How Disability is presented in Coming down the mountain 2012

Disability is portrayed in the extract through Camerawork particularly

the use of close-up shots.

For example, in the second scene located in the familys household its
clear that ben the brother is different, he looks at his food and starts to
direct the viewers focus to his strange facial expressions; this is used
effectively by using a close-up camera shot.

Therefore, using close-up shots allows the audience to connect with the
characters expressions, furthermore they can more easily relate to the
other character as the shot is at eye level, therefore making it look like his
point of view. This produces verisimilitude for the viewer as it is what
many people experience on a day to day basis, where one or more family
members suffers from a disability.

Furthermore, this complies with the stereotype that disabled people are
weak and confused; as the close-up camerawork makes it clear to the
audience that the character is unsure what to do.

Disability is portrayed in the extract through Mise en scene particularly

the use of setting.

For example, in the third scene the two main characters, the two brothers
are walking the bus stop in an area that doesnt look that smart or
modern, suggesting that they are part of a lower-class family, showing the
disabled character ben in need of help but due to the lower family income
and prosperity of the area Its highly unlikely he will get it.

Therefore, using lower class settings it makes it clear that disability isnt
accepted in that area as other characters are having fun or going by doing
their errands but not taking any notice to ben or that he could do with
help. So disability is shown as abnormal, and other characters dont view
him as normal; suggesting why he has no friends and his brother does.

Furthermore, this complies with the stereotype that lower class families
are less able to provide for their family; and that is shown here as the
family live in an area that is less upper class.
This also complies with the theory by Maslow who came up with the
Hierarchy of needs in which there are five stages or levels in life as the
extract clearly shows us that the characters particularly ben the disabled
character is in the basic needs section but could increase his quality of life
by having psychological improvements by having more intimate
relationships and friends.

Chris Wotton
Disability is portrayed in the extract through sound particularly the use of
dialogue.

For example, in the opening extract its made clear that ben the brother is
disabled as he uses phrases or comes out with questions you would
expect of someone significantly younger than him, e.g. how do they kill
pigs identifies that he is much further behind in learning to other people of
his age.

Therefore, using dialogue throughout the extract makes it clear to the

audience that the character is disabled as his tone of voice and use words
is like someone half his age. Disabled people are therefore shown as
different to other people, and the TV drama doesnt try to compete with
that stereotype.

Furthermore, this complies with the stereotype that disabled people are
weaker and less able; as shown using dialogue spoken by characters.

Disability is portrayed in the extract through editing particularly the use

of jump cuts.

For example, in the breakfast scene at the start it shows the brother
(carer) getting ready for the day and how stressed he is; and it then cuts
to the next scene where it shows how they are unhappy with their life, as
one of the brothers has a disability.

Therefore, this identifies to the audience that having a family member

with a disability makes it far harder to live a happy life. This also links with
the use of a voiceover as it shows the brother or carers point of view and
how his brother affects his life. The use a jump cut portrays the brothers
life as depressing and fast paced as they cannot easily communicate like
normal brothers would.

Furthermore, this complies with the uses and gratifications theory once
again as it shows us that the characters have the basic needs sorted but
they are not fulfilled in life as they cannot communicate or build their
relationship with each other or with others as ben always needs to be
cared for.

Explanation/analysis: 15
Use of examples: 13
Terminology: 7

WWW: Good use of theories

Terminology is consistent
Points are valid and clear

Chris Wotton
EBI: link to the conventions of TV dramas e.g. how conflicting characters
push narrative forwards
Further develop points
Try to link the use of technical aspects together e.g. how the sound
accompanies by the dialogue could further emphasize points

Total mark: 35/50

Chris Wotton