This document defines and provides examples of key film analysis terminology:
- It defines denotation and connotation for the terms "snake", "flag", and "gun", explaining their literal and implied meanings.
- It defines different film techniques like lighting, props, models, and location used to convey meaning and tone in images.
- It analyzes two movie trailers, explaining how their use of music, footage selection, and other elements aim to misrepresent the films' actual genres.
- It outlines common stereotypes associated with groups like men/women, social classes, and ages.
- It lists iconic visuals and settings often seen in Western, sci-fi, and fantasy genres.
2. Snake
• Denotation
A limbless, scaly, elongate reptile
• Connotation
Devious, cold-hearted and untrustworthy
(probably a result of the serpent in the
Garden of Eden)
3. Flag
• Denotation
A peace of material that is rectangular
shaped and has a design on it to represent
something usually a country
• Connotation
The flag of the British empire that was known
for owning 1/8 of the worlds land mass.
4. Gun
• Denotation
A device that is used by the military and is used
as a means of attacking people or defending
people.
• Connotation
A weapon that causes death and destruction
where ever it is used.
5. Colours/Lighting
They are a lot of dark
colours on the creature that
may show that it is evil.
While there is a lot of light
on the people to maybe
show that they are good.
Props
The boat in the
image is made to
look small and weak
compared to the
creator.
Model
The creature and the tower
are the most dominating
features of the shot to
show they are the most
powerful thing there
compared to the small
people
Location
The location is in the
middle of the sea to maybe
it is hopeless for the
people to try to escape
from the creature.
6. Lighting
The lighting is primarily
dark and is only
brightens up slightly
around the figure in the
centre to show there
importance.
Props
The props in the image
show medieval/fantasy
armour as well as two
swords to show the
character is ready to
fight.
Location
There isn't much to the
location as the only thing
you can see is a dark
background and an outcrop
of rock that the figure is
stood on maybe to show
how strong they are and
how important they are.
7. Lighting/Colors
the lighting and
colors are quite dark
and cold colors to
give the image a
cold look.
Props
The props in the
image show a very
bulky armor that look
futuristic as well as
claw like weapons.
Models
The model of the wolf is
made to match the size
of the man in the bulky
armor to show how
intimidating it is to a
normal person.
Location
The location in the
image is a snowy
mounting to maybe
show that the man is
nearly alone with only
the wolf for company
8. Soundtrack
• Clip 1
It makes it look like an action
advancer with something going wrong.
• Clip 2
It makes it look like a
romance/romantic connection.
9. Shining
In the shining trailer they have used quit few techniques to make it sound
happier, for example the voice narration of the trailer sounds like it has been
done by a happier person. They have also used parts from the move when the
people are acting happy and acting like a family instead of being scared. This
makes the whole film go against its original genre which is scary not happy.
10. Scary Mary
In the Scary Mary trailer they have used quit few techniques to make it sound
and look creepy and horrifying, for example they use eerie music to make the
trailer to go against the original genre. They have also used parts from the
move when the people are acting scared and doing creepy things like twisting
there head 360 degrees. This makes the whole film look horrifying.
11. Stereotypes
Men
• Cant show emotion
• Strong
• Can only do dangerous work
• Cant multitask
Women
• Weak
• can multitask
• Good cooks
12. Stereotypes
Upper Class
• Rich
• Snobby
• Posh
• Designer clothing
• Big houses
• Nice cars
Working Class
• Poor
• Rude
• Low income
• Counsel estate
• Manual labor
• Benefits
13. Stereotypes
Old People
• Boring
• Always complaining
• cant drive
• Hate technology
Young People
• Smoke
• Take drugs
• Wear hoodies
• Rude
17. Narrative
• Narrative Definition
The definition of narrative is a spoken or written account of connected
events.
• Linear Narrative Definition
The definition of Linear narratives is when a stories is put in in a logical
manner by telling what happens from one point in time.
• Linear Narrative Film Example
Citizen Kane
• Non-Linear Narrative Definition
The definition of non-linear is that it may use extensive flashbacks or flash-
forwards in Non-Linear Narrative Film
• Non-Linear Narrative Film Example
D. W. Griffith’s Intolerance
Include a poster of a film/video game and analyse the meaning created from the use of colours, props, costume, location, lighting, framing, actor/model
Include a poster of a film/video game and analyse the meaning created from the use of colours, props, costume, location, lighting, framing, actor/model
Include a poster of a film/video game and analyse the meaning created from the use of colours, props, costume, location, lighting, framing, actor/model
Discuss what genre the music gives the image. Reference the sort of music and how it makes you feel about the image? What does it suggest about the characters or what is about to happen?
What techniques have been used to make the trailer appear as if it is a romantic comedy. Discuss sound and editing.
What techniques have been used to make the trailer appear as if it is a horror film. Discuss sound and editing.
List the positive and negative stereotypes linked with these social groups
List the positive and negative stereotypes linked with these social groups
List the positive and negative stereotypes linked with these social groups
List iconography you would associate with the genre. Add images where/if relevant
List iconography you would associate with the genre. Add images where/if relevant
List iconography you would associate with the genre. Add images where/if relevant
Discuss the clip and reference how meaning has been created through the use of Costume/Dialogue/Props/Lighting/Camerawork/Editing/Music/Colour
Reference clear examples from the clip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXoJeLDyVBY