Cast Off's Student Response (Exam Practise)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt6dOJbifoM&has_verified=1

This essay was written by student Charlotte Bateman following a class discussion on the first ten minutes of the episode.


The programme starts off in a strange manner with the establishing shot being a low angle shot in a canted camera position showing someone falling out of a wheelchair. This causes confusion if you are lacking knowledge of the programme as the man stands up. We find that he is in fact the father of Dan and as he references Jeremy Clarkson we see the attitude he has over his sons situation. (SHIPP - Could have also talked about representation of Jeremy Clarkson and the messages he is conveying at this point about his son by comparing the two.)

This is added to when Dan asks if the wheelchair is broken rather than his dad's safety. As the dad seems to be taking the mickey we get the impression they don't have the closest relationship, also when he says 'higher than a supermodel in a hot air balloon', which references that he is unable to have a sexual relationship. (SHIPP - Negative Stereotyping.)

The diegetic dialogue, no music, hand-held camera movement potentially connotes the documentary style and makes the audience immediately pay attention because of the serious content. Also the fact that there are no cuts and the dad addresses the camera as if directly speaking to the audience. (SHIPP - Representation o f reality and believability)
We are then transported (SHIPP - Cut ) to the journey to the island on the boat at sea. Dan does not look at the camera and has no interaction which could connote the isolation and vulnerability he feels. (SHIPP - mise-en-scene of facial expressions) He also seems in deep thought, most likely from four months back in basketball as we see a visual code after of this idea. The documentary style idea is reinforced with the loud sound of the waves as it shows lack of editing, however it seems like a hyperbolic sound for narrative effect. Also the inclusion of text, (SHIPP - Superimposed) of the time and day acts with the style, plus helps calculate the time it takes Dan to get across the beach in the programme. (SHIPP - Representation of time taken.)

As we see it takes him a very long time the audience feel sympathy, however try not to as that is not what the programme wants to promote. It wants to show the positive in that even though they are disabled they can survive as people have in shows such as Shipwrecked, making everyone equal. The mise-en-scene with his outfit reinforces vulnerability in that he is wearing a protected life jacket in yellow which is padded and stands out.

This then cuts to a steam room where his basketball team are sitting. This is quite stereotypical as basketball is always the sport people link with wheelchair disabilities. This scene gives off sexual connotations as the men are simply wearing towels and the camera shot is from the waist down framing out what else they may be wearing. Also there is a strange ritual they perform where Dan has to wash the hands of another player. The diegetic dialogue seems slightly sexualised in that he says "get right between the fingers" and "soft hands". The idea of washing the hands links back to the disability in that you need someone else to wash you, however it is shown in a less serious manner.

The programme then returns to the Island where the boat has reached shore. The establishing long shot emphasises a remote location but at the same time distance to travel. Dan is carried off the boat and dumped on the beach whilst his wheelchair is brought to him by the same person. It seems an odd order to take events as usually they would be in reverse. The man does not speak a word, possibly because he is just doing his job and doesn't care or, harshly for Dan, just doesn't want to speak to him.

Sympathy for Dan starts occurring and is reinforced immediately with a shot framing focus on the wheels, which are tilted to make it easier to travel. We know from the time updates it takes him around an hour to get to camp which was not that far away as the camera men directs beforehand. Although you do feel sorry for Dan you truly want him to succeed. Dan is a very determined boy and sets off on his 'adventure' as he says, showing he is excited for the experience ahead. This makes the audience slightly ashamed because they thought that, as he was in a wheelchair, he wasn't capable.

The documentary style format is very visible in the next scene where Dan is sitting in his 'new' bedroom giving a direct interview to the camera, however without the audience hearing the questions. The lighting adds to this theory in that it is realistic, available light. Also in the editing with many jump cuts signifying the cutting out of irrelevant material. (SHIPP- Reinforcing representation of documentary style)

Dan gives the impression he is not happy with the result of the accident and gives a negative outlook on life ahead by the way he repeats 'new me' with a disappointed view. An example is him telling us that he is in his bedroom, then correcting himself with 'new', as his actual bedroom is upstairs and inaccessible to him. The room is presented in a childish manner with the blue walls, posters, stereo and untidiness, possibly connoting that his disability has made him more of a child because he needs to be aided in many aspects of his life. Yet the gift from his dad of a basketball signifies a good emotion in his new life.

As the programme progresses we see many sides to Dan. One being i the basketball game where he looks uncomfortable and keeps looking at his dad. I believe this shows he wants to do well and impress him. We also see his determination along the beach where he pushes on even though the distance is great, especially the heavier impact the sand can cause. One particular moment when he stands out is when he meets the others. They all describe themselves as 'the monkey who can't...' As there was an embarrassing moment with April (another person), Dan takes off the pressure by implying he is 'evil;, which moves the focus.

Dan represents a boy trying his best to fit in and adjust to disabled life. He truly emphasises the normality of himself as a regular boy even in a wheelchair. Although he is not able physically his determination gives him a positive representation.