Representation of Disablity

Representation of disability.

·      Mise En Scene

In the breakfast scene, the boy with down syndrome is said to take eight Weetabix. Weetabix is a plain simple breakfast material and is found in most people’s houses. The fact that Ben has eaten all the Weetabix shows how something so simple can become a dilemma when you live with someone who has a mental disability .

·      Camera  

In the opening scene, the birds eye view of the shared bedroom shows the contrast between “disability” and “normal”. Ben a boy with Down Syndrome’s side is bright, colourful and childish which represents vulnerability and immaturity. David on the other hands room is dull and simple, what you would expect of a typical teenager. This shot shows us how different the two children are.

There are multiple shots of Ben and David waiting at the same bus stop, they are wearing different clothes in each shot, meaning each shot takes place on a different day. This shows how time passes very slowly when you are looking after someone with a disability.

·      Editing

When Ben is on the bus the music, conversations and laughter are all edited loudly over the top of the Ben sitting on the bus. This Shows how scared Ben is and how he is trying to process so many different things going on at once. This helps to show the viewers what is it like to be nervous and scared of such a simple place like a bus.

·      Sound

The music choice for when Ben is told he must get the bus on his own, helps the viewer to empathise with ben and see how scared he really is of being alone. The music is slow and quiet and sets a sad theme to the scene.