The Bridge

AS/A Level Media Studies - Set Product Fact Sheet

The Bridge (Season 3 Episode 1, 2015)

Section A: Television in the Global Age

PRODUCT CONTEXT

  • Title: The Bridge (Bron/Broen)

  • A notable A Level option for Section A: Television in the Global Age alongside Peaky Blinders.

    • First episode of Series 3 aired in the UK on BBC Four at 9 PM on November 21, 2015.

  • Genre: Scandinavian sub-genre of crime drama (Nordic Noir).

    • Title refers to the Oresund Bridge, symbolizing collaboration between Danish and Swedish police forces.

    • Initially sparked by a body discovery in the bridge's midpoint in Series 1.

  • Production: Co-production between Filmlance International and Nimbus Film.

  • Historical Context: Follows the success of other Nordic Noir dramas like The Killing and Wallander.

    • Four series aired from 2011 to 2018.

  • Plot Overview: Series 3 opens with the murder of Helle Anker, a Danish gender campaigner and pre-school owner.

    • Swedish detective Saga Norén is partnered with Hanne.

    • Tension arises from Saga's past, where her actions put her previous Danish partner, Martin, in jail.

PART 1: STARTING POINTS – Media Language

  • Definition of Genre: A genre is a type of media product integral for producers to convey messages effectively to audiences.

    • Understanding genre allows for effective marketing and sets audience expectations.

  • Crime Drama Conventions:

    • Narrative Structure:

    • Commonly revolves around solving a crime.

    • Utilizes traditional structures, including:

      • Linear: Identifies the disruption leading to resolution (Todorov's theory).

      • Non-linear: Manipulates time/space, typically through flashbacks.

      • Inverted narratives: Reveals criminal acts at the onset.

      • Restricted narratives: Holds information back from the audience.

    • In The Bridge, a flexi-narrative can be observed, with interweaving storylines challenging the audience.

    • Character Complexity: Characters demonstrate intricate dynamics and development throughout the series.

    • Narrative Disruptions: Changes in storyline due to impactful events or character revelations.

    • Binary Oppositions: Include themes like good vs. evil; cultural contrasts of Sweden vs. Denmark alongside familial structures.

    • Typical Plot Situations: Incorporates discoveries such as body findings, arrests, suspect interrogations, and climactic denouement.

    • Unique elements influenced by Saga's characterization.

    • Story Arcs and Narrative Strands: Involves multiple themes, including personal history, team dynamics, ongoing crimes, and associated enigmas.

    • Stock Characters: Hierarchal roles often include detectives, suspects, and victims, emphasizing tension and plot progression through character pairings.

    • Setting: Familiar locations contribute to atmospheric branding and audience recognition, ranging from police stations to unique urban landscapes.

Theoretical Approach: Narratology - Todorov

  • Narrative Structure: All narratives transit from equilibrium to disruption (disequilibrium), followed by a new equilibrium.

    • Initial equilibrium in The Bridge introduces key characters in stable roles.

    • Body discovery disrupts this equilibrium, establishing enigma codes for audience engagement.

  • Story Arcs: Complex narratives unfold across episodes, culminating in cliffhangers like the series-opening explosion that injures Hanne and introduces Henrik.

  • Genre Conventions:

    • Analyze societal reflections and historical dynamism that are present within genre transitions.

    • Nordic Noir includes dark tones, moral ambiguity, and tension-laden storytelling.

PART 2: STARTING POINTS – Representation

  • Representation Construction: Media language elements aid in representing social ideas through technical codes (camerawork, audio), iconography, and cultural narratives.

  • Ideological Significance: Reflects prevailing cultural attitudes and invites audience reflection, especially concerning gender fluidity.

    • Feminist discourse challenges traditional patriarchal views within societal constructs.

  • Character Representation:

    • Saga Norén: Depicted as a hardcore investigator with social challenges, contributing both male and female traits in a typically patriarchal occupation.

    • Flawed, complex, and often literal in communication.

    • Hanne Thomsen: Experienced detective characterized as competent without sexualization, contrasting societal norms.

    • Lise Friis Anderson: Reflects wealth and influence, presenting an ideological juxtaposition to Helle's character.

  • Masculinity Representation:

    • Men shown in supportive, nurturing roles, challenging traditional power dynamics in detective narratives.

Theoretical Approaches: Feminist Theory - bell hooks and Van Zoonen

  • bell hooks challenges patriarchal hegemony within The Bridge's representations.

  • Van Zoonen's theory on gender construct reflects dynamic portrayals throughout the narrative, ensuring audience consideration of shifting societal norms.

Theoretical Approach: Gender Performativity - Judith Butler

  • Butler prompts examination of gender identity as performative within The Bridge, exploring dialogue and character behavior around gender discourses.

PART 3: STARTING POINTS – Media Industries

  • Global Impact: The Bridge benefits from global distribution, increasing accessibility via subtitles and establishing a Nordic Noir brand on BBC Four.

  • Co-Production: International collaborations influence production quality and budget, ensuring high standards through shared responsibilities.

  • Staffing: Employments and contributions highlight economic contexts; notably, the inclusion of local crews from Sweden and Denmark.

PART 4: STARTING POINTS – Audiences

  • Targeting Audiences: Attracts niche BBC Four viewers, enhancing reception based on demographic and cultural experiences.

  • Cultural Reflections: Creates dialogues on gender and relationships, varying interpretations shaped by cultural backgrounds and prevailing issues.

  • Reception Theory (Stuart Hall):

    • Various audience interpretations may arise from intentional acceptance to oppositional readings concerning overall narrative engagement and character relatability.

PART 5: STARTING POINTS – Media Contexts

  • Social and Cultural Influences: Changing gender norms and representations are reflected in the characters and narratives, revealing the show's contemporary relevance.

  • Historical Context: Illustrating historical fictive shifts in ideology, challenging traditional representations, and how society influences media constructions.

  • Economic Contexts: Co-productions symbolize shared risks, while established codes help attract global viewership amidst evolving genre conventions.

Acknowledgements

  • All quotes from dialogue taken from The Bridge Episode 1, Series 3.

  • Original Broadcaster: SVT1 (Sweden), DR1 (Denmark)

  • UK Broadcaster: BBC Four