Downton Abbey: Status and Class

Background

Downton Abbey is a british series following the lives of the Crawley family and their servants. It's set in 1912 in North Hampshire. This episode is set when the titanic sinking has just taken place and the family have heard the horrific news and recieved a telegram. The series shows the contrast between upper and lower class, and the different roles people have in the house.

Editing

In the clip continuity editing is used as the scenes flow. Shot-reverse shot is used when the lord comes in for his breakfast, he speaks to his butler off of screen. 
There are elements of fast pace editing when the servants are rushing around in order to do their job and serve the breakfast, everyone is running around it switches between scenes quickly showing what each servant is doing. 

Sound

Background music is used which is non diegetic. The use of the music builds the scene and draws in the audience. It creates anticipation for the viewers. There is also diegetic sound for example the sounds of clinking plates and cups when the maids are rushing in the kitchen. An example of a way sound is used to show class is when the bells ring in the kitchen and staright away the servants know what they need to do, showing how the servants are lower class and following the orders given. When the Lord opens the telegram intense dramatic music begins to play suggesting that what is written is far from good news.

Camera

The scene opens with an establishing shot. This shows the fields and countryside. It shows the path and drive towards the house. Then there is a wide shot of the house showing how big and expensive it is, this links to class and how wealthy the owners are and how they can afford to live the rich lifestyle.The opening also consists of a tracking shot of the man on the bike as he rides down the long path.This is then turned into to an ariel shot, this shows where the man is biking and his job role as you can see he is going to deliver something to the manor. A steadicam is used to record as it's not shakey and flows nicely. A canted angle is used whilst the Lord is reading his newspaper.

Mise-en-scene

The men are wearing suits showing that they are of a higher class.The women who are wearing aprons shows their position as servants and how they haven't got high status as they obey orders. They Cutlery and dining set used at breakfast shows the wealth of the family, it is very formal and expensive. 

The lighting also shows class and status due to upstairs (where the family are) is natural lighting and very bright, whereas downstairs in the kitchen (where the servants are) is very dark and dismal. Artificial lighting is used.