First of all, the storylines in this show are so overblown, its getting to the point of ridiculousness. But its all in the name of good tv. You watch characters break out of relationships and go to Paris to find love (awww!) with their best friends, one gets mugged for an engagement ring in Prague and is never to be seen again, and another finds out that her hot date turns out to be a French Prince. Yep, we've all been there. You have to remember that all these young people are the sons or daughters of very, very rich people in the upper class, and that things like being accepted into university because of who your grandfather is, is quite normal for these people.
The plot plays on their social status and presents them as the stereotypical rich, spoilt daddy's girls or rebellious, moody young men who just want to go and have some fun in a high class brothel.
The mise en scene is important in this portrayal, as it is set in the very wealthy Upper East Side of New York, backdropped against old, prestigious private schools, and contemporary apartments alike. Some scenes are set in other countries, but always in picturesque tourist areas, e.g. Paris' Eiffel Tower, Hamptons Beach Resort. Whether the locations are soaked with sunshine or drizzled with perfect white snow, it is always shot in a way that keeps the actors looking young and unnaturally beautiful. So no thunderstorms here, thank you. To top it all off, the actors are dressed in made-to-measure, high fashion designer outfits, which not only keeps up the image of highly privileged young people, but has also made the show a big name in fashion, boasting wardrobes that are the envy of every fashion magazine editor.
Gossip Girl Promo Season 4
