Work Title: The Crown
Medium: TV Episode
Episode Title: The episodic title is The Balmoral Test.
Year: 2020
Writer(s): Peter Morgan
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

Summary: In this episode, Margaret Thatcher and Lady Diana Spencer are invited to Balmoral Castle, where they must navigate the royal family's complex social traditions. Thatcher struggles with the unwritten rules of the royal household, while Diana’s charm captures their attention. The episode explores themes of class, tradition, and compatibility within the royal circle.

Source: Written based on personal viewing and episode synopses available on Netflix and IMDb.

  • Self-Written?: 1
  • Source Name:
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: distant_past
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

The world portrayed was the distinctive life of the monarchy. It reflects the rigid traditions and hierarchical structure of the British royal family during the late 20th century. Distinctive characteristics include:
1. A secluded and lavish royal estate
2. Strict social codes and unspoken rules that determine who is accepted within aristocratic circles.
3. A tension between the modernizing world and deeply entrenched historical customs.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: Cinematography and Set Design
  • Description of the technology: The use of long shots of the Scottish Highlands enhances a sense of isolation and grandeur, drawing viewers into the royal world.
  • Nature of task or activity: The audience engages in passive viewing but actively interprets the intricate social dynamics, historical contexts, and character motivations.
  • Performance of the Technology: The cinema and set designs were consistent throughout the story which is a high performance of technology.
  • Description of creator(s): The cinematographer, director of photography, costume designer and overall crew members were able to create this phenomenal piece.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): To make the viewers relate to the story of the monarchy.
  • Description of users of technology: The show has wide appeal across various social groups, but it particularly resonates with people interested in British culture, political history, and complex character dynamics.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
  • Description of presence experience: The combination of intimate character interactions and expansive, scenic visuals makes the viewer feel like an unseen observer, closely attuned to the characters' emotions and struggles within this world.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: In the sense of set design and cinematography, the awareness of technology is always spotted but the seamless blend of the various aspect create a less obvious awareness of technology
  • Valence of experience: I think the technology users must have had an experience putting this work together as it must have challenged them in many creative ways.
  • Specific responses: There were feeling and emotion evoked throughout the film as the technology walked us through the life of a royal family.
Long-term consequences:

The presence-evoking technologies used in The Crown (authentic period-specific visuals and detailed storytelling) contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of historical events and figures. However, they also risk perpetuating dramatized or biased interpretations of history. The episode ends with mixed emotions.

Other:

Coder name: Kate-Jane Peter-Afunanya
Coder email: Kate-jane.peter-afunanya@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University