Sherlock meets Irene Adler - Sherlock Series 2 - BBC
How is gender and power represented in the above scene?
In the following essay I will discuss the many ways gender and the power balance between these characters is shown throughout this scene. Including how the dialogue, camera angles, direction and acting influences the audiences perception of each character.
The clearest example of power and gender in the scene is the fact that Irene Adler is naked for most of it. In the beginning Adler has the upper hand, she has surprised Sherlock and immediately seen through his plan, it is clear that Adler's power can be determined by how sexualised the character is. As the scene progresses and Sherlock gains the upper-hand, he confirms where the photos are located and has information she wants about a case, Adler is covered up with Sherlock's coat removing her power and dominance over him.
This is included to add depth to Sherlock's character and show that he can be challenged.
Irene Adler shows women to be powerful in this scene. This is a rare case as it manages to sexualise a character without objectifying her. Adler isn't used to appease male audience members she is shown to be confident and cunning as she immediately disarms the smartest male character on the show by utilising the female form as a weapon.
At 1:25 we see a point of view shot from Sherlock. It shows his inability to pick up any signs from Adler's appearance. this is a demonstration of the power gender has over Sherlock's ability to tap into his intellect, this is a rare moment in the show in which we see him unable to read someone, this is because he is both confused by his own feelings toward Irene and is shocked at being intellectually bested.
The actors physical language is also very important to the scene. They literally switch positions mid scene. When the dominance changes between characters Sherlock stands up and Irene sits. This could have been a directorial decision as it clearly signifies where the scene is going.
The dialogue of the scene is very slow and methodical as if each character has carefully pre-planned each word. Both characters are constantly verbally sparring meaning the power balance seems to be constantly going back and forth between them almost a mental game of chess. There is also many flirty lines such as when Adler says "would you like me to try" this again shows how Adler uses her sexuality as a tool to get what she wants.
A notable use of props within this scene is shown at 0:35. In this moment we see Adler bite down on the clerical collar Sherlock was using to hide as a vicar. This could be to show him as who he really is by literally removing his disguise. She remarks "now we're both exposed" this is a clever use of dialogue as the usual connotations of the word 'exposed' are negative but we see it used to signify the illusion of transparency as neither character is giving anything away.
The camera angles used for shots of Adler change throughout the scene. In the beginning of the scene we see a low angle to show how Adler is dominant and has the upper hand. Later in the scene when Adler covers up and sits down we get a high angle shot this is to demonstrate that there has been a shift in power and the protagonist we follow is now on top.
In conclusion I believe that gender and power are represented as tools for attaining what you desire. For Irene Adler she uses her gender to undermine Sherlock and show her power over him, as for Sherlock his gender was initially his weakness as he fell victim to an uncharacteristically primitive side to himself.
Lewis Urquhart
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