of gender especially the dress
code. This is partially noticed by the clothes and make up that the characters wear. Alice
is dressed smartly and wears a noticeable amount of makeup. This supports the common
ideology/stereotype that women wear lots of make up as they feel it is necessary in
todays society to look beautiful/attractive. Luther is wearing a shirt, tie and suit showing
off his professionalism. This also shows his masculinity, power and serous attitude
towards his work.
To conclude, this clip displays multiple scenes of the representation of gender using
camera angles, mise en scene and editing to show the battle of dominance between both
male and females. It also supports different ideologies and stereotypes that are in other
TV dramas and in real life.

Some relevant comments and examples but you need to be more specific and use more
technical language throughout. Low Level 3: 30

Page
2