Question 1: To what extent do the representations in Capital reflect the concerns of modern 21st century London life? [25 marks]
Question 2: Capital was produced by the BBC, a public service broadcaster. Do representations in Capital reflect the corporation’s mission to inform, educate and entertain? [25 marks]
Question 3: “Capital is not a crime drama but a family drama.” To what extent do representations of family in Capital support this view? [25 marks]
"To what extent do the representations in Capital reflect the concerns of modern 21st century London life?" (25 marks)
Plan:
1: Accurate representation of changes in London as house prices continuously rise. In episode 1 at the beginning the flashback depicts society as being better in the past and how it was easier to get a house and live happily, we are shown that as time goes by life and the standard of living deteriorates.
2: The banking system and the ludicrous nature of the financial industry -
"'Capital is not a crime drama but a family drama.' To what extent do representations of family in Capital support this view?" (25 marks)
Plan:
1: In capital there are representations of different types of families of various races, cultures and classes with in a society. Depicts real life struggle with in families.
-The Kamals: A working class Asian Pakistani family whose ancestors migrated to Britain for a change in life and standard of living. They represent the struggles of a big working class family with little but still live a happy life in a loving family environment.
-The Younts & Matya: An upper class White British family- they are fortunate and wealthy. Depicts an arrogant, dismissive side of the wealthy that is often a negative association with them in society. Shows rich next to poor - essentially two very different classes living door to door.
-Petunia, Mary & Smitty: Working class 3 generation family. Depicts neglect of elderly and how life can take over everything.
-Quentina: Illegal immigrant - different representation to what is typically associated with immigrants.
-Bogdan: Not the best living conditions but still happy and enjoying his life. Contrasts to his room mate who does not agree with his lifestyle.
"'Capital is not a crime drama but a family drama.' To what extent do representations of family in Capital support this view?" (25 marks)
Answer:
The various representations of family in Capital support the view that it is not a crime drama but a family drama to a large extent as there is a strong depiction of the different experiences and struggles families go through. The Kamals are a working class Pakistani family whose ancestors migrated to Britain for a change in life and standard of living. This family support the idea that Capital is a family drama instead of a crime drama as they represent the struggles of a big working class family who do not have much but are content and survive off of what they do have. They also represent those in real life society who do not have everything but appreciate what they do have and therefore live in a happy, loving family environment - they represent families who are united and help/support each other. In contrast to this, The Younts are an upper class white British family who take advantage of their wealth and can be seen as not appreciating all that they have. The arrogant, dismissive attitudes portrayed from this family reinforce the negative stereotype that is often associated with the extremely rich. The Younts are often shown to be quite miserable and not content with what they have (always want more) which highlights another stereotype in society that those who are less fortunate learn to live with and become content with what they have whereas those who are rich always want more and are never content. The Younts live next to many lower/working class families on the street which is a representation of the less fortunate living door to door with the fortunate which is quite ironic and a depiction of real life living. In episode two when we are introduced to their children's nanny, Matya, we truly see the distance between Arabella and her children which highlights the issue of how richer families are stereotyped to (in some cases) rely on nannies to raise their children whilst they live a life of their own. Matya's character reinforces the struggle of migrants who have often come from nothing with intentions to better their life - she is presented as being hard working and persistent. Another family that reinforce the idea that Capital is a family drama and not a crime drama is Petunia's family which consists of herself, her daughter Mary and her grandson Smitty. Widow Petunia is presented as being open minded and accepting of all people in her community which contrasts to her husband's unaccepting views on migration of foreigners into Britain - this is a presentation of the two different views people in society hold against those who have migrated from a different country. In a flashback at the beginning of episode one we see the development of Petunia's family over the years - in this flashback we notice that the husband figure was constantly busy revolving himself around money and making a living whilst the wife was raising their child. This is interesting as it shows how in earlier ages it was typical for a man to fend for himself and his family whereas nowadays it is more common for women to bring money home as well as the man.
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