How is the representation of gender constructed? - Primeval

The clip of Primeval challenges and questions the typical role of both the male and female. Towards the beginning of the clip there is a scene of the main girl driving a digger. This job would stereotypically be taken care of by a man, however it is presenting her as more independant character. The digger is used as a symbolic prop, to emphasise destruction and to highlight the fact it is the girl who is controlling it. Through out the entire clip; she is wearing a black leather jacket, and her outfit over all is particularly for comfort in comparison to a fashion statement. This look which she has been given represents her as a person of authority, someone who has a vital role within the programme and a person who belongs and is part of the team she is working with. Approaching the final scenes of the clip, the woman appears to have a confident posture and body language , this also challenges the role of the female as it appears she is in demand. However, she is wearing make up and at one point states the fact she is wearing her 'best coat' this in itself forfills the stereotype of a woman. The pace of the editing is at a reasonably fast speed as it is emphasising tension and panic, one scene after another, putting the audience in their position.

Alternation between long shot and mid close up occurs when the main girl is driving the digger. This use of these techniques is to equally show her emotion and also to give perspective to the scene so that we are able to take a step back and look for ourselves. Just before the main man goes across the zip wire, a mid close up of him is used so that we are able to view his emotion, this is of both anxiety and adrenaline. As he attempts to run from the fast approaching animal, a low angle shot shows him about to venture up the ladder in order to escape it, or lure it over. The 180 degree rule is applied in the shooting scene, as the woman and the man converse, this rule ensures both characters are facing in opposite directions, appearing as though they are having an actual coversation when the film goes on screen. High angle shot is used as the sabertooth leans over the ditch. this shows the male is in less control in this particualr instance.

A soundtrack is continulously playing across the time span of the clip. It is often fast pace creating a feel of tension and telling the audience that something is about to happen. It also creates an atmosphere that characters are acting against the clock. One use of sound effects is the sound of gunshots near the end, the idea is to get the audience to feel frightened for the woman and she is staring down the barrel of a gun. The dialogue between the characters is quite confrontational and direct as they want to figure out a solution to the fear they have just faced. The women have equal amount of input in terms of the dialogue displaying equal gender roles.