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Textual Analysis of Pickpockets & Proud :

Channel 5 Documentary:

 Pickpockets & Proud:
I choose this show as it's similar to On Benefits & Proud as it takes on an observatory role as it doesn't interfere with the sample the researcher is observing. This technique is what I want to repeat for my own documentary. Both documentaries I have chosen to analyse focus on vulnerable groups, that are working class. 

 Due to their similarities both Pickpockets & Proud and On Benefits & Proud have similar genre conventions; which allows me to understand the aspects of an observatory documentary.

 Genre Conventions: (Opening Sequence)

  • Eyeline match shots, to show immediately the subject of the documentary and engage the audience.
  • Medium long shots of the most interesting people in the show, and the most vulnerable people e.g criminals. (This engages the audience)
  • Group shots to show the setting of the documentary, and show the appearances of the people the documentary follows. (this helps determine the target audience).
  • Use of loud diegetic sound to create a busy atmosphere, and hint to the fast-paced narrative, this therefore attracts a younger audience.
  • Panning shots to establish the setting, but the quick pace of the camera work creates a sense of mystery and lack of identity to the actual whereabouts of the documentary.
  • Montage editing at the beginning to show what will happen in the episode, continuity editing throughout most of the show to create a sense of realism.
  • Diegetic sound to create a sense of realism and show the reality of the places the show is set.
  • Use of iconography of buildings, and buses to show the documentary is set in England; relates to British audiences.
  • All the shots are objective, apart from the eyeline shots or over the shoulder shots; this creates a separation between the documentary crew and the people they are observing.
Theory application:

 Similarly to On Benefits & Proud David Gauntlett's theory of identity can be applied to this show, as it focuses on working-class men; this use of inscription directly targets the show's audience and allows the audience member to relate to aspects of the show. However, the lack of variety in the sample the documentary follows fails to broaden the target audience which could be seen as a negative aspect of the show; however, could also allow the show to focus more on a realistic representation of the sample.

 Stuart Hall's theory of representation can be in highlighted through the use of media language in the programme that is used to construct a representation of the working-class men. The use of alliteration in the title of the show portrays the men in the show as confident and impressed with their crimes, which would most likely anger a mainstream millennial audience who would look down on these people as criminals. The use of continuity editing demonstrates a cause and effect style to the narrative, therefore shows the consequences of the pickpocket's' actions, and shows them as being proud of their crimes. Hall's idea of the use of media language enforcing dominant beliefs or representations is apparent here, as the show enforces the idea that many working-class men are criminals.

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