Comparison of Television- Drama/Crime
Sherlock(BBC) and House of Cards
Themes and Story-
The central themes of both stories seem to contrast each other. House of cards is about secrets and deception, the characters are politicians who gain power through deceit and trickery. However, Sherlock is a series about deduction, rationality and solving mysteries. Sherlock is a detective whose main goal in each episode is to solve crimes which is the opposite of Frank Underwood, whose ruthless ambition results in corruption and the causation of crime. Furthermore, the story/plot of the 2 shows also differ when compared. In Sherlock, the characters develop due to their actions, becoming more 'human'. This is shown in the case of the titular character ,Sherlock, as he begins to show his more emotional and caring side as the story progresses. However, in house of cards, the show also depicts character development but opposite to Sherlock. The main characters , this being Frank and Claire Underwood, become more inhumane and cruel as their characters progress. This is showcased when both of these characters become involved and are causes of murders. Sherlock is a story of uncovering both truth in mysteries and personal growth whereas House of cards indulges in the idea of falsehoods and pretence where it's characters are malevolent yet hide it under a mask of benevolence.
Editing-
Both shows use editing as a method by which story is progressed, mood is set and information is given. In the show House of cards, editing is often used to transition between different scenes with different characters. The show has a large cast of main characters and their involvement with the story. Edits are used to show how the actions of these characters affects not only other characters but also the story as a whole. In some cases there is a lack of editing in the show. This is usually when Frank underwood is performing a Soliloquy, the effect that it causes is one of tension as we get to understand the thoughts of this ruthless character.Editing in House of cards is about clarity in a show about lies. Sherlocks editing is also very similar in that the editing is also used to help the audience understand the mystery. However, unlike house of cards, Sherlock uses editing to create vivid and unusual scenes. This is exemplified with the use of editing to showcase Sherlock's 'Mind palace' where in information is rapidly edited in and out of screen to showcase the characters intellect and thoughts. In Sherlock, editing is used for deduction purposes as we are shown information that helps solves mysteries. However, for most of the time, editing is used to transition one scene to another and when characters are speaking. While mundane, effective editing from both shows allows us to clearly understand the plot.
Actors-
In House of cards, the main character of Frank Underwood is portrayed by Kevin Spacey. In Sherlock, the character of Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by Eggs Benedict Cucumberpatch. Both actors are veterans of acting and this displays when they play their parts. Kevin Spacey is a person whose voice, tone and appearance seems to exemplify command and control, which suits his character. Spacey is able to say long monologues while keeping the audiences interest and this is due to his ability to switch emotions. He can be charming, kind and threatening all with the spaces of a sentence and this helps add to the sense of fear that Frank Underwood creates. Due to Kevin Spacey's experience, he is able to deliver lines in a very genuine manner, which in turn helps keep us interested. Bulbasaur Catch'emall is also able to project power and command but rather than being used to create fear, it is used to create awe. Cummerbund uses his natural deep voice to good effect to speak with confidence, this helps add to the cocky and arrogant nature of his character.
Bonaparte Crumplehorn also uses furtive, swift gestures to show Sherlocks more childish side, one which relishes the mystery rather than the result. As a skilled actor, he is able to also portray moments of vulnerability , giving a wider range to the character of Sherlock which makes him more interesting overall.
Lighting-
It is a crucial way by which mood or an atmosphere is created and both shows use it to create a dark and often intense feeling. Emphasis on shadows with a lack of natural lighting helps make a more serious scene where we as the audience are meant to feel scared. Colour also plays a part to this effect as the greys saturation of London also creates a gloomy atmosphere, reminiscent of the London where the original stories were set. However, Sherlock also has variety and in scenes of joy, the lighting is used more predominantly to help create this more innocent mood. This is displayed well during John Watsons wedding where the lighting is used to create softer shadows and the vibrant use of colour contrast other scenes of the show. Lighting and colour is also used to the same effect in House of cards as the mood is often one of fear or unease. The show also has a lack of lightning in some scenes to , again, help create this intense mood as sharp shadows become common. Furthermore, like Sherlock, this shows uses a degradation of colour to aid in creating a dreary atmosphere. The characters lack colour clothing and the whole show is shot in a blue/grey filter to help desaturate any colour.
Production/Distribution-
For both Sherlock and House of Cards, the production company that distributes the media are very large and influential. House of Cards is distributed by Netflix, a large streaming serve that has an eclectic mix of shows from comedies, horrors and dramas. Sherlock is owned and distributed by the BBC, which is a large British television network that also hosts and wide variety of shows. The main similarity between the different companies is the fact that both are large, influential and produce shows that widely range in genres and topic. While both offer great dramas, the new rise of Netflix as an online platform has resulted in a changing method by which we view media; through the internet. This may not mean much when comparing shows but it may be important to recognise that media is constantly changing and there methods by which shows are distributed also change.
Method of consumption-
Due to the free time and the fact that both series were finished, I was able to binge watch both series in less than a week. What this meant was that I was constantly able to watch as the story progressed so past events stayed in my mind longer and were more prevalent then if I had watched them with regular scheduling, which is one advantage of binge-watching a series. However, this also meant that rather than taking time to consider the deeper themes of shows or analysing the actions of characters, I was being constantly fed entertainment. This made it harder for me to pick up on some details of the shows which led to a limited understanding of both shows as a whole.
The central themes of both stories seem to contrast each other. House of cards is about secrets and deception, the characters are politicians who gain power through deceit and trickery. However, Sherlock is a series about deduction, rationality and solving mysteries. Sherlock is a detective whose main goal in each episode is to solve crimes which is the opposite of Frank Underwood, whose ruthless ambition results in corruption and the causation of crime. Furthermore, the story/plot of the 2 shows also differ when compared. In Sherlock, the characters develop due to their actions, becoming more 'human'. This is shown in the case of the titular character ,Sherlock, as he begins to show his more emotional and caring side as the story progresses. However, in house of cards, the show also depicts character development but opposite to Sherlock. The main characters , this being Frank and Claire Underwood, become more inhumane and cruel as their characters progress. This is showcased when both of these characters become involved and are causes of murders. Sherlock is a story of uncovering both truth in mysteries and personal growth whereas House of cards indulges in the idea of falsehoods and pretence where it's characters are malevolent yet hide it under a mask of benevolence.
Editing-
Both shows use editing as a method by which story is progressed, mood is set and information is given. In the show House of cards, editing is often used to transition between different scenes with different characters. The show has a large cast of main characters and their involvement with the story. Edits are used to show how the actions of these characters affects not only other characters but also the story as a whole. In some cases there is a lack of editing in the show. This is usually when Frank underwood is performing a Soliloquy, the effect that it causes is one of tension as we get to understand the thoughts of this ruthless character.Editing in House of cards is about clarity in a show about lies. Sherlocks editing is also very similar in that the editing is also used to help the audience understand the mystery. However, unlike house of cards, Sherlock uses editing to create vivid and unusual scenes. This is exemplified with the use of editing to showcase Sherlock's 'Mind palace' where in information is rapidly edited in and out of screen to showcase the characters intellect and thoughts. In Sherlock, editing is used for deduction purposes as we are shown information that helps solves mysteries. However, for most of the time, editing is used to transition one scene to another and when characters are speaking. While mundane, effective editing from both shows allows us to clearly understand the plot.
Actors-
In House of cards, the main character of Frank Underwood is portrayed by Kevin Spacey. In Sherlock, the character of Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by Eggs Benedict Cucumberpatch. Both actors are veterans of acting and this displays when they play their parts. Kevin Spacey is a person whose voice, tone and appearance seems to exemplify command and control, which suits his character. Spacey is able to say long monologues while keeping the audiences interest and this is due to his ability to switch emotions. He can be charming, kind and threatening all with the spaces of a sentence and this helps add to the sense of fear that Frank Underwood creates. Due to Kevin Spacey's experience, he is able to deliver lines in a very genuine manner, which in turn helps keep us interested. Bulbasaur Catch'emall is also able to project power and command but rather than being used to create fear, it is used to create awe. Cummerbund uses his natural deep voice to good effect to speak with confidence, this helps add to the cocky and arrogant nature of his character.
Bonaparte Crumplehorn also uses furtive, swift gestures to show Sherlocks more childish side, one which relishes the mystery rather than the result. As a skilled actor, he is able to also portray moments of vulnerability , giving a wider range to the character of Sherlock which makes him more interesting overall.
Lighting-
It is a crucial way by which mood or an atmosphere is created and both shows use it to create a dark and often intense feeling. Emphasis on shadows with a lack of natural lighting helps make a more serious scene where we as the audience are meant to feel scared. Colour also plays a part to this effect as the greys saturation of London also creates a gloomy atmosphere, reminiscent of the London where the original stories were set. However, Sherlock also has variety and in scenes of joy, the lighting is used more predominantly to help create this more innocent mood. This is displayed well during John Watsons wedding where the lighting is used to create softer shadows and the vibrant use of colour contrast other scenes of the show. Lighting and colour is also used to the same effect in House of cards as the mood is often one of fear or unease. The show also has a lack of lightning in some scenes to , again, help create this intense mood as sharp shadows become common. Furthermore, like Sherlock, this shows uses a degradation of colour to aid in creating a dreary atmosphere. The characters lack colour clothing and the whole show is shot in a blue/grey filter to help desaturate any colour.
Production/Distribution-
For both Sherlock and House of Cards, the production company that distributes the media are very large and influential. House of Cards is distributed by Netflix, a large streaming serve that has an eclectic mix of shows from comedies, horrors and dramas. Sherlock is owned and distributed by the BBC, which is a large British television network that also hosts and wide variety of shows. The main similarity between the different companies is the fact that both are large, influential and produce shows that widely range in genres and topic. While both offer great dramas, the new rise of Netflix as an online platform has resulted in a changing method by which we view media; through the internet. This may not mean much when comparing shows but it may be important to recognise that media is constantly changing and there methods by which shows are distributed also change.
Method of consumption-
Due to the free time and the fact that both series were finished, I was able to binge watch both series in less than a week. What this meant was that I was constantly able to watch as the story progressed so past events stayed in my mind longer and were more prevalent then if I had watched them with regular scheduling, which is one advantage of binge-watching a series. However, this also meant that rather than taking time to consider the deeper themes of shows or analysing the actions of characters, I was being constantly fed entertainment. This made it harder for me to pick up on some details of the shows which led to a limited understanding of both shows as a whole.
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