Q3 Cuffs realism

How far does the extract try to create a sense that it is portraying 'real life'?

• In your answer you should: analyse aspects of the extract giving detailed examples 
• judge how far these aspects create a sense of watching 'real life 

The extract is very good at portraying "real life". 

One example is the realism of the police. Realistic uniforms, police cars, radio talk and police terms are used. This helps to give a sense of real life because they use the same police related things as would be used in real life. In the extract the police deal with pretty realistic situations and they react in the way police would react in the real world. 

The concept of a "rookie" cop being pared with an experienced cop is also realistic. They do this in real police forces so that the less experienced police officers can be mentored and given first hand training. 

The camera work also uses a large amount of realism. Shot-reverse shots and handheld shots use realism because they follow whoever is speaking or moving. In a conversation with two or more other people you are likely to be looking at whoever is speaking so the shot reverse-shot makes you feel that you are there with the people in the show. In hand-held shots, the bobbing of the camera mimics the walking motion of people which gives a sense that you are walking along with the police officers. 

Q1 cuffs Practice exam question

How is sound used to create meaning in the cuffs extract?                                 
 (5 marks available, at least 2 examples)

An example of non-diegetic sound is the music. The scene starts with faint music to give the impression something big is about to happen. It presents the arrival of the criminals as hostile and it builds suspense. When the robbery starts and the police officers start driving towards the scene the music becomes much louder, the music has a pumping, throbbing beat which builds tension and gives the impression that the officers hearts are beating faster. The intense music connotes a sense of speed and urgency. 

Examples of diegetic sounds such as mechanical sounds and dialogue also help create meaning. The sound of cars swerving and breaks screeching help exaggerate the chase scene and show how fast the chase is. The sirens of the police cars create realism and give a sense of what it sounds like to be in a police car. During the robbery the big forklift truck makes screeching and grinding sounds which makes the scene more realistic and makes it seem like we are in the scene ourselves. 

In the scene with Jake and the other police officers in the cafe there is a relaxed mood; due to the calm background music and the way the officers casually talk with each other. When the police officers' lunch is interrupted by the other police officer calling for help on the radio, the officers are caught off-guard and we can also hear the distress in the police officer voice which connotes the urgency and panic of the situation. There is a use of a juxtaposition due to the change from the calm atmosphere to the tense and urgent atmosphere, which is created by the officers running to the cars and the music becoming louder and more intense. 


I would give myself 4 marks out of 5.