Friends
Introduction
Friends is an American sitcom about a group of friends in the area of Manhattan,
New York City. It was originally broadcast from 1994 to 2004 in a total of 236
episodes. It was created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, and produced by Kevin
S. Bright for Bright/Kaufman/Crane Productions, The Friends Corporation LLC, and
Warner Bros. Television. The show has been broadcast in dozens of countries and still
continues to attract good ratings for its episodes in syndication. The final episode of
the show was watched by an estimated US audience of 51.1 million. During the
show's 10 year run, it won 7 Emmys (including one for Outstanding Comedy Series), a
Golden Globe, 2 SAG Awards, and 56 other various awards with 152 nominations.
Cultural impact
Friends has made a notable contribution to some areas of popular culture - in
particular fashion. The series has been noted for its impact on everyday fashion and
hairstyles. Aniston's hairstyle was nicknamed "The Rachel" and copied around the
world. In the episode "Speechless" during the 6th season of Will and Grace, Will is
cutting Jack's hair and comments that Jack had initially wanted The Rachel.
Joey Tribbiani's catchphrase "How you doin'?" has become a popular part of Western
English slang, often used as a pick-up line or when greeting friends. The show also
popularized the idea of the "laminated list", a list of celebrities that a person's
partner will permit them to sleep with if they were to ever meet them. In "The One
with Frank Jr." the characters exchange "lists" verbally, while Ross creates a physical
list and laminates it, making his choices permanent. The concept of the laminated list
has been adopted by the Hollywood Stock Exchange website.
The phrase "Ross and Rachel" has appeared as a joke in Scrubs: the janitor describes
J.D.'s relationship with Elliot as "not exactly Ross and Rachel." Friends has been
referenced again in the Scrubs episode, "My Cold Shower"; Carla describes J.D and
Elliot's relationship as being, "On and off more than Ross and Rachel, from Friends."
On the 100th episode of the television show One Tree Hill (Lucas' and Lindsay's
wedding), Skills references Ross saying the wrong name at the altar when he was
marrying Emily. In one episode of the British show Skins, a Russian girl learns English
from Friends, and uses many of the catchphrases (such as "How you doin'" and "We
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were on a break") as a recurring joke. In The Nanny Margaret Sheffield protests by
saying "but I'll never know if Ross and Rachel will be together again!" In the 30 Rock
episode "Jack-Tor", Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) says he is watching Friends to learn
about comedy. He asks "What happens with Ross and Rachel?" but then asks not to
be told, he then tells Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) that's she's "such a Monica". In the "Family
Guy" episode Petergeist, Stewie is in a conversation with the TV people saying "Yeah.
Uh-huh. I don't know. I don't know. Oh, you didn't see it? Uh, Ross and Rachel got
back together. It wasn't that great... What? No, they did a spin-off. Um, he's still
playing Joey, but... ehhh, it's not doing so well."
The Central Perk coffee house, one of the principal settings of the series, has inspired
various imitations worldwide (the coffee house is based on Cholmondeley's, a coffee
shop and lounge in Usen Castle at Brandeis University, the alma mater of the show's
creators), including the now-defunct "Phoenix Perk" in Dublin (named for the park in
the city) and the "Riverdale Perk" in Toronto. In 2006 Iranian businessman Mojtaba
Asadian started a "Central Perk" franchise, registering the name in 32 countries. The
decor of his coffee houses is inspired by that in Friends. James Michael Tyler, who
plays Gunther, the Central Perk waiter in love with Rachel, attended the grand
opening of the flagship Dubai café and is the spokesman for the company.
The name of every Friends episode, with the exception of the very last and very first
episodes (titled 'The Pilot' and 'The Last One'), starts with 'The One...', e.g. 'The One
with Ross's Inappropriate Song', though the Pilot is sometimes called 'The One where
Monica gets a Roommate', or 'The One Where It All Began'. In continuing with this
tradition, a boxed set containing all ten seasons on DVD was called "The One With All
Ten Seasons". This tradition is based on the way people, when unable to remember
the actual title of an episode of a TV show, will describe it as "it's the one with..." and
then state the main storyline of the episode.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends taken on Dec. 24, 2008
Plot summary for "Friends"
Written by haz-arm
When we start the show, Rachel Green comes in wearing a wedding dress after
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leaving her fiancée at the altar. Rachel worked at Central Perk for a while and finally
gets a job at Bloomingdale's and later Ralph Lauren. She has a baby with Ross Geller
and they decide to keep the baby. Ross Geller is a paleontologist, and has had three
wives. His first wife, Carol, finds out she is a lesbian and is pregnant with his baby. His
second wife, Emily, is crushed when he calls this new wife Rachel instead of Emily. His
third wife, Rachel, happens when they get drunk and decide to get married. Ross's
sister, and Rachel's best friend, Monica Geller-Bing is a chef, and finally marries
Chandler Bing. Chandler Bing is Ross's best friend, and secretly dated his sister for
about 6-7 months. Monica and Chandler want to have a baby after Rachel has hers,
but they can't have any. They decide to adopt a baby. They are shocked to find out
that the pregnant mother is having twins. Chandler's former roommate, Joey
Tribbiani, is a not so bright, but sweet actor. We played on Days of Our Lives has Dr.
Drake Ramoray. Monica's other former roommate, Phoebe Buffay, is a masseuse, and
a singer. Her most famous song is "Smelly Cat." Phoebe at the end marries a guy
named Mike Hannigan. Phoebe was also was a surrogate mother for her brother's
triplets. Ross and Rachel find out that they love each other when Rachel is assigned
to live in Paris for a job that pays a lot. Monica and Chandler decide to move to a
suburban house to raise the babies. The show ends when Monica and Chandler are
moving to their new house, Ross and Rachel are living together again,and Phoebe is
married to Mike. Written by anandjones
Six young people, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the
companionship, comfort and support they get from each other to be the perfect
antidote to the pressures of life. Written by Kevin Ackley {kackley1@aol.com}
Rachel Green, a former popular girl in high school living off of daddy's money, is
independent now with a baby of her own that she had with Ross Gellar, a former
flame that was temporarily rekindled after a drunken night which resulted in the
baby. Ross is a paleontologist, he now lives in an apartment with Rachel, across the
way from his sister, Monica Geller-Bing, a chef, and her new husband, Chandler Bing.
Monica is a clean freak and very neurotic about it! and Chandler is laid back and uses
humor as a defense mechanism. Across the hall from Monica and Chandler is Joey
Tribbiani, who now lives alone after Rachel moved out to move in with Ross because
of the baby. Joey is a not-so-bright but sweet actor who recently made a big war
movie and is on Days Of Our Lives. Another friend who we can't forget about is
Phoebe Buffay, who is now engaged and soon to be married to Mike. She is a free
spirited masseuse who sings crazy songs like "Smelly Cat". Their relationships with
each other: -Rachel Green and Monica Gellar were best friends in high school, and
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after Rachel ran out on her wedding with Barry, she moved in with Monica, this was
in the first season. -Monica Gellar and Ross Gellar are brother and sister. So Ross
knew Rachel also from high school, when he had a crush on her. -Ross Gellar and
Chandler Bing met in college and became best friends, Chandler met Rachel and
Monica when Ross brought him home on Thanksgiving. Phoebe Buffay was Monica's
old roommate before the show started and Joey Tribbiani came into the picture
when he moved in with Chandler, also before the show started. It's complicated, but
one thing is for sure, they are all best "Friends." Written by Holly Murray
{holly03berry@hotmail.com}
A Comedy Series based in Manhatten about 6 young friends, in the struggle to find
success and happiness in life, but it is never that straight forward, is it? Rachel Green
- A popular schoolgirl of the past, is now a spoiled brat living off her father’s finance.
In an attempt to start a new life after running out on her wedding, she shares an
apartment with an old best friend Monica Gellar, and eventually befriends the other
4 and Monica's older brother, Ross. Monica Gellar - A compulsive neat freak, who has
trouble with her love life. Monica was teased when she was in high school for being
overweight. However, now a head-chef at a top restaurant in Manhatten, she has lost
all her excessive weight, and just wants to start a family with 'the right guy' to
complete a happy life. Ross Gellar - Older Brother of Monica, he has always had
strong love feelings for Rachel. A successful professor of science leads him to be
often teased by the other 5 friends about his profession. Ross has experienced many
misfortunes in life, including 3 divorces and bringing up a child with his lesbian
ex-wife. Ross now is devoted to finding a girl to settle down with, without a divorce,
and makes it his personal goal to share happiness with Rachel. Phoebe Buffay Brought up as a fatherless child, Phoebe is a ditzy yet loveable hippy, who has
become a personal masseuse. Despite liking her profession, her dream is to become
a star in the music industry and bases her songs on her life experiences. The other 5
friends secretly believe that Phoebe will never make it, but still encourage her to
write. Phoebe often performs at the 'Central Perk' coffee house, and strongly
believes in herself. Chandler Bing - A financially secure data processor, who relies on
humor as a defense mechanism. Despite being rich, the other 5 have no idea what
his profession is, and Chandler is a wimpy, average looking cigarette addict, who has
never had a serious relationship. Will he ever get it, and is she just round the corner
from him? Joey Tribbiani - Despite being close to all the friends, he is especially open
with Chandler, who his also his roommate. Joey is a small time actor, who
desperately wants fame and fortune, and Chandler has high hopes of Joey, so helps
Joey with money for acting lessons and professional photographs. Despite being a
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relatively bad actor, Joey is an adorable, sensitive guy, who is very successful with
women, but needs to become famous and rich to complete his successful life. A Side
Splitting Series, with emotion and drama. Definite One To Watch! Written by
Mekaeal Chaudary
Friends- The story of 6 very different people , growing up together in New York City.
Rachel Green , a spoilt rich girl who relies on daddy's credit cards, finds her life
suddenly changing , when she leaves her cheating fiancée Barry at the altar and finds
comfort in her best friend from High School Monica. Rachel is a fun-loving , friend
who's look on life changes through -out the show. Monica Gellar Bing, a very
paranoid , neat and clean but yet funny and lovable person , who marries Chandler
Bing . Monica is a chef , and the brother of Ross. At the end of the series Chandler
and Monica , finally fulfill their dream by having two adopted children. Phoebe Buffay,
the lovable , ditzy and adorable Phoebe , who finally finds love with her Mike
Hannigan (who ends up her husband)Phoebe is a masseuse and aspiring musician.
Joey Tribbiani , the fun , women loving , adorable , kind and hilarious actor. Joey has
a reputation of being a ladies man. Joey has finally found his break on Days of our
lives, until he gets fired , Joey loves acting but doesn't have that much talent , but
always believes in himself. Chandler Bing , the kind of one liners and technician , who
no-one is ever to sure of what his job is , is the funny guy who brings comic relief to
all situations. Unlucky in love until he marries the love of his love Monica. Ross Gellar,
the poor guy who has been divorced 3 times , with two children with two very
different women. He is a paleontologist , who is also unlucky in love , until he gets
together with the love of his life Rachel. Everybody needs Friends!
Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108778/plotsummary taken on Dec. 24, 2008
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Watch Friends Episodes Online: http://watchfriends.org/
Friends Scripts: http://www.friendscafe.org/scripts/
The two Episodes we plan to watch at class:
“The One After Vegas”
Plot
Ross and Rachel wake up in bed, unaware that they got married the night before.
Joey joins Phoebe for breakfast, telling her his movie has been cancelled. Monica and
Chandler arrive and, at the buffet, Chandler tells Joey he and Monica were also
planning to wed and expresses worry that the relationship is moving too fast. Monica
shares the same concern with Phoebe but they are interrupted when Ross and
Rachel arrive. When the others tell them they are married, they decide to get an
annulment.
Joey encourages Phoebe to go with him on the long drive back to New York, to stop
him from being lonely. She agrees but she is annoyed when Joey spends the whole
first day asleep while she drives, and they switch over. As Phoebe sleeps, Joey picks
up a hitchhiker. Initially outraged, Phoebe soon strikes up a friendship with the man,
and gives him her number when he leaves. Joey asks for her forgiveness and they
play car games.
Monica and Chandler are still undecided about where their relationship is going, and
look for signs that they should get married. They grow increasingly alarmed when all
the signs are positive, and eventually Chandler suggests he just move into Monica's
apartment with her, which she agrees to. Ross tells Rachel that he does not want
three failed marriages but she pressures him to get the annulment. He concedes and
later tells her he took care of it, but reveals to Phoebe that he lied: They are still
married.
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“The One Where Ross Hugs Rachel”
Plot
Ross hasn’t gotten the annulment yet… but he has gotten a little crazy. It seems the
idea of a 3rd failed marriage has pushed him over the deep end. Phoebe (and her
panel of women) decide Ross is still in love with Rachel. Ross is in such denial about
this that to prove them wrong he goes to his lawyer (Russell) to take care of the
annulment… but finds that it’s more complicated than expected, and Rachel will have
to be told the truth. Chandler and Monica break the news of their live-in plans, first
with Joey (who is happy for them, but sad to be losing Chandler) and then to Rachel
(who doesn’t seem to have much of a reaction at all… until she takes it seriously).
Rachel is so sad that Ross still can’t tell her the truth. Phoebe foretells the future
marriages of the entire group.
A Critical Media Analysis of "Friends"
Mar 17, 2000
by Brock Etherton
Friends, Drew Carey, Dawson's Creek, Seinfeld: all popular American television
programs portraying white America. Ross, Chandler, Joey, Rachel Monica, and
Phoebe: all white characters on the television show Friends. Why don't these
characters have any minority "friends"? What happened to programs such as the
Cosby Show or the Fresh Prince? Why are all-white television shows so popular in
America and what happened to minority-based shows? Today's television depicts
popular white America while leaving out minorities. The lack of ethnicity on
television gives America an inaccurate idea about minorities.
We live in a society where ethnicity is always depicted as sinful. When you sit down
to watch television you don't expect to see minorities on television shows. At the
same time people are not shocked to see minorities being arrested or convicted on
the news. What would be the public's reaction if they went to watch television and
saw six minority "friends" on a show just after watching an all-white neighborhood
rioting on a news program?
Friends reinforces the humorous "all-American" lifestyle. Six white, unmarried, young
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Americans living and interacting together, reinforcing the idea that it is okay in
today's society to be racially biased in choosing friends. By viewing this particular
show and others like it, our society may or has come to the wrong conclusion about
different ethnic groups. If people want to diversify their children, how do they let
them watch programs like Friends? The group of "friends" are never seen with any
minorities. They hang out at a cafe/bar in a large city. On occasion, if you pay close
attention, you just might see an African-American or Mexican -American in the
background. In one episode Joey has a part in a play. When the scene was over I had
counted three minorities' heads in the background, while I didn't have enough time
to count the crowd of whites. In the same episode, Rachel finds a new boyfriend
(guest Ben Stiller) who is also white. Thus, all relationships portrayed on Friends are
of white couples. This strongly reinforces the immorality of interracial relationships.
People in society today do not see a homogenous portrayal of all-white society as
they walk down a city block. Why do television shows, for the most part, display a
perfect white homogenous society?
I find myself watching Friends among many other white television programs every
day. You know that the majority of America also watches them also or they wouldn't
be on the air. Friends is so popular because it poses all the qualities that people enjoy.
Number one, the characters are all beautiful or handsome. Jennifer Aniston,
Courtney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow are all irresistible female actresses while Matthew
Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc are all good-looking actors. They all fit
into the mainstream glamour of today's media. People look up to and imitate popular
actors and actresses as these. Next they all fit into the category of whiteness.
Prominent people in America for the most part are white and this is what people are
used to. Lastly the show is very humorous. Joey and Chandler play the cute, dumb
guy roles. Always doing stupid things and making wise cracks and comments. Phoebe
plays the funny, stereotypical dumb blond role. What's not to like about these funny,
sexy characters? Friends is a lovable show that is compelling to the American public,
reinforcing the idea that whites are dominant figures over minorities. As a critical
viewer you are able to see how this reinforces the idea that television gives American
an inaccurate view about minorities.
As a viewer of popular American television, I myself have come to the conclusion that
these shows impact the viewers indirectly as it may seem. The repetition of white
television shows can make a viewer biased. When a predominantly minority-based
television show is on, it's not the same. Viewers are not used to these types of shows,
reassuring the fact that white shows stay popular in America. What do minorities
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think about the lack of ethnicity? I asked a friend of mine who is an Asian American,
and also a student at CSU. Giving it no thought, he said he noticed the lack of
ethnicity but he "still loves watching Friends." This leads to the conclusion that
popular American television shows may have brainwashed many people. With this
firsthand evidence, one can get the feeling that white dominance in American society
is viewed as okay in today's world.
While the public loves Friends, the produces and stations love all the money that
comes with the popularity of the show. One simple reason for all-white
homogeneous shows to be aired on television is because of popularity. And with
popularity comes money. In a money-driven capitalist culture like ours, people will
get whatever the money maker happens to be. For instance, can you as a reader
name off the top of your any popular minority-based shows other than the Cosby
Show and the Fresh Prince? If so, there certainly cannot be many. Television is all
about what the public wants to see and stations are not going to air predominantly
minority-based shows that make no money. With this one can come to the
conclusion that with today's television displaying a lack of ethnicity, Americans of all
races can have an unjust idea about ethnicity and how races interact with each other.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/media_literacy/35640/1 taken on Oct. 1st,
2009
Critical Analysis of “Friends”
“Friends” is one of the most popular situational comedies on television. Since its
inception in 1994, it has earned high ratings consistently, and can now be seen in
syndication daily. The program features six main characters: Phoebe Buffay, Monica
Geller, Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Joey Tribbiani, and Chandler Bing. Each character is
very different from the others, thus offering viewers a variety of personality types
with which to identify. The show often deals with serious subjects, such as death,
divorce, job loss, and relationship problems. However, it does so in ways that are
entertaining and maintain the viewer’s interest in the program. The show is primarily
dialogue and situation driven, although there is some slap-stick comedy.
The narrative problematic of the show is “Will the ‘Friends’ be able to sustain their
relationships, even through all the problems they encounter?” Something happens
each week that puts characters in conflict with each other, even if it is just a minor
situation. Sometimes the predicament is very serious, as was the case when Chandler
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kissed Joey’s girlfriend. Other times it is more comical, like when Rachel convinced
Ross’s girlfriend to shave her head. Situations occur which cause friction among the
characters and test their friendships. They always manage to work out their
differences, however, and through the seasons their relationships have become more
and more developed.
Sex is often portrayed very casually on the show. Several times, various characters
have engaged in “one-night” stands with people they barely know. Within
relationships, however, sex is usually presented as meaningful and special. Rachel
ends her relationship with Ross after he sleeps with another woman while they are
“on a break.” Sex, in context of their relationship, seems almost sacred. Even though
they still love each other, Rachel is unable to overcome the feeling that she has been
betrayed by the man she loves, and they do not get back together. This reflects the
dominant view in popular culture. In most television shows and films, sex is often
presented casually, except when love is involved.
One interesting issue covered in the show is that of unorthodox methods of
parenthood. This is presented in the very first season, when Ross’s ex-wife, Carol,
gives birth to their son, but plans to rear it with her lesbian lover, Susan. In one
episode, Monica is debating whether or not to be artificially inseminated. She
believes she is ready to become a mother, and wants to take charge of her life by
doing this. However, she finally changes her mind when she realizes she wants a
family, complete with a father for her children. Another important situation on the
program was when Phoebe became a surrogate mother for her brother’s and
sister-in-law’s triplets. The show does not present these untraditional family styles
negatively; it shows them to be valid and serious, although it does so with a sense of
humor. This reflects the fact that untraditional families are becoming more and more
dominant in today’s culture. One of the most touching moments on the show was
when Phoebe did not want to give up the triplets after giving birth to them. She had
become so attached to them during the pregnancy that she loved them as if she
were their true mother. This is an example of how “Friends” presents the seriousness
of these topics. The situation was lightened, however, by Joey simultaneously passing
gallstones, and Phoebe’s obstetrician being obsessed with Fonzie from “Happy Days.”
Homosexuality is addressed frequently on the show, also. The first example is that of
Ross’s ex-wife Carol and her lover Susan. Ross must come to terms with the fact that
his wife left him for another woman. This topic is repeated often, and many sub-plots
develop from it. Chandler’s father was gay, which leads him to have anxiety about his
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own sexuality at times. A theme on many shows deals with the fact that most people
when they first meet Chandler think he is gay. At one point, Phoebe was married to a
homosexual man, with whom she was in love. Homosexuality is not portrayed
negatively; it is presented as a common occurrence in mainstream society, reflecting
the growing acceptance of homosexuality in dominant culture.
Religion is not portrayed as very important on the show, although Phoebe is a very
spiritual person. The denominations of most of the characters are not known,
although it is known that Joey is Catholic. Ross and Monica are Jewish, which is
revealed in an episode where they talk about buying Hanukkah presents for each
other. They still celebrate Christmas, however. No one really seems to be practicing
religion. This is probably so that the program will appeal to more people. Religious
programming is not very popular in today’s mass consumer culture.
One subject that is presented somewhat negatively on the show is people who are
overweight. When Chandler gains a little weight, he begins exercising and dieting.
Everyone on the show is thin, especially the women. This reflects the dominant belief
in our culture, that overweight people are unattractive and unappealing.
In the fourth episode of the third season, “The One with the Metaphorical Tunnel,”
there are two important issues addressed. One is the role of gender in society, and
the second is anxiety and fear of commitment in relationships. The name of the
episode is derived from this second topic.
Ross has trouble with the fact that his son Ben is playing with a Barbie Doll. Carol,
Susan, Monica, and Rachel tell him that he should not worry about it, that it is just a
toy. However, Ross does not like his son playing with what is typically a girl’s toy. He is
associating dolls with femininity. Because his son is being reared by two lesbians, his
anxieties are intensified. Ross does not want their to be any doubt about his son’s
masculinity; perhaps he fears it will lead to doubts about his own. Ross encourages
Bento play with a GI Joe “action figure” instead, even going so far as to hide the
Barbie from him. Ross wants Ben to receive masculine influences in his life, not just
feminine ones. The show ends with Monica reminding Ross that as a child he dressed
in his mother’s clothes and had people call him “Bea.” Ross is confronted with the
fact that masculinity and femininity are not always clearly defined, and runs to the
bathroom.
This episode presents Ross’s anxieties as somewhat absurd. The show deals with
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homosexuality often and does not present it negatively. It portrays homosexuality as
a valid lifestyle that is gradually being accepted into mainstream culture. The tag
scenes how Ross as a child, dressed as a girl, having a tea party with dolls and toy
animals. Because the producers of the program chose to end the show with this
scene, it shows that they are making light of Ross’s discomfort about his son playing
with dolls. The show seems to be saying that femininity and masculinity are not
defined by biology, but rather by society. The two types of toys that are used, Barbie
and GI Joe, indicate this. They are extreme representations of society’s roles for
women and men. Barbie likes to shop, changes clothes often, and is very concerned
with her appearance. GI Joe, “a Real American Hero,” is strong, courageous, and
willing to defend his and his country’s honor. In reality, few women and men
resemble these two archetypes exactly; most are much more moderate
representations of their genders.
The other theme of this episode deals with commitment anxiety. Chandler is
becoming nervous in his relationship with Janice because he sees that it is moving
forward, and he does not think he is ready to be in a serious relationship. His friends
convince him that he is ready to “go through the commitment tunnel.” Chandler
decides that he does want to be with Janice, and he is ready to commit to her.
However, his attempts to tell her this are awkward and overwhelm her. She tells him
“this relationship is going too fast and we have to slow down.” Chandler thinks that
he has ruined his chance to have a serious relationship with her and seeks the
comfort of Rachel and Monica. They give him ice cream and advice. In the end, Janice
returns to Chandler, and their relationship moves forward.
Amidst all this, society’s definitions of gender roles are becoming confused. Chandler
seeks the help of his female friends since usually they are the ones who are rejected
because they want commitment. They offer him advice that they would normally
offer another female in a similar situation, for instance Rachel tells him to take a
bubble bath and go shopping. Chandler is doing what is considered atypical for men
when he decides to seek a serious relationship. This shows how definitions of gender
in today’s society are becoming blurred.
“Friends” is filmed using the multi-camera mode of production. This is the most
common method used when making sit-coms because it is more economic. High-key
lighting is used in the production of the show because it is necessary when shooting
with more than one camera, and aesthetically it signifies that the show represents
normalcy and dominant culture. The program follows the traditional rules of
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continuity, showing that it is aimed at a mass audience. The cameras go back and
forth among the characters that are talking, and show their reactions when others
are talking. Three cameras are used in most scenes. This is to allow for a variety of
shots in a single scene, since the camera scan not move.
The costumes used in “Friends” reflect the personalities of the characters. Rachel is
very fashion-conscious and therefore wears trendy clothes. Joey is something of a
lady’s man and is therefore very concerned with his appearance, also. Phoebe is
more of a New-Age spiritual type, and tends to wear clothes that reflect this aspect
of her personality. Ross, the slightly geeky paleontologist, wears dull, conservative
clothes. Chandler, the least masculine of the three men, wears nice shirts, sweater
vests, and other preppy clothes. Monica dresses very nicely, also. She is very
concerned with her looks, mainly because she was extremely overweight when she
was younger.
The sets of the show reflect that the characters are part of the mass consumer
culture prevalent in today’s society. Monica and Rachel live in an apartment that is
very fashionable. Joey and Chandler live in an apartment that is more eclectic, and
features many strange items which they have purchased through the years, including
a big ceramic dog. The furniture in their apartments normally is typical for the setting:
couches, tables, chairs, and televisions. However, after Joey and Chandler are robbed,
their furniture is a bit odd: they have a lawn chair and a canoe in their living room.
The coffee shop is a trendy place and adds to the idea that this is a program for the
dominant culture.
The living rooms of the two apartments are the main settings for the program, which
is very common for sitcoms. Also, the coffee shop, Central Perk, is a common setting.
Other settings include the hallway between the apartments, the street, and various
offices. Limiting the number of sets helps to make the show more economical and
efficient. Establishing shots of buildings are used as transition between some scenes,
but other than that, little is shot outside.
A laugh track is used in “Friends,” something that is very typical for situational
comedies. The fact that the laugh track is controlled by the producers, who want the
audience and viewers to laugh at certain moments during the program, is typical of
sitcoms. It is necessary for boom microphones to be used because the program is
shot with multiple cameras. Music is usually used as a transition between scenes, but
it is not used otherwise.
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The editing style used in the program promotes the idea that “Friends” is geared
towards the dominant culture. Traditional rules are followed, such as the 180 degree
rule, the 30 degree rule, and match-on-action cuts. Jump cuts are not used in the
show. If a character walks from one room to another, the camera will usually follow
him out of the room and then cut to him walking into the next room. The
shot-reaction shot method is used often in the show, so that viewers can see
characters’ reactions to one another.
“Friends” is meant to be a program that will appeal to a wide audience. The more
people who watch the show, the more money everyone involved will make. Thus, the
characters, plots, and mise-en-scene are all geared towards the dominant culture.
The show presents both comical and serious topics, but everything is done
humorously and tastefully.
http://docs.google.com/gview?a=v&q=cache:LdN7acJSDm4J:maggie.jp/PhillipsMaggi
eFriends.pdf+&hl=en&sig=AFQjCNH5QrBbY8Lwelz26lKVgG8rCmyPSA taken on Oct. 1,
2009
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