Representation Essay: Downton Abbey

 Representation Essay:

The opening sequence does not immediately start with an establishing shot, but rather starts the narrative with a message being sent via Morse code, which is later revealed to be the news of the sinking of the titanic and the death of the heir to Downton Abbey. This immediately sets a time period with the mise-en-scene used. The audience is able to decipher from the very first minute that it is set during the twentieth century and this observation is established when the title credits show the date 'April 1912'. The conversation between the two characters is shown effectively using quick, morph cuts to show the interaction and relationship between the two of them. The music originally starts reasonably loud and somewhat dramatic, which alludes to the significance of the upcoming news. During the moments of dialogue in this scene, the music is barely audible, which can be interpreted as the shock of the news which has just been shared.

The establishing shot is shown after this brief introduction as the title of the movie appears and the music builds to this grandiose feeling as Downton Abbey is shown in all it's glory in an extremely wide shot which is slowly panning counter-clockwise. The lighting has been done in such a way that 'glorifies' the mansion and the view of the broad expanse of the acres on which it stands upon. To further create this effect, there is a stark contrast created by the use of dark trees overhead that are included in the shot.

A racking shot is used to introduce Daisy, one of the kitchen maids and we are introduced to both members of lower and upper classes. There is a disparity between the classes that is painfully marked, and it is interesting to note that those in the higher ranks, such as Lady Mary, take a long time to get up and do so with a calm and relaxed nature whereas the maids and cooks are rushed and frantic as they race against time during the early morning rush. The shots with the maids are mainly close ups or mid shots and the conversation between Daisy and Mrs. Patmore are done so with shot/reverse shots. On the other hand, when there is someone of a higher ranking or more authority, a wider shot is used. For example, when Daisy is lighting the fire and a woman with more dominion is ordering her to hurry up lest she be seen, it is evident that there is a clear divide between the two and exemplifies the power and authority held by showing the difference in stance and posture. Daisy is kneeling on the ground while the older woman stands with a tall presentation of herself.

The message presented conforms to what the media usually portrays in regard to the disparity between the division of classes. Especially with it being set during the early twentieth century, the segregation was still very much prominent. We see the diversity between their actions and interactions as the upper class characters act prim and proper and have literary interests such as reading the newspaper. They have a more sophisticated English accent whereas the servants have a Yorkshire accent (specifically Daisy - which seems the most noticeable) which makes it appear less professional and proper, and therefore more fitting for someone who is from a lower class.

The men who serve the food have a more professional 'air' about them and are dressed the part. They are the ones who are going to serve the upper class, and even if they are not of the same rank they need to be deemed fit for being seen in the presence of someone such as Lady Mary. The maids within their own lower rank, appear to have sub-ranks as those opening the curtains and fluffing the pillows have a grey and white uniform which is neat and tidy, but Daisy who is tending to the fireplaces is in a less formal light pink dress which rapidly gets dirty as she works through her morning routine.

The camera shots show different characters with their different tasks by a tracking shot and focuses on one of the main butlers walking through the hallway, and as he turns corners, the camera cants slightly which enables us to see the fluidity of his movements and the grace with which he serves which has been mastered through years of experience.

The music carries this emotional feel to it and starts off relatively calm but slowly building. The main tune of the melody is slow and drawn out in a way that adds a melodramatic flair to the historical drama film. In addition to this, there are short, clipped undertones which help create this effect.

The technical elements all come together to create an opening sequence that is both effective in illustrating how life was during the early twentieth century, and carefully intertwines them until they are inextricably linked to create the masterpiece that is Downton Abbey.