How is regional identity portrayed in the extract of Doc Martin?

In the extract sound is used to portray regional identity through dialogue. For example the use of dialect and accent, Doc martin speaks in almost an opposite fashion to the locals, in particular the old plumber as the plumber speaks with a very profound west country accent and uses the local dialect such as "bodmin" whereas Doc Martin does not have this feature and speaks with a accent more accustomed to the area in/or around London. This juxtaposition of the two shows the vast difference of the two regional identities and perhaps portrays Doc Martins regional identity as being superior due to him being higher in the socioeconomic scale than the plumber. This follows the stereotype of the west country being lesser than Londoners and also adheres to Strauss' theory of binary opposites as there accents are clearly distinguishable and Doc Martin is shown to have a better grasp of the English language than his west country counterpart. In the extract sound is used to portray regional identity through its use of a sound track, or lack of. For example in the occurrences where only Doc Martin is seen or he is the only focal character in the scene an up tempo soundtrack can be heard in the background whereas when the locals become part of the scene the score ends. This suggests maybe that the locals are possibly slower in their lifestyle (aren't as rushed for time) or alternatively that they are less interesting than the Londoner Doc Martin as he is shown with a score accompanying him whereas the other characters do not. This follows the stereotype that people from London are more interesting as they are from a business & cultural hub and that people from the west country live in a slower manner as there is less work to be done due to the amount of people needing to be serviced for. This also follows Strauss' theory of binary opposites merely due to the fact Doc Martin has a sound track and the locals do not which suggest no matter what the interpretation a contrasting difference. In the extract mise en scene is used to portray regional identity through positioning of the characters. For example in the first scene the two plumbers are either sat or kneeling down as Doc Martin enters the room, this results in Doc Martin being shown to be the tallest figure in the shot. This could imply that Doc Martin is the dominating figure or the most important figure in the scene. Or could possibly be interpreted as showing their social economic order, the younger plumber the lowest (D), the older plumber who is in charge of the younger plumber slightly above (D-C2) and Doc Martin (B) at the top. This follows the stereotype of the higher socioeconomic people coming from large central cities and the smaller outer towns and villages being home to the lower end of the scale. This also follows Hall's theory on dominant ideology as it follows the general belief that people from the larger southern cities are higher on the socio economic scale than people from the west country. In the extract mise en scene is used to portray regional identity through costume. For example Doc Martin can be seen wearing a black suit and tie whereas most of the locals are either dressed in working attire or in less smart attire e.g. plumbers in jumpsuits and receptionist in blazer and pink tshirt. This suggests that Doc Martin is more dominant and the locals more subordinate due to the fact that he is dressed like someone of a higher social/class status suggesting he is in charge of the working class dressed locals. This supports Strauss' theory of binary opposites as it shows one regional group as subordinate (west country) due to their working class attire and on group as dominant (Londoners) due to his higher status attire.

In the extract camerawork is used to portray regional identity through its use of a shot reverse shot. In the first scene of this extract there is a shot reverse shot used during the dialogue between Doc Martin and the two plumbers, the plumbers are shown together in a two shot whereas Doc Martin is alone. This could possibly be a continuation of the stereotype that Londoners (Martin) have poorer social skills and are more isolated/individualistic than people from other regions, which is supported by the closeness of the other two characters which may show a more collectivist culture. This supports Strauss' theory of binary opposites as it is implied that the regional identity of the two sets juxtapose each other by displaying differences of culture. In the extract camerawork is used to portray regional identity through it use of a panning shot. This occurs when introducing the policeman into the extract . The use of a panning shot in this scene is used to show the whole uniform cementing the idea that he is an authority figure, however Doc Martin shows a complete disregard for this as he rudely interrupts the policeman as he begins talking and leaves. This could imply that Doc Martin believes himself above a small town policeman as he comes from a respected area, reinforcing the stereotype that people from big cities have less respect for those in less "important" locations. In the extract editing is used to portray regional identity through In the extract editing is used to portray regional identity through