Language and Representation

Language analysis: 

 1) Choose three key moments in the episode and write an NCIS analysis for those clips. You can use your notes from the screening in class. Make specific, detailed references using media terminology (e.g. media language - camera shots, diegetic/non-diegetic sound, mise-en-scene etc.)

An Unearthly Child scene analysis

Narrative: Time travel and space travel.

Character: Susan, female teacher, male teacher and the doctor

Iconography: Futuristic, costume, lighting

Setting: Junkyard, time machine


2) How does Todorov's theory of equilibrium apply to An Unearthly Child?

First it starts of with an equilibrium which is were the teachers and Susan, the unearthly child, are first introduced. Then it build up to dramatic tension and suspicion about Susan’s personality and how she is abnormal comparing to the other students. Also, being classified as a  “genius” by Ian Chesterton. After following Susan, they investigating and the grandfather - also known as the doctor - is seen. In the scenes of  the teachers asking about Susan and the doctor, the doctor uses a large amount of sarcasm through his facial expressions. We know this via the extreme close-ups, meaning the use of sarcasm is a technique used by the doctor trying to manipulate them to leave and even confidently admitting them to bring a “police officer”, this clearly illustrating his urgency and impatience towards them. However he also tries to manipulate the audience by not showing his true emotions and tries to act very calm. After the teachers discover the time machine, Susan shows her love and care she has towards the teachers by using aggressive tone and having the will and strength to talk back to her grandfather rapidly. This may reinforce the women stereotypes of bravery and fierce. However, in reality, in that time period, the society would have given the stereotypes of women as independent and quiet. Susan states,” I rather leave the TARDIS and you!!!” suggesting the contrast between the relationship she has with her teachers and her grandfather , which we can clearly see the affection towards both are balanced but more affection is shown towards the teachers. After the doctor, grandfather, ‘kidnapped’ them a new equilibrium  is built when the shadow at the end is left anonymously at the end. This leaving a cliffhanger so it can encourage the audience to watch what happens next.

3) Applying Propp's character theory, what character roles do each of the main characters in An Unearthly Child fit into? 

In the audience’s perspective, who we think is a hero and villain are completely opposite. For example, the series is called “Doctor who”, so many people from the audience will think it is the hero. However, in this SPECIFIC episode he is strongly presented as a villain as he has all the aspects of being a villain such as trying to manipulate them, kidnapped them, sarcasms and evilness can be visualised and seen very clearly when it comes to the close-up camera shots.

4) What enigma and action codes (Barthes) can you find in An Unearthly Child?

The first appearance of the TARDIS when teachers walk in. 

5) What examples of binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) can you find in An Unearthly Child?

After the doctor, grandfather, ‘kidnapped’ them a new equilibrium  is built when the shadow at the end is left anonymously at the end. This leaving a cliffhanger so it can encourage the audience to watch what happens next.

Representations

1) What stereotypes of men are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? 
Teacher- heroic, trying to save Susan .

Doctor / grandfather of Susan - villain and sinister/ manipulative 

2) What stereotypes of women/girls are reinforced and subverted in Doctor Who: An Unearthly Child? 

Susan - suspicious, but caring

Barbara - represents normal human characteristics 

3) What are common media stereotypes of young people and old people?

Old people - mind their own business and stay out of trouble

Young people - independent and intelligent

4) What representations of race/ethnicity can be found in Doctor Who: An Earthly Child?

All white people showing no equality of ethnicity.

5) How is social class represented in An Unearthly Child?

Teachers - middle class

Doctor/ Susan - educated 

Social and Historical context

1) How does An Unearthly Child reflect the social and historical contexts of the 1960s?
Released on the BBC  - Plot of an narrative arc

2) How might audiences have felt towards science fiction in the 1960s?

The audience perhaps have been amazed as it was very new to them however nowadays we have developed a large amount with advanced technology and advance information to guide us to the future.