Peaky Blinders-Media language

Question 1

Gangster conventions-Importance of family loyalty

Answer 1

The Shelbys are devoted to protecting and securing their family

No matter who the enemy is, the law or other gangs

Question 2

Episode 1

Answer 2

Main Conflict: Tommy’s robbery backfires, bringing Campbell to Birmingham

Threats Established: The IRA, Communists, rival gangs

The family must stick together to survive

Romance & Betrayal Teased: Grace as an undercover agent catches Tommy’s eye

Question 3

Intertextuality

Answer 3

Western Genre References (Opening scene)

• Tommy rides through the city like a lone cowboy.
  -Townspeople hide but later observe the drama.

Question 4

Visual codes-Clothing

Answer 4

Shelby brothers – tailored suits & pocket watches = power, ambition

Contrast with labourers’ simple, worn clothes

Question 5

Visual codes-Iconography and setting

Answer 5

Opening scene: Tommy riding through Small Heath = reputation established

Industrial poverty but filled with energy, not despair

Question 6

Technical codes

Answer 6

Tracking shots – Follow characters through the gritty streets

Editing – Creates tension (e.g. Tommy vs. Arthur, Tommy vs. Polly)

Question 7

Audio codes-Dialogue

Answer 7

Tommy = few but powerful words

Campbell = talkative contrast

Question 8

Audio codes-Music

Answer 8

Punk/rock songs (from 60 years later) give a modern twist to the period setting

Shows timeless emotions & aspirations

Punk’s energy mirrors Tommy’s controlled rage