CUFFS: REAL LIFE

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

The police officers are dressed in costumes so that we can recognise them as authentic policemen, like police officers in real life wear uniforms so that we can recognise them. When Jake, Ryan, Donna, and Lino get together for lunch, they all wear the same uniform, which symbolises how authentic being a police officer is. They also drive police cars with sirens, which is stereotypical of cops because it is an important aspect of their profession. The entire wardrobe and mise en scene is incredibly authentic, and it helps the viewer figure out who plays who a more dominate role in the police force.

They are also shown in authentic settings with natural lighting, emphasising the fact that they are extremely real and present. The lighting isn't overly dramatic; it's always quite natural and realistic, emphasising how genuine these characters are. Their setting (Brighton) demonstrates that it is a very genuine and current day environment where we see ordinary people going about their daily lives, such as in the digger scene where citizens are fleeing. This is realistic because in that situation, people would generally flee a crime scene armed with a crow bar and robbers.

he usage of shot and reverse shot, as well as continuous editing, gives the impression that the scene is real and does not bring attention to its artificiality. The camera pans about the cast as if it were a real person standing there, panning and looking at what's going on. In addition, the camera is extremely close to the characters for example when there is police chase the camera runs closely behind this causes the audience to interact and emphasis with the people like Jack and Ryan due the camera manipulating us to almost think we are with them.

Depending on how an audience interprets the deployment of a strong female police officer, it may undermine the feeling of realism. This is due to the fact that strong characters are almost typically played by men. If Lino was the major person in that connection, Donna being healthier, braver, and on the whole better than Lino would be less sparkling and acknowledged.  This contrast the stereotypical role of the man always being more dominate and better overall.

those who empathise with the camaraderie of the police officers enjoying lunch and can see themselves in similar conversations may find the extract more realistic. They are polite and conversational, just like most police officers. Donna taunts Lino about having double lunch on Wednesdays and having 'Nona's lasagne stuck in your teeth,' making light-hearted remarks about his Italian ancestry. This is relatable for home viewers who can relate to the witty insults and banter. It also implies how true to life and pure the extract is.