Luther Codes and Conventions

 It is a crime drama but has aspects of other genres and sub-genres such as thriller, low-key lighting, intense music and drama cross cutting. Horror, graphic murder scenes and jump-scares. Psychological, Luthers analysis of why Alice committed the crime. It is also the whodunit subgenera of a crime drama which features a complex, plot-driven story in which the reader is provided with clues from which the identity of the perpetrator of the crime may be deduced before the solution is revealed at the end of the book.

It is located in the city therefore meaning more crime and more opportunity for crime, typical setting are police stations, interrogation rooms and industrial areas which is typically the 'darker' side of the city. Locations tie in with the crime drama genre e.g. deserted warehouse to create a feeling of isolation and threat, typical UK street to suggest anyone could fall victim to the crimes committed.

Props used to construct the crime drama genre, creating verisimilitude e.g. police tape, cars, interview recording equipment.

Lighting is dark to signify the dark themes of the programme.

Could be described as an inverted detective story because we know who the murderer is from the outset.

- The narrative contains non-linear elements in the form of flash backs to the Henry Madsen case.

- Some of Propp’s character types are evident in the episode E.g. hero, villain, side kick, dispatcher, donor, but due to the complex nature of the characters, they do not fit precisely.

- The set episode contains a number of narrative strands e.g. the murder, Luther’s relationship with Zoe. The end of the episode sees only partial narrative resolution due to the ongoing nature of the series.

Close ups used to show character’s emotion & to highlight items of importance e.g. close up of the Morgan’s dog covered in blood to suggest its significance. Camera framing of Luther often includes lots of empty space to signify a sense of isolation. Diegetic sound is used to construct the crime drama genre e.g. through ambient sounds such as sirens & recognisable police dialogue. Non diegetic sound is used to create tension and to create atmosphere. The use of fast paced editing and cross cutting during the scene where Luther chases Henry Madsen to create tension and excitement.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Women in the 1950's

Charity Advertisements

Music video unseen text