2.0 How audiences consume and interpret long from television dramas

Long form TV dramas such as House of Cards are – open ended narratives.
This makes compelling viewing as audiences cannot be sure how the story will be resolved
House of cards has enjoyed 5 years of success since its release in 2013
Frank Underwood and Claire represent the anti-hero their characters are complex, what makes us want to watch/empathise with these characters?


They are relatable, because they want power and influence like other people.


They have ambitions that they clearly have investment in. For example Frank does not get the job he was promised, therefore he ends up wanting to get revenge.


Frank has a monologue. This describes what he is feeling and gives the opportunity for people to relate more to frank, as he is describing his thoughts, and how he is working.


One way in which camera work can be used to create a sense of realism is by having them pan around a room, this shows the whole of the room and all of its contents including the people. This helps to create a sense of realism because it is something a person would do when they enter a room.
The candles make a good source of realistic lighting.

Breaking the fourth wall.