The representation of Youth in an Episode of Skins

Skins Series 2 – Episode 1
Minutes: 1.00 – 4.52

In this episode of Skins, the Mise en Scene, Cinematography, Editing and Sound contribute to the representation of Youth through such things as costume, speed, and music.

The opening of this scene is an establishing shot of the inside of a church. In this shot a teenage boy (the character of Maxxie) starts some diegetic dance music and runs towards the camera. You could take this first shot to shows a range of different representation. This shows that youth use their resources well as normally you would practise dancing in a gym or dance studio, but instead he is dancing in a church. The idea that the church is one of his resources, suggests that youth are religious. Having said this you could take the view that this represents youth as rebellious and disrespectful as they are blasting out dance music throughout a peaceful church in order to dance inside it.

We are then presented with two other dancers. One is a well-built black teenage boy. The other is a toned white teenage girl. This represents youth as being accepting of other sexes and ethnicities. We can see that all three characters are in modern clothing and look well kept. They are all wearing tank tops and baggy trousers, this suggests youth as being united and well organised, which is then emphasized by the extremely well choreographed dance routine, which follows. This dance routine is synchronized and obviously well rehearsed, showing great organisation and skill within the group of youths. Having spot lights shinning down on them during this rehearsal suggest to me that they aren’t just doing any old routing in any place they can find, instead I feel that this shows they have pride in what they do.

In this dance scene, the cinematography is constantly changing from medium shots to close-ups and from low angle shots to high angle shots. Throughout the routine the camera is either panning the actors or matching on action. The constant changing of shots and angles I feel emphasizes the diversity in youth, which has been represented earlier when we see that there is a white girl, a black boy, and a white boy in the well-structured dance. Having these cuts edited so short and cutting so quickly also emphasizes the energy coming from the dancing teenagers, representing them as being very fit and energetic.

After they have danced, they all crash on the floor in a bundle joking about and jumping on each other. This contrasts with their serious expressions and synchronized movement in their dancing. This represents youth as hard working, but also shows that they know how to have a laugh. Noticeably the diversity in cinematography becomes limited as the tone of the scene relaxes. The acceptance and comfort with different ethnicities and sexes is also shown when the girl in the group takes her top off and then leaps on top on the black teenage boy and kisses him.

We are then presented with another representation of youth when Maxxie walks over to another teenage boy (the character of Tony) who is sitting in the dark at the back of the church. Tony looks zombified and shows youth as being clueless and moody. Tony mumbles slowly showing that he is either depressed or moody, suggesting that youth, although it has been shown to include having a laugh, and working hard, has other issues too.

The episode then cuts to an establishing shot of House of Fraiser, which is seen through a first person view. This is when some Non-diegetic music starts playing. The music is slow and calm, which emphasizes Tony’s depressed expression. The camera then cuts to Tony looking out the window and then shows a 2 shot of Maxxie and Tony sitting on the bus, when suddenly a truck drives past and blows its horn. This makes Tony jump. I feel this presents youth as being vulnerable and innocent, as he is obviously not feeling good and is easily scared. This is then emphasized by Tony grabbing Maxxie’s hand, not only does this shows innocence and vulnerability, but it also carries on this theme of acceptance of modern society as they are obviously comfortable with their sexuality.

The costumes, which the characters are wearing, are modern, clean and stylish clothes. Maxxie is wearing an open light blue shirt over the top of a pink and brown tank top. The colours are bold and bright, and there is a sense of confidence and a chilled out frame of mind as his shirt is open. This contrasts with Tony’s outfit, a buttoned up, burgundy cardigan over a white shirt. I feel this shows Tony to be less comfortable and having a deep dark colour such as burgundy emphasizes Tony’s depression.

After a 2 shot of the pair walking towards the camera, there is an underpinning of a girl’s voice. The camera then cuts to a shot of 5 very young girls lying on top of a black and bright yellow car. These girls have high voices, as you would expect a child too. They are wearing tracksuit bottoms, chains and baggy tops. Some with side pony tails, others with caps. One of which, perhaps the leader of the crew, is wearing make-up and hoop earrings. Overall they are represented as being a very cute bunch of children, emphasizing the representation of youth being innocent. The fact that they are interacting with Maxxie and Tony, and that they are wearing clothes, which their mum obviously didn’t pick for them, suggests that they look up to the elder youth and therefore represents the elder youths as being role models. The interaction between the two groups of friends is shown by the cutting to close ups of reaction shots.

In conclusion youth is represented as very diverse. We see this through: the friendly atmosphere between the different sexes and ethnicities; the range in emotions from working hard, to joking about with friends, to feeling depressed and uncomfortable; and through the ability to interact with different age groups. All of which are emphasized through the Cinematography, Editing, Mise en Scene, and Sound.