The clues about Sexuality and media language all lie in the excerpt you are given. You have to piece together all the clues to find the links.
The first thing to use is T.E.E.
Terminology, Example, Explain. So in any given exam clip start with the terminology, you will need to identify around 4-6 shots, give the denotation of the shot and then talk sexuality connotation.
The mind maps you created in class for sexuality (i.e. the way sexuality is stereotypically represented) are below. Please note these are the ways in which STEREOTYPICALLY sexuality is portrayed on television, so this is an expectation of the audience. Often in TV Drama the stereotypes are not portrayed so the answer lies in anti-stereotypes – how do the clips break convention?
Use the questions below to help when looking at sexuality:
– CAMERAWORK (T.H.E. P.E.L.T)
What is the name of the shot you have chosen? You need to choose INTERESTING shots there will be plenty to choose from. Talk us through the denotation of that shot – what are you seeing?
Finally, can you link the shot to Sexuality? Why did the director use this shot for this character / location? Are the homosexual/asexual/heterosexual blocked or composed in certain ways? Why might this be? You could also refer to Stereotypes in this section.
– EDITING (D.I.S.S.O.L.V.E.J.C)
Again using T.E.E. talk us through the different edits you can see during the clip.
Now why are these edits used around these characters or locations – what does it suggest about them? Why has the director used these edits? (i.e. is Fast Paced used to connote homosexuality as a fast paced way of life? are Dissolves used around lesbians to connote deep and meaningful thoughts or a past life? Which sexuality is the focus of the clip and how does the editing portray this?) Again use Denotation and Connotation to help.
– SOUND (V.A.S.T.D.I.S.S.)
Again using T.E.E. talk us through the different sound techniques used. Remember to state if they are diegetic or non-diegetic.
Once you have stated all the sound terminology, then pick out the terms that would best connote sexuality. (i.e. Is the incidental music romantic and gentle around gay men to connote their love for one another? Are the diegetic sounds enhanced around Lesbians to show their tom boy nature?) What’s the reason behind the use of sound? Again use Denotation and Connotation to help.
– MISE-EN-SCENE (C.L.A.M.P.S.B.L.)
So discuss each Mise-en-scene element one by one, give examples of which element appears where (i.e. Are the costumes typically feminine or expensive and well kept for gay men? Are Lesbians wearing typical costume or something else? Where is sexuality located in the home? In a nightclub?)
You may make more detailed comments about the clip as a whole within Mise-En-Scene as there will be quite a lot to talk about here. Again use Denotation and Connotation to help.
Remember – Often the obvious reasons are the right reasons!