Utopia Textual Analysis

Season 1 Episode 1



The first shot of the program is an establishing shot. It shows the viewer that the setting of the story is in an isolated area, where there may be secrets or conspiracies. The colours are vivid and the weather is calm, which could put the reader either at ease or on edge. The dominant colour is yellow, which is a colour that is quite consistent throughout the show.

This is an extreme close-up and there is a selective focus. This directs the viewer's attention towards the bag and gives it some importance. The colour yellow is prominent yet again in this scene.

This is a wide angle and mid-shot, so the viewer can see everything, but the focus is selective so the viewer is paying attention to the character sat the forefront. This makes the act of violence more sudden and shocking for the viewer, and increases the tension. 

This is an extreme close-up. This suggests to the viewer that the object is of importance. The post-it note opens slowly, as if revealing something important, which creates tension and atmosphere.

The character at the forefront is wearing a suit, which has connotations of formality and importance. This suggests that the character is skilled at killing, and that it is his job. There is selective focus on the suited character, signifying that the character he just killed is irrelevant to him and the storyline. This shows the violence of not only the character, but also the show.