Within TV Dramas (and teen dramas in particular) death and gender are often presented in certain ways. Predominantly, teen dramas highly emphasise classic stereotypes. The writers behind Hollyoaks are extremely clever in how they use shots and objects to symbolise a certain message that they wish to present. Max’s death was a scene that was remembered by fans of Hollyoaks as a tragedy. The director has created an effective atmosphere using all aspects of production: characters, costume, sound, camera angles, mise-en-scene and more.
By macro analysing how men are presented in the scene, it becomes apparent that Hollyoaks is a teen drama that utilises the conventions mentioned earlier. One of the most dominant connotations of Max’s character is that he is a saviour – carried through by the fact he was hit by a car after pushing his brother out of the way. This action holds implications of the traditional perspective that men are masculine and strong. Max’s best on-screen friend rushes to the scene and their interactions portray a traditional relationship between close friends with a contemporary twist:
“I love you!”
“Don’t be gay, mate!”
This shows not only that the characters are relatable but also that the cast and crew behind Hollyoaks ensure that the drama keeps us with the trends and general feel of the times to keep the show as contemporary and popular as possible. OB (the best friend), although distressed, is controlled and focused on the situation which is how psychologists suggest men generally react to a stressor which again reinforces the traditional 'masculine' role of men. Another example to back up this point is the fact that the scene is male dominated; suggesting that men are more prepared to deal with this kind of situation.
A micro analysis of the representation of men only reinforces the 'saviour' perspective of Max as the cinematographer has used low angle shots and various vital parts of the scene are edited into slow motion.
In a similar style, Hollyoaks have used the cliché of the damsel in distress to portray Steph (the new wife of Max) as she realises what has happened. As it is their wedding day, the actress is in a white, puffy dress implicating innocence and perfection – as this style of dress is popular in fairy tales. Steph is the picture of the 'perfect' woman; somebody that the majority of men fantasize about - blonde hair, good figure etc. This seems to make the situation even more devastating. The hysteria exerted by the only female character in the scene implicates that women cannot cope with high emotions or need a man to help control their feelings - however, her dominance in the scene (white contrasted with their black suits and the fact that her outfit is so big compared to theirs and also the sound of her screams and crying dominates over any other sound.) suggests that women are an significant figure in the men’s life. Again, the fact that the audience can see that she is the only girl shows how important the day of her wedding/his death is.
As before, a micro analysis is useful to strengthen points that have been raised whilst looking at the macro analysis. Likewise to how editing parts of the drama into slow motion helped to portray Max as a saviour; in this instance it helps to prove the helplessness of Steph's situation and also shows the fact that she can't understand or believe what has happened to her new husband. The nature and grass also visible in the mise-en-scene also juxtaposes the situation in the scene and reflects how beautiful Steph looks. The low angle also implicates that Steph is nothing without Max - or to generalise, woman feel empty when they lose/break up with their partners.
Obviously, death is a major part in this clip. However, the cast have to be careful not to glamorise it too much as shows like these have a reputation of influencing younger viewers (for example, if there is an anorexia storyline, schools have reported an increase in the number of students reporting having an eating disorder.) Nevertheless, if they can't make it too disturbing as the programme is shown before the watershed at 9pm.
Hollyoaks has been clever in presenting death as a tragedy. The fact that everybody in the mise-en-scene is crying or screaming in anguish represents the pain of family members and friends (deterring viewers from anything extreme). However it doesn't want to scare the viewers into giving them a phobia of death; therefore, it attempts to make it optimistic. The music and angles implicate heaven or the fact that Max was 'going to a better place.' The nature (also used to compliment Stephs beauty) in the mise-en-scene also reflects peace, stating that death is not always painful. Although the cast didn't want to glorify death too much, it does tend to 'prettify' it to an extent, the fact that Max is not covered in blood also may give the impression that it's not dangerous and that everyone will look beautiful in death.
The micro-analysis also gives a certain optimism to death. There is a birds-eye view of the situation, which although giving distance to the characters from the audience, but it gives the impression that Max is watching them from above/in heaven. The slow motion used frequently in this clip may imitate how everything is meant to slow down moments before death, and also how precious time is. The non-diagetic choir in the background yet again gives an optimism as it is often related to religion, therefore implying that the character that has died is now closer to God. Another important aspect of the clip that plays a major part in the drama's representation of death is that all of the tiny sounds (such as a toy falling to the floor) are intensified. Again, this could be a suggestion that every moment in life is precious and a hint that people should live every day as if it is their last.
In conclusion, Hollyoaks has created an extremely effective if stereotypical representation of both gender and death using most major parts of production. Overall, although the scene is extremely tragic, it holds a positive light and lets the audience know that although it's not a 'happy ending,' they still have something to live and be grateful for.
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