Discuss the ways in which the extracts constructs the representation of a British community in an extract from 'White Girl'

Camera Shots
Camera shots are used very cleverly to identify characters and establish a sense of realism. When used at the wedding, a long shot is used which displays Layla's isolation and labels her as an outcast when she walks into the room with a hijab. This is further emphasised when she is praying by herself in an empty room, again there is a long shot of this scene. Another reason how camera shots are used is to show characters feelings and emotions. There is a close up shot of the mother showing resentment when she is forced to leave her daughter outside, this close up allows the viewer to connect with the character then there is a jump cut to a side shot of Layla which increases the intensity of the guilt Layla is feeling as the camera shows Layla lowering her head. Then there is another long shot of Layla sitting outside on the sofa which shows how she will not give up wearing a hijab even is her parents don't agree, while there is a shot of Layla by herself and unhappy. There are jump cuts of children playing with bubbles and riding bikes. The use of the jump cut is to show the contrast between the children and Layla. Another very important camera shot is a side-mid shot which only shows half of Layla's face though an intricate wall. The shot shows the barrier between the two families, but then the holes display how ideas may seap through into from one another. Also the wall itself is very small so its very easy to crossover the wall. Shows separation but also the mixing of cultures/races/religions and expresses the views on British community.
Editing
The majority of the film sequence is in a continuity editing which means everything just flows without any interruptions from one shot to another camera shot. The pace is also very steady in this clip, the pace itself does not really change or evolve. However there is a panning shot of Layla at the wedding where everything slows down when Layla is leaving to go pray. This shows and allows the viewers to acknowledge Layla's commitment to her new found faith. Again this links to the question because this is how British community are being represented. The British community are being shown as dysfunctional and are displayed as having a lack of belief in themselves, lack of faith and control. A lot of panning shots are used to signify the differentiation between the community, the panning shots are used whilst following different members in the community to emphasise this differentiation. This connotes different views on the British society and how there isn't a set outlook or a stereotypical view because Britain has become more diverse and rich in different ethnic backgrounds. From the clip you can see that a White family have moved from and area in Britain which is mainly white people based where as where they move is predominately asian-muslim which displays the difference between areas in Britain because it is multi-cultural. This is closely focused on when there is snap shots of when Layla and her mother are in the mosque and outnumbered by the muslim women.
Sound
Furthermore the sound is important. The main point is the continuous use of the azan(the call for prayer)in Bradford. This immediately demonstrates how much the British community has changed because most of the people living in Bradford being Muslims is a strange concept in a once Christian dominant country. The call for prayer is to show purification and faith and the changing ways on the British community. Also another way of putting forwards the idea of purification is the running of water when the women get ready for prayer. It makes us as viewers associate cleanliness with the Asian community. On the other hand the White community are linked to sex, alcohol and violence. There is diegetic sound when Layla prays and she murmurs religious words of Arabic this is considered as hr dialogue where as her father interrupts her with swearing and shouting which makes us perceive the White community as more aggressive. Layla's father also pulls off her hijab which again makes us see the White community as violent. There is music playing at the wedding which is in contrast to the call for prayer linked to the Muslim community.
Mise en scene
There is a constant reference to purification which is connected to the Muslim community. The usage of water and milk and when the muslim family offer Layla's family milk shows the passover of purification. The whole clip is sending a message of realism and how the times have changed and now there is a diversity in cultures and religions. This realism is setting the new ideas of the British community. The hijab is another part of the costume which allows us to understand that Britain has in fact changed in its culture. The hijab is associated with the Muslim community and the Muslim women are more worried about covering themselves with clothes and not being flirtatious where as the women of the White community are more into partying and wearing skimpy clothes even Layla's grandmother goes out partying and getting drunk. The mosque is also a centerpiece for the community and brings them together as a community to help one another and work together. But the White community do not convey a sense of unity but more of isolation because Layla is distancing herself from her family and no longer feels a part of her family, also she dislikes her father who may not be her real father but no one understands her feelings. There are white balloons used on the floor of the empty room in which Layla prays which connoted Layla as being innocent but may show her spiritual enlightenment and her new found faith.