Watch the above clip. In what ways is DISABILITY represented? Does this representation conform to typical societal stereotypes?
Easter Holiday Homework - Write two paragraphs answering the question above. You need to refer to how camera, sound, editing and mise-en-scene help to construct this representation.
Here is an example paragraph:
In this clip from 'Call the Midwife', we are shown a typical representation of disabled people as helpless and isolated from society. The clip starts with a long shot of Jacob walking down the corridor. This shot allows the audience to get a sense of his disability (as it lingers) but it also emphasizes the fact that he is alone - he looks small in the surroundings. This sense of isolation is further reinforced with the use of parallel editing - the scene cuts from Jacob in the corridor (listening at the door) to the interior of the room he is outside. This use of editing creates a sense of separation - Jacob is on the outside and not a part of the conversation. The mise-en-scene also helps to suggest that he is being kept in the dark (figuratively) as the lighting is used to cast a shadow on his face. Another moment where Jacob's isolation and helplessness is highlighted is when the woman says 'Sally isn't like any other pregnant woman!'. The shot of the woman cuts to a close up of Jacob's face - this close up allows the audience to see the hurt and frustration on Jacob's face. Furthermore, non-diegetic music of a sombre nature plays over the shot - this really helps to highlight Jacob's helplessness.
