Kate HarroldDisability EssayIn this sequence from 'Casualty', the technical features combine to create the representation of disability.The able-bodied character is represented as superior and this is demonstrated through a two shot. This allows us to see that the able-bodied man is positioned closer to the camera than the disabled character therefore showing his dominance and superiority. It is also evident in this shot that the disabled character's ability to walk has been compromised so the height difference between the two also shows the able-bodied man's power. The able-bodied man is also looking in a mirror at his brother which could show his thoughts on how as his brother, he could've also been disabled which represents him as feeling obliged to help his brother. The shot reverse shot used during their conversation jusxtaposes their different attitudes. As the brother of the disabled character, the able-bodied man clearly wants to help his brother whilst it is evident through the dialogue of the disabled character - "Quit pushing me around" - that he doesn't want any help which represents disability as independent. They are wearing similar clothing which could also imply that the disabled character doesn't want his disability to dictate his life which represents him as determined.

Disabled character's are also shown to be dependent on able-bodied people which is shown during the scene in the ambulance. A close up shot of the man who is being transported by the ambulance shows his sad facial expression at the knowledge of his wife not coming with him showing that he needed the support. This is also demonstarted through his dialogue as he says "I need you". It should also be noted that the two ambulance workers are also able-bodied showing again, that he depends on them. His disability is also shown to isolate him from able-bodied people as we can see that the props consist of medical equipment and his face is covered in blood. Long takes are also used which may infer that he feels his disability is dragging him backwards and he can't live his life as he would like.

Disability is represented as making you helpess which is shown through the midshot which allows us to see a man who has collapsed on the floor and there is no one around to help. The ambiant sound also reiterates this as you cannot hear the voices of any people near-by. A long take is used to emphasize the amount of time the character is left alone with no help. The mise en scene in this shot suggests that this character tries to live as everyone else does as he is wearing ordinary clothes and is in a city setting representing him as not letting his disability control his life.

Able-bodied people are represented as caring which is shown through a close up of the female character's face when her disabled friend collapses infront of a car. We can see the concern and worry on her face and this is also shown through her dialogue as she calls out his name to warn him about the oncoming car. As he collapses, she quickly moves closer towards him and infront of the other characters, leaving her job, showing that she values him as someone important to her and she will do everything she can to helps. Short takes are used during this sequence as they also represent the urgency of the situation and encompass the speed of the female character's actions.

Finally, disability for the character in a wheelchair is represented as not holding him back. This is shown through a midshot near the end of the sequence when he is calling an ambulance to help the other disabled character. He doesn't leave the 'saving' to the able-bodied characters. We can also see this through his dialogue as he is telling people what to do to help the situation. A shot reverse shot between this character and his brother shows his brother smiling through a midshot. The shot reverse shot establishes the family connection between them but as we see his brother smiling, it could represent him as proud as he might often feel responsable for looking after his brother.

As we have seen, the representation of disability is constructed by the combination of technical aspects in this sequence.