This document defines key film analysis terms and provides examples. It discusses the denotation and connotation of symbols like snakes, flags, and guns. It analyzes posters for Thor, Shrek, and Aladdin in terms of color symbolism and character portrayal. It examines film clips and trailers to determine genre and tone. The document also defines stereotypes for different groups and iconography for genres like Western, science fiction, and fantasy films. It concludes with definitions and examples of linear and non-linear narratives.

1. Meaning
Theory
Your Name

2. Snake
• Denotation – a snake is a
reptile animal.
• Connotation – could be
viewed as a
enemy/sneaky/danger.

3. Flag
• Denotation – A piece of
cloth with UK colours.
• Connotation – Symbolises
the UK country.

4. Gun
• Denotation – a weapon
used to kill through gunfire.
• Connotation – death,
murder, danger, crime,
western, villains.

5. Poster Analysis 1
• The dark blue/black background on this
poster, gives the connotation that Thor is
a dark gloomy film and is a dark thriller.
• The weapons displayed in the poster
connotes that the film is about warfare
and includes violence. The way the main
character is holding the axe connotes
that he is the powerful main character in
the film
• The costumes that the main characters
are wearing connotes that they are
powerful and aggressive, the costumes
make the characters look like they are
very active and preparing for battle.

6. Poster Analysis 2
• The colours used in the Shrek poster connotes
that the film has an element of danger from
the fire. The blue sky connotes that the film is
full of life. The costume of the main character
connotes that he is a troll like character that
isn’t humanlike.
• The red dragon symbolises an element of
danger but also could be a sign of love and
compassion.
• The female character is also has the theme of
a green costume this connotes a nature good
theme.
• The main character is Shrek because he is the
one central to the poster.
• The donkeys position connotes that it is a
humorous character.

7. Poster Analysis 3
• The colours used in this poster shows
that it is a dark film with the main three
characters are the most important in the
film glowing like superheroes.
• The gold at the bottom of the poster
connotes that the film has an element of
wealth and power.
• The magic lamp connotes light and
magic, and mystery.
• The costumes are oriental. The girl
character has a wealthy costume relates
to a royal princess.
• The main characters costume is a simple
shirt and waistcoast suggests that he is a
normal everyday person.

8. Soundtrack
• Clip 1 – The music creates a dramatic dark suspense
feel to the movie. Also, it suggests that an event will
happen in the film because of the way the music
builds up dramatically.
• Clip 2 – This second music clip makes the film sound
romantic and happy, like the characters are having a
happy romantic relationship. As a person watching
the film, it would make me feel happy.

9. Shining
• They used happy scenes and romantic lines
within the trailer using the father- son
relationship as the basis.
• The background music is happy.
• The way the film lines were said in the trailer
suggests the theme of comedy and love.

10. Scary Mary
• The music sounded dramatic and the music pitch changed
quickly.
• The way the trailer was edited to include dark scenes and
horror scenes suggests the trailer is meant to scare.
• The quick editing is effective in the trailer because it creates
the impression that the film is fast moving and dark compared
to the original Mary Poppins.

11. Stereotypes
Men
Women
Women are better drivers than men
Women are responsible for looking after
the children
Women are meant to do the cooking and
cleaning.
Women don’t have to work as much as
men because they get paid less.
Men are strong
Men are known to be sporty
Men are usually construction
workers or mechanics, science,
engineering, plumbing.
Men don’t do the ironing
Men don’t do any housework

12. Stereotypes
Upper Class
• Expensive cars, houses.
• Posh, rich
• Well dressed
• High authority
• Snobby can be rude
Working Class
• Manual labour workers
• Often involved in crime
• Usually live in a rented city
house

13. Stereotypes
Old People
• Thought to be lazy and not
intelligent with using technology.
• Stuck in their time and can’t keep up
with new advancements.
• Thought to be lonely and not have
many hobbies.
• They think that young people are
troublemakers.
Young People
• Always on smartphones, social
media and talking to people.
• Teenagers can be lazy.
• Young people seem to wear
sportswear and hoodies.

14. Iconography- Western
• Cowboys
• Deserts
• Weapons
• Horses
• American
•

15. Iconography- Sci-Fi
• Aliens
• Spaceships
• Astronauts
• Futuristic
• Robots
• Electronic
laser
weapons

16. Iconography- Fantasy
• Magical
• Dragons
• Supernatural events
• Fantasy worlds

17. Narrative
• Narrative Definition – A narrative is the main
storyline of the film.
• Linear Narrative Definition – A storyline in the
correct sequence, beginning, middle and end.
• Linear Narrative Film Example – Harry Potter

18. Narrative
• Non-Linear Narrative Definition
- A storyline that has flashbacks or flashforwards in
the film.
• Non-Linear Narrative Film Example – Forrest
Gump.

19. Clip Analysis
• The dark lighting in the clip demonstrates the dramatic scene.
• The dark costume also tells us that Darth Vader is a villan.
• The bright lightsaber lights also tell us that it is a sci fi action
film.
• The music changes depending on if in the scene the focus
switches between Darth Vader and the heroes.
• The dialogue that Darth Vader uses is in a dark threatening
voice whereas the heroes use a happier scared voice.