Regional Identity: a study of the representation of the South West in TV Drama Doc Martin

By Danielle DuffyRegional Identity: a study of the representation of the South West/Londoner in TV Drama Doc Martin

CameraworkThe use of a tilt-up shot revealing the policeman vacuuming his office introduces this character in a way that allows us to observe his attire; and identify his occupation as someone whose job is to prevent and resolve crime, who is actually casually cleaning his floor whilst on-dutyThis presents him as rather relaxed; and further I could imply that he is able to act in this way because of the relaxed state of the villageThis represents villages as calm areas where you wouldnt expect crime to happen; and therefore as welcoming, a close and happy communityThe mans casual, friendly demeanour means Doc Martin feels it is acceptable for him to act rather impertinently, and due to his temper tells him he is uninterested in what he might have to say to say to himThis is expressed with a head and shoulder shot to connote his annoyance, portraying Londoners as insolent and short tempered, and looking down upon South-westernersI believe this fits the stereotype as English people are commonly portrayed as snobby for the audience this may be disagreeable as other English people may feel it is unrealistic and gives people a negative view of them

EditingThe editing of the piece is rather slow and relaxed; somewhat contrasting against the troubles featured within the clip such as the bursting of a water pipe inside Doc Martins house, causing him to become rather angryThis represents the lives of south-westerners as calm and easy-going, opposite to the situation in urban areas like cities which are bustling with people determined to go placesThe lack of cuts also helps to create verisimilitude within the piece, and the viewer observes the happenings from a realistic point of viewParticularly; a long take is used to show the conversation between Doc Martin and another women who seems not to be from the areaThe long take is slow and stable; representing these people as calm and collected, in correspondence with their posh dialect, additionally representing them as somewhat superior to the others as their time on screen reflects their importance

SoundThe dialogue in the extract forms a representation of the characters as Doc Martin, and the lady who pesters him for a prescription speak rather articulately and with clear dialect; a common stereotype of Londoners who are thought to be rather poshThe south-westerners have quite a thick dialect; used with slang that mostly only those of that region are familiar withTheir laid-back and casual nature makes them appear friendly, however perhaps lacking in education; particularly when the plumber stutters/re-starts his sentence as if struggling to find the words to explain something; suggesting that he is less intelligentThe womans comment, referencing historic medicinal knowledge (Hippocrates oath) reveals she is well educated; stereotypical of those of more affluent backgroundNon-diegetic sound of an upbeat piece of music is used as Doc Martin walks the dog to the policemans office, adding a comedic feel to the scene and making the audience feel as though they should laugh as this man who is stressed whereas those around him arent presents him initially as an outsider, however doesnt have a negative mood and suggests that he is welcome in the area, further representing South-westerners as open and friendly

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Mise en sceneBinary opposition is created between Doc Martin; being a man of London descent, in contrast to the South-Western plumber manHis position as standing; and therefore above the plumber sitting down presents him as of higher importance Their difference is mostly evident through their costume, alluding towards the characters affluence; Doc Martin, being from London in his suit (formal attire) showing how he is able to afford to dress and appear well-presented, and the plumbers casual and worn-looking overalls; attributional of his common, manual jobThe dominant position seems attained by Doc Martin; being considered higher up in society due to his higher class (he is likely to be middle as his job is important), and this is expressed through the dialogue used as he instructs the others around him to do what he says, becoming stressed whereas the south-westerners are more laid backThe way Doc Martin speaks to the people around him is rather as though he is talking down to them, and feels superior to them, perhaps because of the way he is from a social background of higher intellect whereas they are stereotyped typically as living backwardsThis could link to Gramscis theory of Hegemony, as the more affluent and educated man assumes the dominant position over the South-westerners