Discuss the ways in which the extract constructs the representation of sexuality using camera, editing, sound and mies-en-scene.

For sound, there are many non-dietetic sounds used in the extract that accompany the situation of each scene. For example, cool, slow and laid back music is played when multiple shots of Brighton are shown in the beginning. This is to create a sense to the audience that Brighton is an easy, relaxed, fresh, open and young place to go. It accompanies the extract well because the main characters are young.

Also, there are moments of non-diegetic slow, sexy, groovy and loud club music is used when an attractive characters such as Sugar or the mechanic are introduced. This kind of music is used to show the audience that these characters are very attractive and cool, and this further promotes the general idea in western society that we have great bodies and be attractive. The music also shows that Kim isn’t sure of her sexuality, because the music in both instances suggests that she is sexually interested in both Sugar and the mechanic. This creates more drama and continuity for the audience.

For Mise-en-scene, Sugar rush is filmed in Brighton which is said to be Gay capital of England. So this area would be suitable for the elements of this drama.

Also, Kim’s mum dresses glamorous and is also very sexual and is a binary opposite to Kim who dresses quite plain and regular, Kim doesn’t make much of an effort to look attractive unlike her mum.

Also, Kim and Sugar show a contrast through their personality and clothing. Sugar is wearing a pink and red bright jacket while Kim wears a dark green parker that is less feminine, which projects the sexuality difference of Kim and Sugar. Pink and red are usually associated as being bright feminine colours that represents the party girl, wild personality she has and how her feminine like character will attract the opposite sex. Kim is wearing her dark green parker, an army green represents a more male, strong “butch” personality. Kim and Sugar are shown as binary opposites, even thought they’re both school girls.

Overall, I think that this extract portrays lesbians in a more positive way as the producers of the show are not afraid that the show will not be successful if they have various representations. Having gay and lesbian characters allows the show to target a wider audience rather then one particular type. Homosexuality is still seen to be a very controversial topic in society as many people still believe it is a wrong thing, however society has accepted it and the representation has developed drastically as opposed to before the 1960s when it was frowned upon. There are other homosexual characters in other teen TV dramas such as seasons 3 and 4 in Skins. By having these representations it decreases homophobia and allows people to become more open about their sexuality. This show also challenges the heterosexual preference for society that the media has created ore the years.