Reprisentation of British life in 'Red Riding'.

From the start of '1980' British life is represented as violent, argumentative and depressive. When shooting the footage the lighting was dark as it was 'more forgiving'. The characters are dressed in dull clothing lacking colour and eccentricity. The mise en scene contributes, as the story follows the hunt for the infamous Yorkshire Ripper; the darkness and depressive atmosphere help get this across. Police brutality is shown at the start of the scene during an argument between two central characters, the room they're in appears abandoned and dangerous. There is a mirror behind the policeman; a mirror represents self-knowledge, he is facing the mirror highlighting his vanity and power. In reference to the title, Yorkshire was traditionally divided into North, East and West Ridings. When West Yorkshire emerged in 1974 the previous police force combined to create one new authority. This was a period of jealousy and feuds. This time of social change was shown in '1980' during the interrogation.
'The male characters strength and weaknesses are associated with sex, violence and alcohol - a stereotypical mix of the qualities of masculinity in the North of England'.