GCSE Media - Doctor Who - Media Language

Summary

This video provides an insightful guide to Doctor Who’s media language, specifically focusing on the first episode of the series, 'An Unearthly Child'. The analysis explores the show’s sci-fi genre, low-budget effects, and how the narrative reflects the mid-20th century space race context. It examines the use of props, costumes, lighting, and audio codes to convey character traits, like the Doctor’s mysteriousness and Susan’s relatable role. The video also highlights how these elements, along with the narrative’s unanswered questions, engage audiences and set the stage for further episodes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video provides an easy-to-understand guide to analyzing Doctor Who's media language, specifically for AQA GCSE Media Studies students.
• 😀 The episode 'An Unearthly Child' is the set text for study in this guide, and the genre is primarily sci-fi with sub-genres of time and space travel.
• 😀 Sci-fi iconography is present but limited due to the low budget and limited technology of the time, especially the absence of CGI.
• 😀 The low budget also impacted the narrative, keeping the majority of the episode confined to the TARDIS rather than exploring alien landscapes.
• 😀 The context of the production, such as the space race and early space exploration, influenced the sci-fi narrative's appeal and relevance at the time.
• 😀 The episode opens with an enigmatic tone, using smoke and low-key lighting to create a mysterious atmosphere, enhancing audience intrigue.
• 😀 Familiar settings like the school contrast with the TARDIS to emphasize the otherworldliness and mystery of the Doctor's environment.
• 😀 Flashbacks are used to develop the character of Susan, providing context and building her image as both intelligent and strange.
• 😀 Costume choices help define characters, with the Doctor’s eccentric, otherworldly look contrasting with Susan’s youthful and modern appearance.
• 😀 The Doctor’s character, while potentially seen as a hero, also appears anti-heroic, especially in how he restricts the teachers’ freedom after bringing them aboard the TARDIS.
• 😀 Unanswered questions and the cliffhanger ending create suspense, encouraging viewers to tune in for the next episode and continue watching the series.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video provides an easy-to-understand guide to the media language of Doctor Who, specifically focusing on Series 1, Episode 1, 'An Unearthly Child,' for AQA GCSE Media Studies students.

Which genre and sub-genre does the episode belong to?

The episode belongs to the sci-fi genre with a sub-genre of time and space travel.

How is sci-fi iconography represented in this episode?

Sci-fi iconography is shown through the TARDIS with futuristic controls, the appearance of an unidentified creature, and time travel visuals, though the imagery is limited due to low budget and technological constraints of the time.

How did the low budget affect the production of the episode?

The low budget limited the use of special effects, restricting most scenes to the TARDIS interior and requiring practical effects such as strings and props instead of CGI.

What role does the mid-20th century context play in the narrative?

The narrative reflects the excitement of space travel during the space race era, tapping into contemporary audience interest in science and exploration.

How does the opening of the episode create intrigue?

The opening uses smoke, low-key lighting, and familiar settings like a police box to create mystery, and the reveal of the TARDIS interior adds a 'wow factor' for the audience.

How are characters distinguished through costume?

The Doctor's costume is mysterious and otherworldly, Susan wears modern, progressive clothing to connect with the 1960s audience, and teachers are dressed in jackets, suits, and ties to indicate professionalism and status.

What narrative purpose does Susan serve in the episode?

Susan acts as a guide for the audience, helping viewers understand and relate to the strange and unusual Doctor character.

How does media language create tension and fear?

Tension and fear are created through low-key lighting, torchlight, clustered mise-en-scène, and practical effects that suggest danger and the unknown.

Why does the episode end with unanswered questions?

The cliffhanger ending with unanswered questions about the Doctor, the TARDIS, and the mysterious creature draws audiences in and encourages them to watch the next episode.

How does the use of electronic music contribute to the media language?

The electronic music was unusual at the time, giving a modern and futuristic feel that enhanced the sci-fi atmosphere.

What effect do flashbacks have on the narrative?

Flashbacks provide context and backstory for Susan, emphasizing her intelligence and strangeness while enriching the storyline for the audience.