Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child Language and Representation blog tasks
1) Write a summary of the notes from our in-class analysis of the episode..
Camerawork and sound: Due to the 1960s technology, the camera work in this episode is quite poor. There are few to no cuts in the scenes, and they are incredibly sluggish and chunky. When two characters are speaking, medium shots are used, and close-up shots are used to show the characters' emotions and facial expressions. Throughout the entire show, the wording and pictures are fairly straightforward. Additionally, sound work was really straightforward. There wasn't much, if any, background music. Susan's portable radio also connects the period of production to the radio pop songs it plays. Additionally, the theme song has a sci-fi and alien-like quality.Mise-en-scene:When Susan initially appears, she is dancing and dressed like a teenager from the 1960s. Her hairstyle and attire are classic 1960s fashion. The scene is quiet dark and frightening as the two professors wander around the junkyard. This produces a tense, cryptic mood. The interior of the TARDIS is quite large, with bright white walls giving it a sci-fi look. This produces a binary opposition when compared with the shadows outside the TARDIS.Narrative and genre:The opening title sequence resembles the launch of a rocket. This has a connection to the 1960s space race and the sci-fi genre. Additionally, a lot of enigma codes are shown. Consider Susan's home's enigma and the fact that neither of her professors are familiar with her. Susan also comments "That's not right" and "I'll have finished it" while reading about a book about the French Revolution, both which imply time travel.
2) How can we apply narrative theories to this episode of Doctor Who?
Todorov's Equilibrium:
Equilibrium: School life
Disruption: Mystery of Susan's home and junkyard.
Recognition: Susan's flashback
Reparation: 'to be continued'
New equilibrium: Time travelling to new time period
Propp's character theory:
Hero: Susan
Villain: Doctor
'Princess': Susan
Donor: Ian and Barbara
False Hero:
Father figure: Doctor
Helper/sidekick : Susan
Barthes's enigma and action codes:
The scene in "Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child" where Ian and the Doctor fought, which caused the TARDIS to shake violently and take off, can be considered Barthes' Action code. This suggests a major event is about to occur.The entire episode features Barthe's Enigma code. For instance, what Susan and Doctor are and why they reside in a phone box. All of these unanswered mysteries encourage viewers to keep watching the show.
Levi-Strauss's binary opposition:
The binary opposition hypothesis of Levi Strauss is prevalent throughout the entire episode. The Doctor and Susan's age difference, for instance (young and old). Additionally, the TARDIS and the exterior are used to display this. For example, it is made clear that the TARDIS's home, a junkyard, is gloomy and shadowy. The TARDIS itself, however, is full off bright white lights.The binary opposition of light and dark is demonstrated here.
3) In your opinion, what is the most important scene in the episode and why?
The moment Barbara and Ian, two teachers, learned about the TARDIS was, in my opinion, the most important scene in "Doctor who: An Unearthly child." I believe this because the Doctor's secrets have been made public, and we are unsure of what will happen next or how this will affect the remaining parts of the episode.
4) What genre is An Unearthly Child and how can you tell? Make specific reference to aspects of the episode.
I believe "Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child" is a science fiction television show.When reading a book on the French Revolution, Susan comments, "That hasn't occurred yet." This implies that she was also aware of what occurred during that time period. This demonstrates the sci-fi aspects of "Doctor Who." In addition, Doctor Who states, "One day we shall return," referring to Earth. This further proves the time travel elements of "Doctor Who," while also building a narrative arc for the programme that continues to this day.
5) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the social and historical contexts of the 1960s?
Through the science fiction and space subject, "Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child" reflects the social and historical settings of the 1960s. For instance, the episode's opening music and sound effects mimic a rocket taking off. This is significant as that 1960s space race took place during this time.
Representations
1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
Representations
1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
Men are stereotypically portrayed as being more important and intelligent than women in "Doctor Who: and Unearthly Child." This is seen when Doctor Who dismisses Barbara's inquiries and only acknowledges Ian as "young man..."
2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
Women are stereotyped in this episode as being frail, weak, and easily moved. This is seen when Barbara says, "I feel scared," as opposed to Ian, who just responds, "I take things as they come." This demonstrates how males are viewed as more courageous and laid-back, whilst women are represented as easily frightened.
2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? How?
Women are stereotyped in this episode as being frail, weak, and easily moved. This is seen when Barbara says, "I feel scared," as opposed to Ian, who just responds, "I take things as they come." This demonstrates how males are viewed as more courageous and laid-back, whilst women are represented as easily frightened.
3) How do the representations of young people and old people in An Unearthly Child reflect the social and historical context of the 1960s?
In the 1960s, young people were represented as carefree and nonchalant, Whilst older people were portrayed as snappish and short-tempered. This is shown When Barbara follows Susan back to her house and explains, "she might be meeting a boy,". As opposed to the Doctor, who gave a terse response and shown signs of annoyance when Ian and Barbara questioned him.
4) What representations of race/ethnicity can be found in Doctor Who: An Earthly Child? Is this surprising or not? Give reasons for your answer and consider historical / cultural context (the 1960s). Has this changed in more recent series of Doctor Who?
There are numerous racial comments made in "Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child" . This is demonstrated by Doctor's racist representation, "The Red Indians' savage mind was blown." This is further demonstrated by Barbara. For instance, When urging Susan to return with the two teachers, she says, "You are one of us." This reinforces white, middle-class educated stereotypes. This is hardly shocking given the prejudices against people of colour in the 1960s. Many white individuals often dismissed people of colour as being less significant because they felt more superior to them. This has unquestionably altered in more recent Doctor Who episodes, though, as we witness an increasing number of black, Asian, and Hispanic characters.
This episode has numerous examples of well-educated social classes. For example, Susan's high intelligence.
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