Third mock exam

In the clip "Hustle" we are presented with Levi Strauss' theory of binary opposites - the idea that within any media we are shown two conflicting sides that clash against each other. In this clip , it was a woman who was represented as material, seductive and cunning. While the man was meant to be dominant , intimidating and an uncomplicated yet confrontational character.

Very early on in the clip we see a close up of the female 'hustler'. From this close up we can see that she has a smirk on her face and is making direct eye contact with the shopkeeper. The audience can assume that she has a plan / idea or something that both the surrounding characters and the audience don't know. The effect this has is it intrigues the audience are intrigued in what's to happen next. This supports the representation because her plans and intentions are not made clear.

Also during the clip we see a pan of the female 'hustler' trying on a revealing dress. From this we can see that the dress is tightly fitted. From this we can assume that this was meant to distract the shopkeeper so that she can 'misplace' her ring. The effect this has is it captured their attention - however it does make the audience feel tricked later on - this supports the representation because the dress supports the "seductive" representation but also enhances the cunning representation because of the fact that she was able to trick the shopkeeper and the audience

We also see that the female 'hustler' is wearing red nail varnish. This is shown in a mid shot where she was seen to be frantically looking for her ring. Red has connotations to: danger; warnings; seductive and sexy. The directors intention was to signify the personality of this woman. The effect this has is that is that it makes the audience wonder what's about to commence. This supports the representations because it warns the audience she is a character that they're not supposed to support, but it could be also be said that it supports the representation because a woman is stereotypically meant to be sexy.

During the clip, we see a point of view shot. An example of this is when the camera was following the lady around he shop while she was looking for her ring. From this we can see that the woman is worried - reflected by the camera moving frantically but the underlying deeper meaning to this is that this is all part of her plan, which is made more clear towards the end of clip. The effect this has is that the audience get a sense of how the woman must be feeling. This supports the representation because of her because her intentions are not clear to the shopkeeper.

The main male 'hustler' is shown to be intimidating. This is shown by the close ups mainly used. From this we can see that his facial expressions explicitly show what he is feeling - making his intentions clear to the shopkeeper. The effect this has is that is the audience are sure about his intentions. This supports he representations that he is uncomplicated character because he as soon as he appears the audience know what is planning to do.

During the duration of the male hustlers time in the scene the close ups are at eye level. This is unusual because eye level shows equality.

An example of Chekhov's gun is where the female hustler is seen to be playing with ring - even bragging. At one point there is an extreme close up of the ring with a deep focus. This is effective because it shows the audience that the ring bears significance in the clip.

Also both characters seem to look at the camera directly as if it was a person (point of view). When the female hustler does she says "I'm sure you will" but the male hustler looking at the camera smiling , expecting the shopkeeper to make a last minute plea. This shows a sign of power. This supports the representation that the woman's intentions were unclear but the man' intentions is clear.