The use of editing in this extract of ‘The Bill’ presents the idea that in multicultural societies, though racism does occur, there can be equality, especially in official environments such as the police station while still being aware of and acknowledging the races of others. This is mainly conveyed through the juxtaposition and sequencing of camera shots together displaying interactions between characters of varying racial backgrounds.
The editing of shots together in the main interviewing sequence also presents the view of the law enforcement as an accepting area, and the support of equality between races. The scene begins with a close up of the Asian girl and her father, whose turban is an example of the mise-en-scene being used to clearly display racial and religious background. She is in the foreground, displaying the focus of attention on during the interview. This shot is alternated with an opposing shot of the two police officers. The shots, though of opposite sides and presenting different levels of authority, are equally levelled and therefore convey a form of impartiality towards race. The focus appears to be around the dynamic of the police officers and the girl being interviewed, even though the dialogue is discussing race.
The sequencing of the shots in the beginning of this extract juxtaposes the different positioning of the characters. An Asian young woman is positioned lower than the two police officers, which establishes her as in less of a position of authority. However, the following longer shot with more natural movement shows her standing and moving between the police officers, conveying her confidence while discussing her race. As panning, rather than cutting is used from the Asian girl to the female police officer, who is also Asian, with the white male character positioned between them, this could signify that he is unwilling to be involved. This is supported by the fact that he only speaks when the Asian girl being questioned leaves the room. This could present the idea that the two Asian female characters may be more comfortable communicating with each other; a possible suggestion that we relate to those of the same race to us a greater extent.
However, the introduction of a series of short over the shoulder shots between the Asian girl and the white male police officer become more fast paced, building the intensity of the debate between them. This creates a focus on the conflict between the two characters of different races as only they are in frame in these shots. However, the end of their argument is followed by a close up and positive reaction shot of the Asian female police officer and the pace of the shots slows again, staying on the Asian girls face as the man states that he doesn’t “do racism.” Though the girl is still visibly annoyed, the decrease in the pace of shots after their conflict reflects her acceptance that it is an equal environment.
The sound of the Asian girl’s dialogue describing racism that she has suffered is overlaid on a close up shot panning towards the Asian police officer. This clearly displays her reaction as sympathetic to the girl and the focus on her character suggests that she may relate to the girl’s situation. The juxtaposition of two close ups displaying the police officers looking to the side at each other while the white male officer says “interracial harmony” could demonstrate their acknowledgment of the difference in their races but also their continued acceptance and the equality between each other. However, it could alternatively and less positively display the separation felt between each other due to prejudice based on race, as two separate shots are used consecutively rather than one, more unified shot of them both framed together.
In conclusion, while the Asian girl in this extract frequently discusses racial prejudice, the white male character dismisses these claims, which is supported by the use of alternating shots of all characters on an equal levelled positioning. However, as the white male character is displayed as an authoritative presence (for example ending the argument successfully), his views towards race are generally presented as correct, even though his perspective may be affected by his white privilege and the white normative societal view.
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