Analysing Skins

1)     1) In the opening scene we first see a character lying on a bed. Judging by the bed covers, we immediately assume he is a very sexually active teenager. It is also revealed to us that he takes care of himself and likes to look good. During his workout, music is played that would be stereotypical for teenagers to listen to. The stereotypical perception continues as we see a girl, Tony’s sister, walking home in a lot of makeup, smeared lipstick and revealing clothing. When we are introduced to the father, we immediately assume it is a middle class family, judging by his continuous need to swear. We see that Tony is not in a lower class family as his seemingly expensive stereo system is shown, as well as his high-end phone which lower class families may not have the purchasing power to buy. We are introduced to his friends via him talking to them on the phone, they too seem to follow the sexual lifestyle, especially as one of the friends he talks to is in bed with company. His friends to a decent amount of swearing as well, showing they are middle class families as well. The location is shown to us via following Tony’s journey to a destination where he invites his girlfriend and best friend, to plan to lose his friend’s virginity. The area seems middle classed also, and the fact that he uses public transportation adds to this effect.

2)      2) Skins shows realism in the way the characters communicate, and their relationships towards each other. However, the lifestyle they seem to lead, completely concentrating on their sex life, shows a lack of realism and is there purely for entertainment purposes. Realism is also shown throughout the episode in various sections, such as when Anwar’s mobile phone goes off in the mosque. This would be frowned upon in real life, as it is by his uncle. The storyline also shows some realism, such as when Sid is sent to buy drugs – something teenagers may be associated with. The quality of a dramatic sequence can depend on various things, ranging from sound to character interaction to editing techniques. Skins appears to get all of these right. Sound is used not only to set the mood via music, but also to build on the personality of the characters. For example, when Tony is singing at first we assume it’s non diegetic when in fact it is. Editing also plays a big part in the quality of skins. For example, when Tony is talking on the phone to multiple friends, the transitioning between the cuts seem smooth and practical which adds to the entertainment value.