Media Language
The series is visually interesting, constructing a stylised representation of ‘real’ places which
transmit meanings about characters, places and issues. A detailed analysis of different aspects of
mise-en-scene will provide students with a strong foundation to build on in terms of analysing
representations, ideological meanings and audience positioning.

Analysis should include:
• Mise-en-scene analysis
• Semiotics: how images signify cultural meanings
• Postmodernism: Use of pastiche and bricolage

Media Representations
Witnesses provides a range of representational areas to explore from the national and regional to
family structures and gender roles. All of the areas tend to overlap with representations of nation
signified through aspects of ethnicity, religion and class, while the reinforcement and subversion of
gender stereotypes allow students to consider how representations reflect social, cultural and
historical circumstances:

Media Language
The Missing is a complex mainstream television product in which the codes and conventions of
the crime drama are recognisable but they are also challenged and sometimes subverted.
Detailed analysis of this media form including the process through which media language
develops as genre will provide students with an opportunity to understand and reflect on the
dynamic nature of genre.

Analysis should include:
• Mise-en-scene analysis
• Semiotics: how images signify cultural meanings

Media Representations
The Missing provides a range of representational areas to explore; gender, the family, place,
issues, events, class