Questions for "Our friends in the North"

How does Mary change and how does this represent the wider context?

Mary changes in the second clip from the first clip because shes much more independent, she's now studying and sticks up for herself in several moments of the argument. However Tosca continues to pick Mary apart when she doesnt reply. This can show a slight behaviour of Mary from the first clip and can show her weaknesses.
Tosca and Mary have children now which can make them seem like a happy family however it seems to have made them drift apart and Mary says "We were too young" this represents a strong - willed attitude in Mary and that shes now more up to date with women rights and independency.


What signs are there that Tosca and Mary hold different ideologies? Who is struggling with the shift in hegemony?

Throughout the second clip Tosca seems in control. Tosca's ideology is that the woman should pay their way and should not take their husband and family for granted. Tosca says "Im forgotten about these days" Mary used to show affection for Tosca a lot but now she's gained independence by studying she has her own life to live and Tosca shows he's offended by this. Tosca refers to "paying different women" to do the jobs he expects Mary to do. Mary thinks that women have the right to do what is best for themselves and look after their family. Tosca is struggling with the shift in hegemony as Mary has gained independence and is moving forward and doing something productive, Tosca doesnt approve of this and thinks she should cater more to him.

Preliminary Task

"Our friends from the North"

How are the cameraworks and editing used to emphasise difference in the clip from 'Our friends in the North'?

This two shot of Helen and Nicky shows unity and shows that they are in a relationship. However the pillar between the two of them may show some sort of division, maybe a division in the society or a division of knowledge. The smiles on their faces show happiness but are they real? they could show happiness on the surface and another emotion internally.

This two shot/over the shoulder shot of Tosca and Mary shows that they are uncomfortable and awkward. The effect of using over the shoulder shot for this shot gives it an enclosed feeling and they seem to feel restricted. Both of the characters eyes are on Nicky which can connote that Tosca and Mary both are uncomfortable in the presence of Helen.

This shot of all of the characters at the table shows discords in a few ways.

Helen and Nicky are both holding their menus while Tosca and Mary's menus have left them lying on the table, this can show that Helen and Nicky give that extra bit of effort with simple things.

All of the characters apart from Helen are all smiling and laughing, this is just after Tosca offends Helen by saying "They're those pink things with boggle eyes" he makes her uncomfortable, he passes judgement on her because of her well-spoken manner.

Close up shot of Helen shows shes feeling like the Northerners are ganging up on her. Her facial expression looks like she is somewhat insecure. The effect of a close up shot of Helen lets the audience see all her emotions. However this shot does make Helen look stern and stubborn.

This shot of Tosca dropping the spaghetti off his fork shows his silliness and ignorance. This simplicity of eating spaghetti and Tosca finding it hard can show the simplicity of himself and how he's judging Helen because she's a southerner and has no real evidence on if she's a nasty person.

Two shot of Tosca and Mary shows awkwardness as Mary is looking at Tosca subtley after he interupts her. Tosca doesnt think twice about it because he looks away and down at his food.

This is also an over the shoulder shot which makes the situation enclosed.

This close up shot of Helen makes her look worried as this is just after Mary says "Here, it will help you to talk down your nose".

This shot of Helen makes her look evil however she has just been insulted so we feel sympathy for her.

1. Audience research

The audience expectations of Independent/mainstream films

Looking at the two video clips, which one would you say is the independent film?

1. Gender: Female
Age: 19
Answer: The first clip

2. Gender: Male
Age: 17
Answer: The first clip

What do you like/dislike about the difference in the mainstream and independent film clips?

1. Gender: Male
Age: 44
Answer: I like that in the independent film everything is done as it is seen so it looks authentic. There are no special effects like in the mainstream film.

2.Gender: Female
Age: 16
Answer: I like the effects in the mainstream film because it gives a suspense however it doesn't look realistic like the independent film.

If you went to the cinema to watch London to Brighton thinking it was a mainstream film. Would you be dissapointed?

1. Gender: Female
Age: 22
Answer: Yes, i think so. I'd be expecting much more glamorous locations and more surreal action.

2. Gender: Male
Age: 18
Answer: Yes, deffinatley. If i paid to go and see a mainstream film I'd be expecting to see some well known actors/actresses.