Kate Harrold

Disability Essay
In 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.