Summer research project - Skins episode 8 series 4

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/skins/4od#3052147


Who is being represented? By who ? Are these fair representations ?
In 'Skins' in general young british teens are represented very strongly . They are made to appear as independent , fun loving college students . These representations are immediately reinforced within the opening sequence with a series of shots of both boys and girls smoking Cannabis as well of scenes of two of the central protagonists kissing . There are also shots of the students running away from their school , thus presenting rebellion and free will .


Also in the first minute of the episode there are a number of shots of a black male running , this could be seen as presenting the stereotypical view that black men are often better at athletics etc .


Five minutes into the episode the issue of mental illness is represented with one of the main protagonists having a mental health disorder . The show both represents mentally ill individuals as well as also exploring the ignorance towards such illness' from the youth today when character 'Pandora' and 'Effy' laugh at the residents of the mental institute .


Same sex relationships are also represented by characters 'Naomi' and 'Emily' . The character of Emily is portrayed to be promiscuous and care free , fitting to a number of stereotypes of gay relationships .


It can be argued that a number of these representations are not fair , however in the context of where the show is set and the age of the individuals i feel that most of them are realistic and in many ways fair . Such as the lack of understanding of mentally ill patients and the promiscuity presented .


Media language & form.
The mise-en-scene/setting plays a particularly important role in the shaping of characters within the show . For example the eclectic style of Naomi's bedroom helps to present key features of her character such as the fact she finds it difficult to grasp certain elements of a relationship and has never really been able to understand herself and who she is . 
The setting of a mental institution is key in the portrayal of the isolation of Effy through only being shot inside rather than out with white walls . Also the fact she often secludes herself from others and is often seen to be the character furthest from reality .


The shot of the back of Effy sitting down in front of her Psychiatrist who is standing up connotes the power her psychiatrist has over Effy as she is seen to be inferior to him , this is then reinforced in later episodes .


Also within the scene between Emily and her 'bit on the side' at Naomi's house the minimal lighting connotes the secrecy of their relationship as well as emphasizing on the sinister nature of their relationship. 


The clothing the characters wear typically represents the youth of today , mixing both current trends with older trends in an informal fashion .


Narrative.