Capital Case Study

 

Capital 

Reviews and features

1) What positive points does the review pick out about Capital? What criticisms are made - either of the TV drama or the original novel?

It discusses the challenges that are currently taking place and happening in modern London. Issues like islamophobia, immigrants and family issues.

2) What references can you find in the reviews and feature to the idea Capital is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama? How does it capture modern-day London?

Capital portrays London in such a way that the audience can interact with the atmosphere and have a personal connection to the characters. This is thanks to the varied casting and the customers' ability to adapt to their lifestyle and mannerisms.


Trailer analysis

1) How does the drama use camerawork to capture London life?

The trailer makes extensive use of crane shots to capture the ideal London landscapes. In one of the clips, we see a middle shot of an underground train station, emphasising how immense  London's industry is.

2) How does the trailer use mise-en-scene to capture the family element of the drama?

The frantic scene in which Arabella yells furiously at her husband depicts what it is like for couples behind closed doors. Roger is well-dressed in a suit; based on his attire, we can deduce that he is financially secure and perhaps middle-class.

3) How does the trailer introduce narrative strands suggesting tension or enigma in the 40-second running time?   

 Another enigma code is a shot of Quentina in a police cell, feeling frantic. It begs the question of who she is and why she is imprisoned. The trailer's quick tempo captures the frantic pace of London life.                                                                               

 

Episode 1 preview for Capital:

1) What does this preview clip suggest about the potential sub-genres for Capital?

According to the preview video, the possible sub-genres for capital are suspense, crime, and humour.

2) What elements of the clip might suggest this is a 'state-of-the-nation' drama?

"Good finding out there's islamophobia, forget about it." Islamophobia and xenophobia are very real social problems in today's world, and the clip reflects this strongly.

3) How does this provide realism and familiarity for audiences?

The viewers who are from London can refer to the corner shop. The clips shot in the shop make us feel as if we're really there. Also, the fact that it is run by an Asian male, which we can relate to because we see it on a regular basis in London.

4) How is the audience positioned to respond to the different characters in this particular sequence?

Some may be offended by how racist prejudices have been strengthened, such as the Asian shopkeeper, because there are some wealthy Asians who live in London and have higher-paying jobs than those shown in the film.

Watch the Episode 2 preview for Capital:

1) How does this clip represent upper-middle-class family life?

The clip depicts the upper middle class as people who have a lot of money and prestige and can afford an extravagant house and a nanny to look after their children.

2) What narrative strands are suggested in this sequence?

The conflict between Roger and his wife is the implicit plot stand in this series. This is conveyed by their animosity toward one another, which could foreshadow potential tension in the story.

3) How is the audience positioned to respond to Roger Yount, the main character?

Roger seems to be a caring individual as he takes over, filling the dishwasher so Matya can play with the boys. He says, 'it's nice to do this once in a blue moon,' implying that he never does the laundry, making his behaviour more caring.

Representations: close-textual analysis

1) Write an analysis of the representations in each of the key scenes from episode 1 we studied in the lesson:

Scene 1: opening sequence 00:30 – 4.49

London's gentrification.

The cost of housing has made Londoners "millionaires."

The role of immigrants in London's diversity

Scene 2: work in the City 6.28 – 8.10

The boss's office makes him seem rich.

Scene 3: “Which of those isn’t absolutely essential?” 14.00 – 15.35

Traditional gender roles and family structure - Roger is the main breadwinner 

Scene 4: asylum 18.03 – 19.42 AND 31.10 – 32.40

It's controversial that they used a black female lawyer in the show to demonstrate the richness and reform in contemporary London culture, yet another black female is seeking asylum.

Scene 5: “What use is 30 grand?” 36.40 – 39.00

Roger being absolutely ruined by a 30 grand payout reveals his white supremacy.

Scene 6: life at the corner shop 40.10 – 42.55
The Kamal family crammed around a small dinner table, including their mother in Pakistan via video call. In comparison, we never see Roger's family gathered around a table for dinner.

2) How does Capital use stereotypes? Do the characters and issues represented in Capital reinforce or subvert the stereotypes we typically see in the media?

Capital challenges some of today's misconceptions, such as how some Muslims are portrayed negatively because some people mistake them for 'terrorists.' However, in Capital, the Kammal family defies assumptions by portraying themselves as a hardworking and caring family.


Industries and production context

1) Who is the parent company for Kudos?

Banijay UK

2) What was the breakthrough show for Kudos in 2002?

Spooks, winner of a BAFTA.

3) What other TV dramas have Kudos produced? What awards have they won?

-Man In An Orange Shirt

-Grantchester S3

-Two Weeks Live

4) What audience pleasures does the showreel suggest Kudos productions offer? 

Kudos productions are diverse in style and cater to a diverse audience. It serves as both a source of amusement and a means of surveillance.


Marketing and promotion

1) How does the programme information on page 3 make Capital sound interesting to audiences?

It is relatable to the residents of London because of the busy lives and the diverse groups that exist in the area.

2) Why does the programme information mention the other shows that the director and producer have worked on?

This showcases their work and will entice viewers to watch Capital if they have already enjoyed the producer's other TV shows.

3) Who commissioned Capital for BBC?

Charlotte Moore

4) What does he say about the character of Roger?

He claims that Roger's character is not evil; he may be arrogant, but he is a complex banker, and his life is full of minor concerns.

5) What does he suggest Capital says about the fictional Pepys Road and the sense of community (or lack of it) in London?

Capital considers the idea, as well as the fact that they are both a part of something greater than themselves. It examines the concept of a group and what it means to be a part of one, regardless of one's context. One of the issues is that certain members of a group are excluded from it.

6) What does she say about Asian representations in Britain? 

Shabana Azmi claims it is a realistic depiction of an Asian family, and that many communities are beginning to value different cultures.

7) What are his favourite scenes in the drama and why?

Roger has to look after his children and he saw how his life is changing.

8) Read the interview with Derek Wax, the Executive Producer for Kudos (page 16). Why did he produce Capital and what does it say about the way we live now?

Derek Wax, the executive producer for Kudos, clarified that he made Capital because it captured the spirit of London and all of its challenges today.