2. DEFINITIONS
Literal meaning – Put in the scene
Everything that creates the visual world of the media text
What does it consist of?
Costume, make up and hairstyling,
Body language and facial expressions,
Colour and lighting,
Setting and props,
Positioning of objects in the frame.
3. COSTUME, MAKE UP AND
HAIRSTYLE
Based in 1971, the costumes of the characters play an important task. Showing that
it is set in 1971 and having the correct fashion.
In Europe where this film is based, androgynous hippie was the fashion at the time.
Although quite individual, loose trousers, open shirts and an velvet waist coats were
the fashion. Represented well by the two men that pick them up when the car has
broken down.
The hairstyle is also very important in showing the time period, both styles are very
common for the time period, for the men, long, swept back and curly. For the women
a quiff, which makes her seem high class and more sophisticated. Her makeup is
minimal and suits her age and social class. Wearing a white dress may also represent
innocence and beauty.
4. BODY LANGUAGE AND FACIAL
EXPRESSIONS
Body language is a form of communication without the use of words
or noises. Through the movement of the body or facial expressions.
Facial expressions are shown very well in this screen shot. The
women is showing she is confused/disgruntled at what has been said
without having to say anything. This allows the audience to
understand more about what is happening in the scene.
Body language is shown better in this screen shot. As no eye contact
occurs and each character keeps remaining facing forward it shows
the lack of wanting to communicate and that they are only focusing on
what is in front of them rather than each other.
5. COLOUR AND LIGHTING
Colour and lighting can be used in many ways. Setting the scene,
suggesting the time and the seasons. It can also suggest the
relationship/potential relationship of the characters.
In the first screen shot, the lighting is bright, suggesting it is around
midday as the light is nearly directly above. It is well lit also,
suggesting warmth. The colours used are bright connoting warmth
and happiness. The blue sky is a relaxing colour, mixed with the
green and yellow colours creates a very warm and relaxing feel to the
scene.
This screenshot is blurred, this has been done on purpose to create
the sensation of speed and danger. Helping to make the audience see
that they are going fast and the speed is dangerous.
6. SETTING AND PROPS
The setting gives the place the scene is set, while props, often taken from
real life help gives links for the audience to the film and allow the actors to
use in the scene.
In this scene in rush, not many props are used. However, a main prop is the
car the characters are sat in. The car helps set the scene very well, being a
car from the time period it helps show the time period to the audience.
The setting used is in the country, the audience can tell it is quite warm. The
audience can also see the crops growing and plant life growing and
flowering. This could possibly be a hint at the two characters in the scene
starting to like each other and there like for each other growing. The warmth
of the scene also suggests happiness, again, linking to the characters
starting to like each other.
7. POSITIONING OF OBJECTS IN
THE FRAME
The positioning of objects in the frame shows the audience where
they should focus their attention.
In this first screenshot, the director has used the rule of thirds. Lining
the characters on the right third, this allows the audience to be able
to see the road and surroundings. Seeing that they are very isolated
and no one is about to help them. However they are in beautiful
scenery so it could be slightly romantic.
This second screenshot is taken up mostly by the character speaking,
but you can just see the other character. This suggests to the
audience they should be focused on the character speaking rather
than anything else.
