Discuss the representation of gender within the sequence?

Within the given scene gender is represented in a number of varying ways, namely via camerawork, editing, sound and mise-en-scene.

At the beginning of the extract the female character is very much in a vulnerable and difficult position, as conveyed by the camerawork. We see a high angle tracking shot, this enforces her vulnerability and to an extent makes the audience feel in-danger too, as if we are ‘with’ the character, on her ‘side’ as such. In contrast the male character is shown in a very much dominant position; low angle shots are used to represent this and subsequently enforce his power. As well as this we see an eyeline match when the female is being escorted through the room, as she looks at The Doctor we can see him in his vulnerable decrepit position. Other simple examples of camerawork are used, such as close-ups, emphasising the emotion on screen at a particular moment, these close-up can also highlight tension on screen, once again via facial expressions, of which is vital throughout this particular scene. While the female is still in the least dominant position there is heavy emphasis upon the countdown clock, of which is constantly referred to and highlighted, creating tension within the scene. In some instances focus pulls are used to emphasise this in particular, alternating from The Master whom (at this point) is in the most dominant position, to the clock fixated to the wall within the background. This link could visualise how the male is in control of the clock and in turn the threat within the scene, ultimately increasing his level of dominance. When however the power within the scene begins to shift to the girl’s possession, the camerawork also represents this. Initially eyeline-level shots are used on the female, as she is seemingly no longer in a vulnerable position, this then progresses even further to a low angle shot to represent her power/dominance within the scene. As The Master loses control of the situation, a succinct zoom is used, this just adds to and emphasises the drama on screen. Also, in keeping with the power shit, towards the end a high angle shot is used upon The Master this is to demonstrate his new, more extreme, vulnerability. As reference for the entire scene, a master shot is also used.

In terms of sound, throughout the diegetic over amplified sound of the ticking clock is used to create tension, this of which, somewhat belonging to The Master, reminds us of his power and the threat throughout the majority of the scene.