Hotel Babylon

Different ethnicity's are represented differently in this clip as shown by the camera work, editing, mise en scene and sound.

The clip starts with very tense music which is a non diegetic and asynchronous sound. This music builds the tension of the clip for when we first meet the characters and instantly tells us that the whit police men are not the protagonists in this clip. As we further watch the clip and learn the police men are there for immigration reasons a very stereotypical image of white police men are presented. This is an negative image that is often used when white males police are involved with other ethnic groups. An unusual representation of ethnicity's is shown here as it a white well dressed male against the white policemen. The directors intention here is to the beat the stereotype that the white policemen carry, this was done to show that different ethnic groups can ally together and in this case against the antagonist of the policemen. This represents how ethnicity can be represented as not just separate group but how they can come together. The police men are in a uniform that is typically associated to the police however this shows how they are in some of the lowest ranks in the police force. As this white male is well dressed (which is the mise en scene) we learn that he has quite an high status and power, this is a typical representation of a white male.

As the shot changes to another setting by cross cut editing we are introduced to a white women at reception and more white police males entering the hotel. A shallow focus shot shows the slight hesitation and flash of fear on her face when we first see her be aware of the policemen. This is a less typical representation of white females as it shows how even though she is worried she manages to stay calm and effectively manage the situation. This not typical as white women are often represented as panicky and needing saving. We also learn from her outfit that she is quite high up in society and she is dressed very smartly, however some of her outfit is revealing which is another typical representation of white women. The police men shown here are clearly of a higher rank in the police force. They are not wearing the same uniform as the first policemen are, they are in their own more casual clothes which shows how they are higher up and also one of them has a badge. This shows their power and authority which is a typical representation of white males. The music increases tension and volume and as the camera follows the white male police men it shows their power and authority. When the policeman is speaking to the woman an over the shoulder shot is used from the policeman's perspective which is again shows the power he holds.

During the conversation the white receptionist tells a black man what to do. This is a typical representation of white people having more power and control over other ethnic groups. This music carries on which still shows the increasing tension as it is an asynchronous sound which shows how the white police men have caused a disturbance. Fast paced editing is used while the men are rushing to tell Jackie which also increases the tension and shows how the black man is panicking. This is a binary opposition in contrast to the white woman as she is calm and in control whereas he is panicking which hints he is less intelligent which is an typical representation of black males.

We are introduced to Jackie by shot reverse shot which helps to build the increasing tension. The soundtrack also adds to the tension but as it gets a little bit quieter it can show her power. Jackie is suggested to be clever and in charge as shown by her wearing very smart clothes that are red and lipstick that is red. Red connotes power as we are immediately drawn to look at her more than the others. This is a typical representation of Asian women as we can assume that she is smart to be in the position she is. This is then shown when she talks to the people in the kitchen as she is clearly multilingual which shows she is smart. This diegetic sound represents her as Asian women are typically represented.