In my music video (Lovage- "To Catch a Theif) there is a strong sense of narrative. This is because the genre the video was in (trip-hop) both allowed for and encourgaed the use of a narrative. This can be seen in examples of other videos within the same genre, such as massive attacks "Tear Drop". The video combines abstract and often confusing imagary to build up a loose narrative, and while our video had a much stronger sense of narrative, the basic design was the same. This can be seen in our use of a bunny costume to connote disguise and criminality. Since this abstract imagary was within the framework of a quite straight forward narrative, it is clear that we applied our narrative accourding to the conventions of our genre.
Our music video also works within the framework of Todorovs narrative theory, since its guidlines of equilibriam, disruption of equlibriam and the reastablishment of equilibrium fits perfectly into our video. For example, our video begins with the Bunny being calmly talked at by a phsychiatrist, during the middle the Bunny commits a crime, and at the end the Bunny is back in the phsychiatrists chair. This shows that our narrative is quite stereotypical in nature, with a conventional and predefined beginning middle and end. This was consious decision by us as a group, since we wished to make quite a niche and original video, however, we thought that these abstract images would work best within a strong and clear narrative.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Goodwin's Theory applied to "Jeans and Fitted" by Vybz Kartel
Links to music by lyrics:
In the video there are multiple links to the objects which are described by the lyrics. For example,
(Russian) Mi gucci belt a di realest
(Kartel)Mi rosary chain ah di purest
(Russaian)Mi G-shock watch... Timeless
All of these lyrics are referred to with shots of the objects themselves, like a "Gucci Belt"
Genre Characteristics:
The genre of this music video is known as "Dancehall" an hip-hop based genre heavily influenced by Jamaican style singing. This video conforms to the genre as it is set in an urban, Caribbean setting and both of the artists performing are singing in a Jamaican style, even the featuring artist.
Intertextual Reference:
There are lots of references to certain high-street products such as a "Gucci Belt", "G-Shock Watch, "Rosary Chain" etc. that is repeated throughout the music video. Not only are there references but there are physical shots of each of these products at least once in the music video.
Notions of Looking:
Women in this video are seen as sex objects and are heavily put down as the lower of the sexes and seen as an object to be used in the males way.
In the video there are multiple links to the objects which are described by the lyrics. For example,
(Russian) Mi gucci belt a di realest
(Kartel)Mi rosary chain ah di purest
(Russaian)Mi G-shock watch... Timeless
All of these lyrics are referred to with shots of the objects themselves, like a "Gucci Belt"
Genre Characteristics:
The genre of this music video is known as "Dancehall" an hip-hop based genre heavily influenced by Jamaican style singing. This video conforms to the genre as it is set in an urban, Caribbean setting and both of the artists performing are singing in a Jamaican style, even the featuring artist.
Intertextual Reference:
There are lots of references to certain high-street products such as a "Gucci Belt", "G-Shock Watch, "Rosary Chain" etc. that is repeated throughout the music video. Not only are there references but there are physical shots of each of these products at least once in the music video.
Notions of Looking:
Women in this video are seen as sex objects and are heavily put down as the lower of the sexes and seen as an object to be used in the males way.
Real Media Concepts - Analysis of Music Video-Goodwin
Bruno Mars - The Lazy Song
Links between lyrics and music- in this music video Bruno and the monkeys' actions within the video constantly make reference to the lyrics. For example when they are talking about leaving a message on a phone then they make a phone with their hands and when mentioning the birthday suit they pull down their trousers.
Genre Characteristics- the genre of this video is Pop and it has some of the conventions of this genre such as dancing a routine to the lyrics, also the up beat tempo to the video connotes pop. All of the characters are also wearing bright colours which could be seen as a convention of pop.
Intertextual Reference- within the lyrics MTV the reality television program is mentioned. This is the only reference made within the video.
Notions of Looking- Through this video Bruno Mars (the artist) is seen as a chilled out person and quite relaxed, within a house. In his other videos, 'Just the way you are' for example, he is also seen in this way so it is how the audience expects to see him.
Demands of the label - Bruno's videos are all very clean and respectful so his label may want to represent him as a role model and good person which is very different to his personality in real life. So the label may be creating an alter ego for Bruno but through his music videos.
Links between lyrics and music- in this music video Bruno and the monkeys' actions within the video constantly make reference to the lyrics. For example when they are talking about leaving a message on a phone then they make a phone with their hands and when mentioning the birthday suit they pull down their trousers.
Genre Characteristics- the genre of this video is Pop and it has some of the conventions of this genre such as dancing a routine to the lyrics, also the up beat tempo to the video connotes pop. All of the characters are also wearing bright colours which could be seen as a convention of pop.
Intertextual Reference- within the lyrics MTV the reality television program is mentioned. This is the only reference made within the video.
Notions of Looking- Through this video Bruno Mars (the artist) is seen as a chilled out person and quite relaxed, within a house. In his other videos, 'Just the way you are' for example, he is also seen in this way so it is how the audience expects to see him.
Demands of the label - Bruno's videos are all very clean and respectful so his label may want to represent him as a role model and good person which is very different to his personality in real life. So the label may be creating an alter ego for Bruno but through his music videos.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Applying my music video production to the theoretical area of Narrative
The media product I created was a trip hop music video to the song ‘To Catch a Thief’ by the band Lovage. Other music videos within this genre have a very strong narrative to them and tell a story throughout the video. For example Karmacoma by Massive attack has a strong narrative but to get to the meaning behind it all you have to look past the abstract image it portrays just as you have to do with my music video/ So through my own interpretation of a Trip Hop music video I wanted to follow the same convention.
The music video I helped to create told the story of a male bunny character who had been kicked out of his house by his wife. As a result of this the bunny turns to crime. He only turned to crime because of his sorrow and as an audience we should feel sorry for him. The bunny costume the character is wearing connotes the idea of disguise and also innocence to what he is doing and had experienced. We hoped that the audience could see this behind the costume and look behind the abstract image it may portray.
As a group we thought a lot about the idea behind the narrative and all that was involved in creating this short story/film. As the narrative is so strong, it can easily be applied to narrative theory. When looking at this the music video I have created can be most closely related to Todorov’s theory of there being five stages to narrative:
- an equilibrium
- a disruption to this equilibrium by an event
- a realisation that a disruption has happened
- an attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
- a restoration of equilibrium – which may be a new equilibrium
In my media product I feel that the equilibrium was the positivity seen at the beginning through the bunny gaining help from a wise counsellor. The disruption of this was the crime that took place by the bunny. The realisation was being caught by the police and sadness seen by the bunny and then the attempt to repair was being put in jail to correct the wrongs and finally at the end of the music video the restoration of the equilibrium was seen as the bunny revisited the counsellor.
I believe that because of another theoretical area (Genre) the narrative of this media product had become very apparent and therefore easily related to narrative theory.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Audience Theory Analysis of Our Music Video - "To Catch a Thief" by Lovage
Our personal production of “To Catch a Thief” by the band Lovage, is aimed at a very specialised audience and would therefore fit into the category of niche marketing. Although the music video has a strong storyline behind it, it has a distinctive theme and perspective that would not appeal to most mainstream audiences. This narrowness of the market makes the production quite unique and distinguishable compared with other music video productions.
This uniqueness can be explained by the genre of the music itself. The genre is known as trip-hop; a mixture of electro and house music, that is a relatively new hybrid genre that was created in the mid-1990s. There are no specific trends or requirements that fit into the trip-hop genre as it quite experimental so we tried to incorporate this abstract feel into our music video and I believe the production reflects this well.
The production shows the abstract nature by the presence of the main protagonist and antagonist, the bunny. The video follows the bunny being a thief which links in with the title of the song, “To Catch a Thief” and the production shows an episode from his life, whilst the visuals and lyrics explain the story in the background. The band was included in the production in order to fit the stereotype of the trip-hop genre.
Overall, our production was aimed at a niche market and audience, therefore meaning that the consumers would more than likely be faithful to our product, rather than drifting between genres, as many fans of mainstream music tend to do. This means we would still be able to generate a respectable amount of fans and viewers of our music video.
In terms of our audience theory and profiling audiences, I would predict that our production would be aimed at the ‘Succeeders’ category, as that type of people generally like to feel secure and in control and they buy brands which reinforce their feelings of control. This would fit in with our production, as ‘Succeeders’ will feel in control, as this genre is relatively small and low key, so the small majority of them would hold a lot of influence over the artists. The other group that would be attracted by our music video would be ‘The Individual’, as they are highly media literate, expect high production advertising and buys into the product image rather than the product itself. This would fit in with our production, as ‘The Individual’ would like our product because they are buying into the product image, and would like the abstract feel of the music video.
The ‘Uses and Gratifications’ Theory would be the best example to compare with our production, as the audience have taken an active part in choosing and deciding what media they wish to interact with. This is true for the audience of our production as it is such a niche market and audience that the audience would have to willingly want to watch the music video. This differs to mainstream genres and markets as a passive audience usually consumes them, as the cultivation theory explains. Because mainstream audiences are so exposed to the mainstream genres they generally ‘like’ them just because they become over-exposed to them. Our audience however, would actively choose to watch and consume our production because it is what they want to watch.
To conclude, our production is on the whole aimed at a media literate audience who will actively choose to watch and consume the music video, because they like the abstract and niche uniqueness of the finalised product. The audience we have targeted is very specific but one that ultimately reflects the trip-hop genre and the song “To Catch a Thief” by Lovage.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Audience Analysis - Own Production of Music Video - To Catch a Thief by Lovage
My production of the music video for ‘To Catch a Theif’ by Lovage is aimed at a very niche market, therefore a niche audience. The music video has a unique theme to it and is quite abstract. Although the storyline is strong this type of music video would not appeal to a mainstream audience.
The uniqueness of the music video I helped to create comes mainly from the hybrid genre the song belongs to; trip hop, a combination of electro and house music. This genre does not really have any set conventions, as it is quite experimental and is not generally seen as mainstream and I feel that the music video that we have produced reflects this well.
Our music video is abstract as it’s main character is a bunny who steals and the music video simply follows an episode within his life whilst the lyrics and visuals link throughout. We also included the band which conformed to the conventions of the trip-hop genre.
So, as you can see from the summary of the genre of our music video the audience is a unique and niche market. Through being a niche audience I would assume that the consumers of this product are very loyal towards it so do not necessarily float from genre to genre as mainstream audiences may.
When looking at specifics and profiling our target audience I would say that this music video is aimed and the ‘Individuals’ within the categorisation of personal aspirations. This type of audience would be highly media literate and would by this grungy image that our music video portrays rather than the actual music video. However, the audience who buy products such as our music video may also fit into the ‘Succeeders’ category as they are within this unique band of people so may feel secure in such an immediate group therefore will buy this brand/product to reinforce their feeling of control and security.
I would say that the ‘Uses and Gratifications’ Model is prevalent with our target audience as they have actively chosen and almost created this niche genre of music and this niche market. Unlike mainstream genres and markets which are usually consumed by a passive audience through repeated exposure, as the cultivation theory explains. Most of us listen to and watch mainstream products and media and this is what we have been exposed to the most and most often therefore we ‘like it’. Whereas, with our target audience, like I have said they actively chose to seek out this genre and music video type.
Overall, our media text of a music video is aimed young people who are media literate and can look into a music video to see behind the motion picture to reveal the meaning which are video holds. The audience wee have targeted is a very specific one which reflects the unique music genre of the song ‘To Catch a Thief’ by Lovage.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Only Way is ESSEX Audience Analysis
Who is the text aimed at?
This reality television programme is aimed at teens to young adults, predominately females.
What assumptions are made about the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
The scheduling of this programme is after the nine o'clock 'the watershed' so assumptions that are made would be that they are adults or young adults. Also, programmes after the water shed generally have strong language and possible sexual references in them so the audience would have to want to watch this type of programme.
Where and when is the aduience likely to receive the text?
On their home television or on the catch up service ITV Player. They have to watch the programme at the scheduled time on their home television yet on the catch up service it can be watched at any time whenever the audience wants.
How does this influence the form and structure of the text.
This influences the form and structure as they can put in swearing, sexual innuendos and the language that is used, as it will be more accessible to the socio-economic that understands the language and is more familiar with it. This group such as young adults are able to access services such as ITV player on smart phones, net books etc.
How will this audience read this text?
This audience will read this text through gaining a stereotypical view of people who live in Essex. When in actual fact the programme only focuses on one particular social group within Essex.
This reality television programme is aimed at teens to young adults, predominately females.
What assumptions are made about the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
The scheduling of this programme is after the nine o'clock 'the watershed' so assumptions that are made would be that they are adults or young adults. Also, programmes after the water shed generally have strong language and possible sexual references in them so the audience would have to want to watch this type of programme.
Where and when is the aduience likely to receive the text?
On their home television or on the catch up service ITV Player. They have to watch the programme at the scheduled time on their home television yet on the catch up service it can be watched at any time whenever the audience wants.
How does this influence the form and structure of the text.
This influences the form and structure as they can put in swearing, sexual innuendos and the language that is used, as it will be more accessible to the socio-economic that understands the language and is more familiar with it. This group such as young adults are able to access services such as ITV player on smart phones, net books etc.
How will this audience read this text?
This audience will read this text through gaining a stereotypical view of people who live in Essex. When in actual fact the programme only focuses on one particular social group within Essex.
The only way is essex
Who is it aimed at?
Young teens - older adults. Both genders enjoy this. Open to everyone.
What assumptions are made of the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
the common assumptions generated about the audience is firstly the scheduling of the show, it comes on at 10 o'clock on a sunday and wednesday, this is an hour after the watershed time of 9 and shows that the show is inappropriate and involves bad language and other deviant acts.
Where and when is the audience likely to receive the text?
The audience is likely to watch it at 10pm on itv2 on wednesdays and sundays. If they miss it they can watch it on itv player at any time.
How does this influence the form and structure of the text?
The fact that they use alot of cliff hangers on the programme makespeople want to come back and watch it more.
Young teens - older adults. Both genders enjoy this. Open to everyone.
What assumptions are made of the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
the common assumptions generated about the audience is firstly the scheduling of the show, it comes on at 10 o'clock on a sunday and wednesday, this is an hour after the watershed time of 9 and shows that the show is inappropriate and involves bad language and other deviant acts.
Where and when is the audience likely to receive the text?
The audience is likely to watch it at 10pm on itv2 on wednesdays and sundays. If they miss it they can watch it on itv player at any time.
How does this influence the form and structure of the text?
The fact that they use alot of cliff hangers on the programme makespeople want to come back and watch it more.
'Only Way is Essex' audience
Who is the text aimed at?
The Only Way is Essex is particularly aimed at young people, specifically young women. It is also aimed at individuals who are very fashion concentrated and intwined with popular culture.
What assumptions are made about the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
In this programme, many of the scenes are set in settings such as clubs or shops. This is on the assumption that the audience is attracted to this type of lifestyle.
Where and when is the audience likely to receive the text?
Television at home- late night, online ( ITV Player - anytime), portable devices e.g. iphone etc
How does this influence the form and structure of the text?
The program being aired late at night means the characters are entitled to swear and indulge in their preferred social activity
How will this audience 'read' this text?
The purpose of the media text is to entertain and although the character's of the show are meant to be real, there are parts acted out purposely for entertainment of audiences.
The Only Way is Essex is particularly aimed at young people, specifically young women. It is also aimed at individuals who are very fashion concentrated and intwined with popular culture.
What assumptions are made about the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
In this programme, many of the scenes are set in settings such as clubs or shops. This is on the assumption that the audience is attracted to this type of lifestyle.
Where and when is the audience likely to receive the text?
Television at home- late night, online ( ITV Player - anytime), portable devices e.g. iphone etc
How does this influence the form and structure of the text?
The program being aired late at night means the characters are entitled to swear and indulge in their preferred social activity
How will this audience 'read' this text?
The purpose of the media text is to entertain and although the character's of the show are meant to be real, there are parts acted out purposely for entertainment of audiences.
The Only Way Is Essex Audience Analysis
1. Who is the text aimed at?
Young adults that are influenced and enjoy popular culture. This is mainly aimed at women although a smaller minority of men do come under this category.
2. What assumptions are made about the audience which are revealed in the texts scheduling or positioning?
From the time that it is broadcasted it would suggest that the suitable audience would be mid teens and above. If the timing of the program was earlier it would be classed as unsuitable as some of the scenes have adult content.
3. Where and when is the audience likely to receive the text?
Most viewers of this program tend to view it from their home television although it is available to watch online at 'ITV player'.
4. How does this influence the form and structure of the text?
As the program is shown on ITV 2 it conforms to the stereotypical coventions of itv and mainstream television. A feature which features highly is the use of 'cliffhangers' which work in conjunction with the adverts and the end of the program making the audience return to find out what happens.
5. How will the audience 'read' this text?
This text's purpose is to entertain although the cast is meant to be real, their parts are acted out to ensure continuous entertainment. The individual characters of the show portray certain stereotypes which some viewers relate to.
The Only Way Is Essex Audience analysis.
Who is the text aimed at?
Teens, either people who like the lifestyles or people, who laugh at the life styles. A proggrame such as this has a lot of help from two step flow. Many people watched this programme because it was so talked about, fir being awful.
What assumptions are made about the audience?
The proggrammer assumes that the audience will be awake and watching television at 10 at night. This is key to the proggrame as it uses words and views that can not be aired before water shed.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Representational analysis of own product.
- Who or what is being represented?
Our video represents the female gender
- Is this a positive or negative representation?
I would suggest that the video has a positive representation of women. This is due to the Independence that is portrayed. However, people could suggest that the representation of too objective due to the use of women's sexuality as a selling point.
- How is it being established? (visually, aurally, against mise en scene, camera atc.)
Visually through the dress that the main character wears and her actions in the video.
- How does this representation relate to the target audience?
The representation of gender in our video relates to the way in which our female audience aspire to be. (independent, attractive, fashionable)
- Is it a stereotypical representation?
To an extent, the representation is stereotypical. It could be said to be a hyperbolic representation of women with the use of emphasized fashion and make up.
- Are the representations conventional or subversive?
Our video represents the female gender
- Is this a positive or negative representation?
I would suggest that the video has a positive representation of women. This is due to the Independence that is portrayed. However, people could suggest that the representation of too objective due to the use of women's sexuality as a selling point.
- How is it being established? (visually, aurally, against mise en scene, camera atc.)
Visually through the dress that the main character wears and her actions in the video.
- How does this representation relate to the target audience?
The representation of gender in our video relates to the way in which our female audience aspire to be. (independent, attractive, fashionable)
- Is it a stereotypical representation?
To an extent, the representation is stereotypical. It could be said to be a hyperbolic representation of women with the use of emphasized fashion and make up.
- Are the representations conventional or subversive?
Representation of own product
Who or what is being represented?
As the music video is pop rock, the song itself is representing the youth culture and the general topic in the song is drinking/partying/having a good time. The mise en scene is overall bright to portray this happiness.
Is it a positive or negative representation?
It is a positive representation because these are conventional for this music genre.
How is it being established? (visually, aurally, against mise en scene, camera etc)
The bright colours and lyrics establish the video by the upbeat bright and happy song.
How does this representation relate to the target audience?
The representation relates to the target audience because the video is aimed a youthful/teenage audience. to relates to conventions because the music video is an entourage of colours, visual effects, with high energy and fast camera work to help make it appeal to a young audience.
As the music video is pop rock, the song itself is representing the youth culture and the general topic in the song is drinking/partying/having a good time. The mise en scene is overall bright to portray this happiness.
Is it a positive or negative representation?
It is a positive representation because these are conventional for this music genre.
How is it being established? (visually, aurally, against mise en scene, camera etc)
The bright colours and lyrics establish the video by the upbeat bright and happy song.
How does this representation relate to the target audience?
The representation relates to the target audience because the video is aimed a youthful/teenage audience. to relates to conventions because the music video is an entourage of colours, visual effects, with high energy and fast camera work to help make it appeal to a young audience.
Representation Analysis of own Product
Who or what is being represented?
In our video, Josh and Dean are the main focus. We show how they are having a fun time. We also filmed a lot of shoes in our video. We took this idea from Examples music video. We thought that it made the video appeal to young people. We use lots of bright colours in the video as well to represent an electro theme and youth.
Is this a positive or negative representation?
We feel that any representations we had in our video were positive. The beat of the song and actions from the boys made it a fun video. The young characters were used in a positive way which displays youth in a positive way rather than being negative like in some videos.
How is it being established? (visually, orally, against mis en scene, camera etc)
The type of shots we used were very varied which made the video more exciting. The way we filmed, carried on the idea of youth and fun throughout. The outfits we used were also fun and represent the younger generation. The actual song was fast and exciting which would interest the younger population.How does this representation reflect the target audience?
Our target audience were young teens and above. We feel that because of the age of the boys, the audience would be able to relate to them and be entertained by them whilst still enjoying the music.
Is it a stereotypical representation?
We feel that it is stereotypical in some ways for our genre however after watching other music videos from this genre (e.g Daft Punk) we realised that we did not follow all codes and conventions of our genre. We didnt make the characters stereotypical teens in some ways but we did in others. We showed them having fun and enjoying the music. Their outfits and attitudes towards the music also represent their age group.
Are the representations conventional or subversive?
The way we represented youth was conventional.
representational analysis of own product.
who or what is being represented?
- youth and age are being represented in our music video through the lyrics about how they began and grew up.
they are young and we see them smoking, rapping which again represents teenagers and their attitude to life.
is this a positive or negative representation?
- we think this is a positive representation, due to the lyrics explaining how they have become the people they are and how they got their.
how is it being established? (visually, orally, against mise en scene, camera etc)
- we establish it by connecting the visuals and the lyrics together to show the narrative.
How does this representation relate to the target audience?
- the lyrics are aimed directly at the target audience
- the people in the video are of the same age of the target audience and the images shown in the video should be familiar to those in our target audience.
is it a stereotypical representation?
- yes, the way the characters are wearing stereotypical clothes of teenagers
are the representations conventional?
- yes this is shown through the clothes the characters wear and the way in which they speak
- youth and age are being represented in our music video through the lyrics about how they began and grew up.
they are young and we see them smoking, rapping which again represents teenagers and their attitude to life.
is this a positive or negative representation?
- we think this is a positive representation, due to the lyrics explaining how they have become the people they are and how they got their.
how is it being established? (visually, orally, against mise en scene, camera etc)
- we establish it by connecting the visuals and the lyrics together to show the narrative.
How does this representation relate to the target audience?
- the lyrics are aimed directly at the target audience
- the people in the video are of the same age of the target audience and the images shown in the video should be familiar to those in our target audience.
is it a stereotypical representation?
- yes, the way the characters are wearing stereotypical clothes of teenagers
are the representations conventional?
- yes this is shown through the clothes the characters wear and the way in which they speak
music video analysis
our video is hip-hop/pop/rnb, the conventions are fast cuts & jump cuts. There are 3 main forms that music videos come in, narrative, image and performance. Performance is more common in rock genre video's usually showing the band/artist performing their song. A narrative video tells the story, our video has some narrative aspects in it so that the images/footage is related to the lyrics.
Genre Theory
The genre of our music video was electro/techno.
We followed alot of the conventions for a typical electro video. We used lots of bright colours by using the effects. We used a green screen ebcause it allowed us to change the colours again and add different pattterns to the video which is often done in techno music videos.
We also had a lot of jump cuts in our video which matched the beat of our song. We had seen this done in oher music videos which is where we got the idea from.
Another convention we followed was the style of outfits we used. After watching alot of music videos done by Example, we noted how he dressed (bright colours and a retro style). The boys imitated some of his style in our video.
the genre also allows for alot of vibrant colouring, we notcied this and used bright colors as much as possible throughout the video.
We followed alot of the conventions for a typical electro video. We used lots of bright colours by using the effects. We used a green screen ebcause it allowed us to change the colours again and add different pattterns to the video which is often done in techno music videos.
We also had a lot of jump cuts in our video which matched the beat of our song. We had seen this done in oher music videos which is where we got the idea from.
Another convention we followed was the style of outfits we used. After watching alot of music videos done by Example, we noted how he dressed (bright colours and a retro style). The boys imitated some of his style in our video.
the genre also allows for alot of vibrant colouring, we notcied this and used bright colors as much as possible throughout the video.
quizzzzzzz
What does Katie Wales say genre is?
Intertextual context
What does David Buckingham say genre is?
A constant process of negotiation and change
Intertextual context
What does David Buckingham say genre is?
A constant process of negotiation and change
Friday, 1 April 2011
OUR FINDINGS
Today we found out about
the background to genre theories and that there are niche genres also. there a specific codes and conventions that give a text a genre. there are many theorist all with here own take on genre.
the background to genre theories and that there are niche genres also. there a specific codes and conventions that give a text a genre. there are many theorist all with here own take on genre.
Genre Theory Analysis
As a concept, genre needs to be applied in terms of musical genres e.g. pop,rock, in relation to music videos.
Wales statement 'genre is... an intertextual concept' , which is applicable in music videos and even more so than film or television. Wales' suggests that genre exists in relation between mediums as apposed to the text itself. In our music video production, after research into the artist image, target audience and previous music video, we used references to the artist or other conventions that would be recognisable within that genre to the target audience. For example the artists image: costume,make-up and props, established the genre because this is how the artist is usually represented and therefore the target audience familiarize with her.
Wales statement 'genre is... an intertextual concept' , which is applicable in music videos and even more so than film or television. Wales' suggests that genre exists in relation between mediums as apposed to the text itself. In our music video production, after research into the artist image, target audience and previous music video, we used references to the artist or other conventions that would be recognisable within that genre to the target audience. For example the artists image: costume,make-up and props, established the genre because this is how the artist is usually represented and therefore the target audience familiarize with her.
analysis of own product (genre theory)
The genre of our music video was pop rock and in that we used bright colours to help represent the youthfulness and the energy of the young band. We tried to get across to the audience christian metz's theory that genres go through stages: the experimental/ the classic/ the parody/ the deconstruction.
Using Genre To Describe Our Music Video
Our music video's genre would have been described as "trip-hop". Trip -hop is a reasonably new genre of music which was established in the mid-1990s and is a combination of electro and house music.
This genre of music video does not really have any set conventions, as it is quite experimental and is not generally seen as mainstream.
Trip hop is a music genre consisting of downtempo electronic music. It began in the mid-1990s, growing out of England's hip hop and house scenes, including that of the Bristol underground. It has been described as "Europe's alternative choice in the second half of the '90s", and a fusion "of Hip-Hop and Electronica until neither genre is recognizable."
This is is best illustrated by the fact that existing trip hop videos are all very unique and individual, with little to no connecting conventions.
The trip-hop genre perhaps fits best into David Buckingham's theory of genre is;
"Genre is not simply given by the culture, rather, it is in a constant process of negotiation and change"
This genre of music video does not really have any set conventions, as it is quite experimental and is not generally seen as mainstream.
Trip hop is a music genre consisting of downtempo electronic music. It began in the mid-1990s, growing out of England's hip hop and house scenes, including that of the Bristol underground. It has been described as "Europe's alternative choice in the second half of the '90s", and a fusion "of Hip-Hop and Electronica until neither genre is recognizable."
This is is best illustrated by the fact that existing trip hop videos are all very unique and individual, with little to no connecting conventions.
The trip-hop genre perhaps fits best into David Buckingham's theory of genre is;
"Genre is not simply given by the culture, rather, it is in a constant process of negotiation and change"
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Genre Theory Theorists
John Fiske:
-What does John Fiske describe genre as?
- Attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts
-Name three ways John Fiske categorises genre?
- A way of categorising texts
- A way of setting up audience expectations
- A way of defining codes and conventions for a category of text
Christian Metz:
-What is he best known for?
- Introducing semiotics to film
-Where was the three main places his work had most impact?
-Britain, France and USA
David Buckingham:
-What does David Buckingham argue genre is?
-Genre is in a constant process of negotiation and change
-What type of investigation has David Buckingham undertaken?
-Empirical
Katie Wales:
-What does Katie Wales say genre is?
- An intertextual concept
-Where is this concept most appropriately seen?
- In music videos
-What does John Fiske describe genre as?
- Attempts to structure some order into the wide range of texts
-Name three ways John Fiske categorises genre?
- A way of categorising texts
- A way of setting up audience expectations
- A way of defining codes and conventions for a category of text
Christian Metz:
-What is he best known for?
- Introducing semiotics to film
-Where was the three main places his work had most impact?
-Britain, France and USA
David Buckingham:
-What does David Buckingham argue genre is?
-Genre is in a constant process of negotiation and change
-What type of investigation has David Buckingham undertaken?
-Empirical
Katie Wales:
-What does Katie Wales say genre is?
- An intertextual concept
-Where is this concept most appropriately seen?
- In music videos
john fiske
Q. what was johns striking example that help us interpret the schema theory?
A. something to do with a car chase
christian metz
Q. what was he know for pioneering?
A. the application of ferdinand de saussures theories of semiology to film
Q. what theory did he relate to?
A. semiotics
Q. what is semiotics?
A. something to do with signs
david buckingham
Q. what did he argue?
A. that genre is not simply given by the culture it is in a constant process of negotiaion and change
katie wales
Q. what concept did she not?
A. intertextual concept
Q. what was johns striking example that help us interpret the schema theory?
A. something to do with a car chase
christian metz
Q. what was he know for pioneering?
A. the application of ferdinand de saussures theories of semiology to film
Q. what theory did he relate to?
A. semiotics
Q. what is semiotics?
A. something to do with signs
david buckingham
Q. what did he argue?
A. that genre is not simply given by the culture it is in a constant process of negotiaion and change
katie wales
Q. what concept did she not?
A. intertextual concept
Theory Answers and Questions
Who inspired John Fiske to the evaluation theory of charles darwin? Herbet Spencer
KAtie Wasle says that genre is a what concept? Intertextual
How many languages has David Buckinghams work been translated into? 15
KAtie Wasle says that genre is a what concept? Intertextual
How many languages has David Buckinghams work been translated into? 15
Genre theory
Katie Wales
Contemporary theorists like kaite wales tend to emphasize the importance of the semiotic notion of what? (Intertextuality)
What does Katie Wales definegenre as?
(genre is an intertextual concept)
David Bunckingham
Name one of the publications from david b
(the making of tv literacy)
How many book has he eddited
(24)
How many contries has he tought in?
(25)
Christain Metz
Which one of metz's books is considered a ceminal study?
(film language, semiotics of the cinema)
What were his four stages of the genre development theory?
(Classical, experimental, parady, deconstructuion)
John Fiske
Name one of his eight books?
(power plays and power works)
What is his role as a media critic?
(examines cultrul meanin in americn society)
(
Contemporary theorists like kaite wales tend to emphasize the importance of the semiotic notion of what? (Intertextuality)
What does Katie Wales definegenre as?
(genre is an intertextual concept)
David Bunckingham
Name one of the publications from david b
(the making of tv literacy)
How many book has he eddited
(24)
How many contries has he tought in?
(25)
Christain Metz
Which one of metz's books is considered a ceminal study?
(film language, semiotics of the cinema)
What were his four stages of the genre development theory?
(Classical, experimental, parady, deconstructuion)
John Fiske
Name one of his eight books?
(power plays and power works)
What is his role as a media critic?
(examines cultrul meanin in americn society)
(
Genre theorists
Katie Wales
what does katie wales define genera as - intertextual concepts
David Buckingham
How many books did he write - over 8
which age group did he mainly focus on - childhood
Christian Metz
Who's psychology does he use in this theory - Freud
What is the name of the system for categorizing scenes in a film - grand syntagmatique
John Fiske
How many books has he written - 8
What notion does fiske reject - 'the audience'
which media term did he coin - semiotic democracy
Monday, 28 March 2011
Narrative Theory - Inception
After watching the film Inception it can been seen that the theory which fits it best would be Claude Lévi-Strauss's narrative theory or his "Binary Theory". Lévi-Strauss's theory depicts that the world is full of opposites, e.g. light/dark, and this is transferred into structuring texts in films, plays and novels.
Inception is a film based on the concept of how do we know what is a dream and what is a reality, as our dreams feel so life like and vivid and when we are dreaming we often can't tell it's a dream. This relates to this narrative theory as the binary opposites are the dreamworld where Cobb "extracts" the dreams and the form of reality where everything appears normal. This increases the confusion amongst the audience as they cannot easily define what is the dream and what is reality.
The "Enigma Code" theory by Rolande Barthes also has some relation to the film as the theory suggests there is a mystery or a hook that leave the audience wanting to know what happened or will happen next. It is commonly seen in the "come back next week" technique or in film trailers. It can be applied to Inception, as in the final scene, Cobb's totem is seen continously spinning. The totem is a symbol of whether he is in the dream world or in reality. If the totem keeps spinning he is dreaming, if it falls over, he is in reality. The effect of keeping the totem spinning is it keeps the audience wondering whether the whole film and Cobb's life is meant to be seen as a dream or whether it is a twist they will never figure out.
Inception is a film based on the concept of how do we know what is a dream and what is a reality, as our dreams feel so life like and vivid and when we are dreaming we often can't tell it's a dream. This relates to this narrative theory as the binary opposites are the dreamworld where Cobb "extracts" the dreams and the form of reality where everything appears normal. This increases the confusion amongst the audience as they cannot easily define what is the dream and what is reality.
The "Enigma Code" theory by Rolande Barthes also has some relation to the film as the theory suggests there is a mystery or a hook that leave the audience wanting to know what happened or will happen next. It is commonly seen in the "come back next week" technique or in film trailers. It can be applied to Inception, as in the final scene, Cobb's totem is seen continously spinning. The totem is a symbol of whether he is in the dream world or in reality. If the totem keeps spinning he is dreaming, if it falls over, he is in reality. The effect of keeping the totem spinning is it keeps the audience wondering whether the whole film and Cobb's life is meant to be seen as a dream or whether it is a twist they will never figure out.
 |
| Inception |
GENRE
background to genre
developed from classification systems. Categorised into poetry, drama and prose.
defining genre
codes and conventions of genre
analysing genre
culture and genre
developed from classification systems. Categorised into poetry, drama and prose.
defining genre
codes and conventions of genre
analysing genre
culture and genre
Genre
Defining Genre-
- Genre is a way of categorising literature.
- It originated from ancient Greece.
- There were 3 original classifications when the classification system began- Poetry, Drama, Prose.
- Different Genre's apply to different media types, such as film, music, books and TV.
- Theory was constructed by Plato & Aristotle
- Sub genres can be created
- Genres are created through conventions as they change genres become discontinued
- New ones are formed constantly, e.g. Thriller/Adventure
- Tony Thwaites & his colleagues confirms textuality and reading
- Each genre has unique visual and sound qualities (four micro areas)
- Through iconography we can recognise the genre through particular ideologies
Genre
Background to Genre
-Genre refers to the method on similiartitiesin the narrative elements from which films are constructed
-Theres lots of debate when it comes to defining genr or catorgarising genres
-Turned into subgenres eg legal drama
-Genres are formed by conventions that change over time as new genres are invented an dthe use of old ones are discontinued eg western
-Mude up by Aristotle and Plato
Defining Genre
-Genre originated from the classification systems
-There were 3 different categories - poetry, drama and proes
Conventions of Genre
-Comedy, Sci Fi, Action, Romance, War, Horror
-Music/Actors depend on the genre of the text
Analysing Genre
-Genre refers to the method on similiartitiesin the narrative elements from which films are constructed
-Theres lots of debate when it comes to defining genr or catorgarising genres
-Turned into subgenres eg legal drama
-Genres are formed by conventions that change over time as new genres are invented an dthe use of old ones are discontinued eg western
-Mude up by Aristotle and Plato
Defining Genre
-Genre originated from the classification systems
-There were 3 different categories - poetry, drama and proes
Conventions of Genre
-Comedy, Sci Fi, Action, Romance, War, Horror
-Music/Actors depend on the genre of the text
Analysing Genre
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Analysing 'Inception' in relation to narrative theorists
I feel that the film inception can be applied closest to Claude-Levi Strauss' theory of binary opposites. Inception is based around dreams, also known as being in limbo. The film focuses this dream world compared with reality and how easy it is to become confused over what reality is.
Reality and 'limbo' or dreaming are the binary opposites seen in this film and this theme is followed throughout. The viewer, especially in the opening sequence of the film, also experiences the confusion between was is reality within the film and what is in a dream. So through Levi's theory its not just the characters within the film that interact and are familiar with these binary opposites it is the audience as well.
As a result of this confusion felt by the audience the film also has a slight sense of mystery to it and this leads me onto Rolande Barthes' theory and his Enigma Code. This code is a mystery to be revealed, and as well as the mystery felt throughout the film, a particular example of the Enigma Code seen here is right at the very end of the film where the main male character, Dom, leaves his totem spinning on the table. The totem is the indicator to whether he is in reality or limbo, if it stops spinning he is in real life, however the audience never gets to see whether or not this happens at the end of the film so it is left a mystery until a possible Inception 2 is released.
Todorov's theory and Propp's theory are slightly more difficult to be applied to this film as they are quite specific in their requirments and usually are applied to the traditional, more typical film, unlike inception.
Reality and 'limbo' or dreaming are the binary opposites seen in this film and this theme is followed throughout. The viewer, especially in the opening sequence of the film, also experiences the confusion between was is reality within the film and what is in a dream. So through Levi's theory its not just the characters within the film that interact and are familiar with these binary opposites it is the audience as well.
As a result of this confusion felt by the audience the film also has a slight sense of mystery to it and this leads me onto Rolande Barthes' theory and his Enigma Code. This code is a mystery to be revealed, and as well as the mystery felt throughout the film, a particular example of the Enigma Code seen here is right at the very end of the film where the main male character, Dom, leaves his totem spinning on the table. The totem is the indicator to whether he is in reality or limbo, if it stops spinning he is in real life, however the audience never gets to see whether or not this happens at the end of the film so it is left a mystery until a possible Inception 2 is released.
Todorov's theory and Propp's theory are slightly more difficult to be applied to this film as they are quite specific in their requirments and usually are applied to the traditional, more typical film, unlike inception.
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Analysing: Desserts
Claude Levi-Strauss
The film applies to this theory in terms of binary oppositions through the reversal of roles. The male character is tempted into eating a desert and after dragged into the sea by a force. The narrative has a straight forward structure which helps present the idea present in the short film to the audience.
The film applies to this theory in terms of binary oppositions through the reversal of roles. The male character is tempted into eating a desert and after dragged into the sea by a force. The narrative has a straight forward structure which helps present the idea present in the short film to the audience.
Relate theorists to 'Desserts'
Claude Levi Strauss
The opposites that are apparent in this short film are land and sea as well as before and after. We can see that the man begins on land and then is caught into the water. So safety and danger is a theme. However, this short film conveys a role reversal which complies to Levi's theory of Binary Opposites. An example of this is night/day, good/bad and light/dark. So in this case the narrative is a direct opposite.
The opposites that are apparent in this short film are land and sea as well as before and after. We can see that the man begins on land and then is caught into the water. So safety and danger is a theme. However, this short film conveys a role reversal which complies to Levi's theory of Binary Opposites. An example of this is night/day, good/bad and light/dark. So in this case the narrative is a direct opposite.
Dessert.
the short film dessert relates best to Rolande Barthes narrative theory in which the viewer produces a new meaning when viewing the text in hand, for this instance the role reversal of a fisherman, as he now becomes captured and becomes reeled in to the sea which we find very un common but the process reversed of us taking out fish from there habit is seen as perfectlly normal.
analysis of desserts
we think that the theorist that relates to this short film is Todorov. this is because he believes that there are 5 stages to a narrative-
equilibrium- he is walking around
a disruption of this equilibrium by an event- finding the cake
a realisation that the disruption has happened- the fish hook
an attempt to repair the damage of the disruption- fighting againts the pull of the fish hook
a restoration of equilibrium- after he has been dragged into the sea and everything is calm again
equilibrium- he is walking around
a disruption of this equilibrium by an event- finding the cake
a realisation that the disruption has happened- the fish hook
an attempt to repair the damage of the disruption- fighting againts the pull of the fish hook
a restoration of equilibrium- after he has been dragged into the sea and everything is calm again
Desserts (Ewan McGregor) - Narrative Theory
This piece is an example of Todorov's narrative theory and can be shown through the following steps
Eqilibrium
Ewan is strolling around on the beach and everything is calm
A Disruption Of This Equilibrium Has Happened
Ewan finds a chocolate eclaire lying on the beach which confuses him a bit so he tries a small part of it
A Realisation That A Disruption Has Happened
After he takes a big bite of the eclaire, a fish hook appears in his mouth
An Attempt To Repair The Damage Of The Disruption
He tries to remove the fish hook from his mouth - which in this case does not work and therefore gets dragged towards the sea
A Restoration Of Equilibirum
The sea swallows Ewan and everything is calm again
This piece shows fishing in reverse where humans are the fish. The eclaire acts as the bait drawing the actor in, then sea acts as the fisherman by reeling in its catch.
Desserts (feat. Ewan Mcgregor)
Eqilibrium
Ewan is strolling around on the beach and everything is calm
A Disruption Of This Equilibrium Has Happened
Ewan finds a chocolate eclaire lying on the beach which confuses him a bit so he tries a small part of it
A Realisation That A Disruption Has Happened
After he takes a big bite of the eclaire, a fish hook appears in his mouth
An Attempt To Repair The Damage Of The Disruption
He tries to remove the fish hook from his mouth - which in this case does not work and therefore gets dragged towards the sea
A Restoration Of Equilibirum
The sea swallows Ewan and everything is calm again
This piece shows fishing in reverse where humans are the fish. The eclaire acts as the bait drawing the actor in, then sea acts as the fisherman by reeling in its catch.
Desserts (feat. Ewan Mcgregor)
Narrative Theory - Desserts Short Film Analysis
We can see elements of other theories within this text, such as the element of mystery to begin with which would relate to Rolande Barthes theory and the enigma code and also Todorov's theory doesn't really apply to this short film as there is an equilibrium at the beginning, it is disrupted and there is a realisation of this yet there is no attempt to restore this equilibrium or an actual restoration. His theory is more likely to apply to feature films rather than unconventional short films such as Desserts.
We believe that Claude Levi-Strauss's theory is most useful when analysing this short film as he discusses binary opposites. These oppositions are seen in the short film Desserts as the roles of fishermen and fish have been reversed. The cake is put on the beach as bait by the fish, the man takes the bait and then is hooked and dragged into the sea by the fish. The message this may be trying to portray is that the audience should see fishing from the fish's perspective rather than the fisherman's.
We believe that Claude Levi-Strauss's theory is most useful when analysing this short film as he discusses binary opposites. These oppositions are seen in the short film Desserts as the roles of fishermen and fish have been reversed. The cake is put on the beach as bait by the fish, the man takes the bait and then is hooked and dragged into the sea by the fish. The message this may be trying to portray is that the audience should see fishing from the fish's perspective rather than the fisherman's.
Monday, 21 March 2011
Music video editing analysis
Our editing was in sync with the video and its fast, lively pace. The use of copious cuts and colour editing gives the video a vibrant and energetic atmosphere associated with the genre of music and image of the artist. This connotes the artist's wild lifestyle and her social image of being a party animal. The use of vibrant and different primary colours are symbolic of both the artists personality and fashion sense (colourful and diverse clothes). Fast cuts could be said to be representative of the fast paced lifestyle of Ke$ha and her ever changing style and personality.
Our Production Analysis - Lovage to Catch a Theif
Micro element: Mise en Scene
The first main denotation you see in our music video is the bunny, who plays the main character throughout the video. We chose a bunny as this connotes vulnerability, which is seen in the scene where the bunny gets kicked out out of his house by his wife. The bunny was also a thief in the video which link to the title, so the bunny costume connoted a disguises as most thieves have.
The use of alcohol in the pub was a form of non-verbal language as it is showing the bunny drinking his sorrows away yet no dialogue is spoken. The audience is likely to decode this encoding in this way as it is a typical and common ideology.
Another piece of encoding we put into the video was the prop of the bundle on as stick over the bunny's shoulder in the opening scene. We hope to our audience that this symbolic sign would connote that the bunny is leaving home and that they would decode this image in this way.
A simple iconic sign we encoded was the bunny behind bars. This image would be decoded by audiences everywhere as someone being in prison and 'behind bars' it is quite a literal sign. This image also links with the title of the song and the lyrics.
The first main denotation you see in our music video is the bunny, who plays the main character throughout the video. We chose a bunny as this connotes vulnerability, which is seen in the scene where the bunny gets kicked out out of his house by his wife. The bunny was also a thief in the video which link to the title, so the bunny costume connoted a disguises as most thieves have.
The use of alcohol in the pub was a form of non-verbal language as it is showing the bunny drinking his sorrows away yet no dialogue is spoken. The audience is likely to decode this encoding in this way as it is a typical and common ideology.
Another piece of encoding we put into the video was the prop of the bundle on as stick over the bunny's shoulder in the opening scene. We hope to our audience that this symbolic sign would connote that the bunny is leaving home and that they would decode this image in this way.
A simple iconic sign we encoded was the bunny behind bars. This image would be decoded by audiences everywhere as someone being in prison and 'behind bars' it is quite a literal sign. This image also links with the title of the song and the lyrics.
Analysis of Opening Sequence of Se7en
Micro-elements:
(Denotation and Connotation)
Weather is raining constantly - makes the viewer feel like the film is going to be depressive, dark and gloomy throughout.
Brad Pitt has tie's already hung up for him on coat hanger - shows that he's lazy.
Morgan Freeman has everything lined up, ready for the day - show's he's organised and possibly has a touch of OCD, which he then brings into his job, e.g. tools in the back of the car are organised.
Written Language:
When the first murder has been committed the world "Gluttony" is written on the wall, showing that the murderer is leaving a clue to the crimes he is going to commit - the seven deadly sins.
In the opening credits there is a huge amount of written language, comprising of newspaper clippings etc. These give the beginning of the film a mysterious feel and keep the audience hooked as they want to know more about the murderer.
(Denotation and Connotation)
Weather is raining constantly - makes the viewer feel like the film is going to be depressive, dark and gloomy throughout.
Brad Pitt has tie's already hung up for him on coat hanger - shows that he's lazy.
Morgan Freeman has everything lined up, ready for the day - show's he's organised and possibly has a touch of OCD, which he then brings into his job, e.g. tools in the back of the car are organised.
Written Language:
When the first murder has been committed the world "Gluttony" is written on the wall, showing that the murderer is leaving a clue to the crimes he is going to commit - the seven deadly sins.
In the opening credits there is a huge amount of written language, comprising of newspaper clippings etc. These give the beginning of the film a mysterious feel and keep the audience hooked as they want to know more about the murderer.
 |
| "Se7en" |
Friday, 18 March 2011
SE7EN Analysis
The beginning of the film shows a male character in what looks like an apartment doing dishes in his boxers and shirt connoting that he is at home, the lack of sound connotes that he lives alone. He gets dressed into a suit that is layed out on his bed showing that he is organised. In the next scene the character is shown in a different environment. He is with other people in suits in another apartment with a body and blood splattered onto the wall. The people are taking photographs and talking. They say 'lietenant' and 'the body' connoting that this is a crime scene and this will be a film based around some kind of crime. another character enters and talks to him. This appears to be the next main character as he talks to the character we are already familiar with. As they step outside it is raining, this gives the scene a dull and negative atmosphere. The shop behind them has bars over the display windows and in front of the door showing that the area they are in an area that must have a high crime rate. The first character (morgan freeman) talks to the character who has just been introduced (Brad Pitt) he says 'why here' and 'you don't know me' when brad pitt tries to have a conversation with him. This shows that the character is quite closed and defensive obviously distancing himself.
The over all theme of the opening sequence sets the mood and pace of the rest of the movie. We witness a hierarchal complex between the two characters and the dull content in the shots are prolepsis for a dark movie. The use of setting and weather provide an atmospheric stage for which the movie continues.
:D
The over all theme of the opening sequence sets the mood and pace of the rest of the movie. We witness a hierarchal complex between the two characters and the dull content in the shots are prolepsis for a dark movie. The use of setting and weather provide an atmospheric stage for which the movie continues.
:D
Analysis of Se7en opening scenes-using media language
Micro-elements...
(Denotation and Connotation)
The denotation of the lighting in the opening sequences is dim, gloomy, and with a gray hue. The connotations of this could be the dark atmosphere within the house when the man had died, death is a very dark subject and the lighting within the house represents this.
One denotation of the mise-en-scene of Brad Pitt's character's clothing and the way he just throws them on with his tie already done up connotates his laid back, 'couldn't care less' attitude. In contrast, Morgan Freeman's layout of his clothing and possessions is very ordered, conotating his structured and organised approach to his job.
(Written Language)
In the first murder scene 'Gluttony' is clearly written on the wall as past of the mise-en-scene. this serves to give both the characters and the audience a clue into the nature and the reason for the crime.
In the credit scene there is substantial use of written language in the form of written notes and newspaper clippings. These create the effect of both mystery and gives an insight into the mental instability of the murderer.
(Non-Verbal Language)
Morgan Freeman's character is seen laying in his bed all alone in the first scene. No dialogue is spoken yet his characters loneliness and his direction in life seems almost absent. This can be supported by his obsession over being organised, he may put all of his life into his job.
(Denotation and Connotation)
The denotation of the lighting in the opening sequences is dim, gloomy, and with a gray hue. The connotations of this could be the dark atmosphere within the house when the man had died, death is a very dark subject and the lighting within the house represents this.
One denotation of the mise-en-scene of Brad Pitt's character's clothing and the way he just throws them on with his tie already done up connotates his laid back, 'couldn't care less' attitude. In contrast, Morgan Freeman's layout of his clothing and possessions is very ordered, conotating his structured and organised approach to his job.
(Written Language)
In the first murder scene 'Gluttony' is clearly written on the wall as past of the mise-en-scene. this serves to give both the characters and the audience a clue into the nature and the reason for the crime.
In the credit scene there is substantial use of written language in the form of written notes and newspaper clippings. These create the effect of both mystery and gives an insight into the mental instability of the murderer.
(Non-Verbal Language)
Morgan Freeman's character is seen laying in his bed all alone in the first scene. No dialogue is spoken yet his characters loneliness and his direction in life seems almost absent. This can be supported by his obsession over being organised, he may put all of his life into his job.
Media lanuguage Analysing Se7en
- written language- the first written language shown within the opening sequence was the actors names, producers, director etc and it flickered on and off in a quite distressed font and it sets the tone and feel of the film from the very beginning.
- verbal-when it comes to the verbal language that has been used throughout the opening
- non-verbal language
- visual language
- semiotics-denotation,connotation
- aural language
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