In this contextual studies lesson we looked at how film communicates different concepts. We learnt the definition of semiotics, which is the study of signs, and how this is used to signify different things in film.
We got a few different points on how to 'read' and image for film review:
-colour
-light and shade
-form
-composition
-line
-tone
-setting
-symbolism
-character analysis
-reference to other paintings or films
-image context and content
We also took some pointers on what the main components are in a film review:
-condensed plot synopsis
-background information of the movie if needed
-set of arguments and analysis of those arguments
-evaluation
-motivation (how it is composed, etc)
As well as this, we learnt about different functions of film reviews; for journalism, advertising, criticism, and rhetoric. After this we had a look at mise-en-scene and what this means. The definition of this describes everything that appears on stage - props, characters, even the set.
We used our new knowledge of what mise-en-scene was to analyse The Wizard of Oz. We looked at the use of colour in the film and how it corresponds to the birth of technicolor. The set design also says a lot about the film and the time it was made in: all of the props are plastic and fake, and unrealistic. In a period where times were hard for the people in America, it was nice to escape to a crazy, colourful world of Oz where they could try and forget about the nightmare of daily life. Sound is also something that plays a part. There are two kinds of sound; diegetic, which is when you hear the real sounds that go on in the film, or non-diegetic, which is when you hear sound imposed over the top of the footage you're watching.
We were asked to work on our essays and they're due in this week, so I'll post that up onto my blog soon too!
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