Misfits analysis

The purpose of dialogue within the opening scene

Within the opening scene to 'Misfits' it shows the clear understanding of the purpose and meaning to the beginning of the series; using costume, dialogue, body language and scenery. The main aspect that shows a vivid understanding is the dialogue used to introduce each character. The purpose of the dialogue is to mainly set the scene and describe to the viewer why the six characters are in orange jump suits outside a building by a river. Already by the costume design the audience have a vague idea of whats happening within the scene but by adding dialogue it almost narrates its surroundings. It can also be used to promote the genre of the episode: comedy, thriller, romance, horror ect. In this case speech enhances the humour of the episode which is what genre is targeted for the selected
audience/viewer.

-Nathan

Nathan is instantly presented as a humorous character which is created and there to entertain the audience and see the funny side of a dark situation. As shown, nathan is already characterised by his costume but by being the first to talk he almost puts himself into an authoritative position as he is the first to step forward to introduce himself using humour. He says ' Yeah but what if..' which the audience immediately associates his character with a child answering back. This brings a build up to his character as the viewer already has an intention that nathan is the childish 'class clown' which makes the audience want to see more of his character. He also insinuates an immediate likability as a joker. This is showed by how he has a mocking, false politeness and sarcastic tone but illustrated by a soft irish accent which makes the audience automatically like the character because he's seen as the funny child of the group. He also dominates the group immediately by snapping back at the probation worker who is in a sense superior to the six characters. Nathan does this by making the probation worker feel intimidated by his childish humour almost putting himself in to superiority and authority.

- Alisha

Alisha is also presented stereotypically by the way her costume has been designed but her personality is shown more clear when dialogue has been given to her character. The way that she is presented with her accent clearly shows a stereotypical juvenile delinquent who has adopted an essex twang to her voice to reinforce her character. The first dialogue that is given to Alishas character is when she answers the phone amongst a group conversation. By just saying the word 'hey' with a digitalised box to her ear immediately gives the impression that Alisha is rude; someone important is almost giving her advice but bitterly ignores the conversation to start a new one showing that she is only interested with the 'gossip' on the other end of the phone line. She is also chewing gum when talking which also enhances the strong stereotype but again is liked by the audience purely because the stereotype is exaggerated and brings humour to the atmosphere. She also laughs at Nathan when he's mocking the probation worker and the other offender (Gary). This is done to give the atmosphere a sense of a classroom and the teacher which is the probation worker.

-Curtis  

Curtis is presented as the typical athlete that doesn't do anything that could possibly harm his career which makes the audience question why he's dressed in an orange jumpsuit. The first speech that Curtis is given is 'I shouldn't be here man' which gives the intention that Curtis is a 'good boy'. He also is one of the last to speak which shows that Curtis likes to keep in the background of attention. He also says the word 'man' at the end of the sentence which shows that he is any ordinary person using typical slang which creates a likability by the audience for Curtis but also makes them question his background considering he's said very little within the introduction of each character.


-Gary

Gary is presented as a stereotypical teenage offender which is developed by the choice of costume, his spoken language choice and his body language. The first words that he speaks are in conversation (argument) between him and nathan which automatically develops his character to be argumentative and confrontational. He says 'Are you looking to get stabbed?!' Which enhances the stereotype but again almost creates a mild likability towards the character purely because the audience is slightly intimidated by him and feels a need to like his character.


- Simon 

Simon is presented as a shy, quiet boy who has no dialogue within the scene chosen. Nathan reffers to Simon as 'weird boy' which he also has no reaction to. The reason why Simon has no scripted dialogue within this scene is to give him a strong sense of mystery and sharpness to his character. By Simon having no dialogue it also emphasises the fact that he may not be saying anything but he is listening to everything thats around him. This gives him power by understanding everything thats going on around him as if he has the ability to register each aspect clearly and scares the audience into questioning why he is so quiet and what he may be thinking. The audience can't have a clear understanding of the character seeing as no dialogue has been said but the viewer see's him as mysterious.

-Kelly

Kelly is presented as a stereotypical 'chav' with the way that she's dressed, her make up and hair (costume design) Throughout the introduction of each character she is quiet and listening to what the probation worker is explaining to the group. The scene slowly builds up to Kelly speaking and when she finally talks the other characters are shocked by her accent. Making the accent enhanced by other characters within the scene also gives the viewer a clear idea that it should be shocking to the audience as well, there for, they are. The first words that Kerrys says are "ermm, what makes you think your better than us" in her deep accent which is then noticed by Nathan and Curtis also joins in. By saying this she believes that she is equal to the rest of the group but then intimidated by the two boys but she then snaps back which increases tension and builds likability towards her character. The audience likes her because she sticks up for herself which she gets looked up to for by the viewer and also because she originally believed that they were equal.