MEDIA P2 CSP DETAIL (Capital) Flashcards
(16 cards)
What does Roger mean when he says, “What use is thirty grand?”
He reflects entitlement and the distorted values of the financial elite. Shows how out of touch the wealthy are with working-class realities.
Theorist Link: Baudrillard – money becomes symbolic rather than necessary.
Theme: Capitalism, inequality, entitlement
How does Arabella’s quote “We need a nanny, and a car, and the renovation – which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” reflect class values?
Demonstrates the upper-middle class normalizing luxury as necessity.
Theorist Link: Stuart Hall – constructs a privileged, consumption-driven female identity.
Theme: Gender roles, class privilege, materialism.
What is the significance of Quentina saying “I was a doctor. In Zimbabwe.”?
Highlights exploitation of migrants and loss of professional identity.
Theorist Link: bell hooks – intersectionality of race, gender, and class.
Theme: Immigration, injustice, identity loss.
What does Petunia’s line “It used to be just us. Now I don’t know anyone anymore.” suggest about urban change?
Reflects alienation caused by gentrification and loss of community.
Theorist Link: David Gauntlett – changing environments challenge stable identity.
Theme: Gentrification, nostalgia, disconnection.
What message does Ahmed Kamal convey by saying “We are part of this street. We’re not going anywhere.”?
Affirms belonging and defends immigrant identity amid hostility.
Theorist Link: Stuart Hall – positive representation of multicultural British identity.
Theme: Community, inclusion, resistance.
What does the police officer’s quote “You’ve got no right to work in this country” reveal?
Demonstrates systemic injustice against undocumented migrants.
Theorist Link: Althusser – state control through Ideological State Apparatus.
Theme: Power, surveillance, social exclusion.
What is the significance of the anonymous postcard message “We want what you have”?
Symbolizes resentment and class tension; it’s a polysemic message.
Theorist Link: Barthes – myth and semiotics; message open to multiple interpretations.
Theme: Class conflict, envy, fear of the other.
What does the opening sequence with Petunia reveal about London life?
Shows gentrification and shifting class dynamics. Petunia’s memories contrast with modern changes, invoking loss and nostalgia.
Media Language: Montage, nostalgic music (“Losing You”).
Theme: Change, aging, community erosion.
How does Roger’s work scene reflect capitalism?
Highlights the disconnection of the financial elite from real-world problems.
Media Language: Crane shots of London, bright artificial lighting.
Theme: Privilege, inequality, urban divide.
What does Arabella and Roger’s discussion about “essentials” tell us about class?
It critiques upper-class entitlement and materialism.
Media Language: Dialogue-driven scene.
Theme: Gender roles, lifestyle expectations, luxury.
What is shown through Quentina’s living and working conditions?
Portrays exploitation of migrants and contrast with white-collar privilege.
Media Language: Chaotic mise-en-scène, noisy vs silent environments.
Theme: Immigration, inequality, power imbalance.
What techniques are used in the “What use is 30 grand?” scene to reflect Roger’s state of mind?
Shaky camera, flashbacks, and close-ups emphasize disbelief and detachment from reality.
Theme: Wealth, dissatisfaction, distorted values.
What does the Kamal family’s corner shop represent?
It’s a symbol of warmth, community, and immigrant resilience.
Media Language: Warm lighting, festive decor, positive soundscape.
Theme: Multiculturalism, hope, family values.
Who produced Capital and what type of drama is it?
Produced by Kudos (subsidiary of Endemol Shine Group), known for character-driven British dramas.
Where was Capital broadcast and what audience did it reach?
Aired on BBC One – reached a wide UK audience, offering mainstream engagement with topics like class and immigration.
How was Capital received by critics?
It was praised for its nuanced depiction of modern London life and diverse social issues like gentrification, race, and inequality.
