This document provides guidelines for analyzing visual materials such as films. It discusses analyzing the film title, genre, plot, themes, characters, sets/costumes/setting, and mood. It also discusses analyzing the director's use of sound effects like voices, music, and technical sounds to manipulate the audience and create atmosphere. The cinematography brings the written script to life through effects that are important to analyze. Knowing the film creators and their roles and styles is also important when analyzing a film.

1. VISUAL LITERACY/ANALYSIS

2. In analysing any visual, including films, and photographs. You should be aware of the
following:
• Visual material will always be viewed subjectively and individual responses will differ.
• There are, however, basic guidelines that can help to analyse visual material.
• FILM STUDY
Film is a modern literary form
A. Films may be studied with the same criteria we use to analyse written material
B. When studying films, however, we also need to analyse the cinematography effects
used to create a successful film from a script. (it is the process that bring written word
to life)
C. In the sane way that an author writes a literary work, certain people are associated with
bringing a film to life. It is important to know these film creators are, the roles they
play and their styles of work.
VISUAL MATERIAL INCLUDES
FILMS, TELEVISION
PROGRAMMES, PICTURES, PHOTOGRA
PHS, BILLBOARDS AND
ADVERTISEMENTS

3. FILM ANALYSIS
1. Film title
The title is important as it identifies and becomes synonymous with the film
2. Genre – Type of film
Genres include Comedy, Suspense, Horror, Musical, Drama, Western or Science Fiction
3. Plot – scenes and sequences
The plot is the storyline with its different threads
4. Themes
The main theme is the message imported by the film
5. Characterisation
As in all literature, each character may be analysed.
6. Sets, costumes and setting
These provides the visual background of time and place
7. Mood or atmosphere
The cinematographic effects create the pervading mood and atmosphere of the film

4. The director manipulates his audience by means of sound effects and visual
effects.
A. Voices
• These may be dialogues between characters, background voices or
commentaries
B. Music
• Music is used to create or enhance atmosphere, heighten tension, relax the
senses and identify the subject
C. Technical sound effects
• Realistic or natural sound effects establishes credibility and realism.
• Dramatic sound effects add atmosphere and enhance the mood.
• Silence may be used to contrast with sound or music and may create a feeling
of loneliness or isolation.
CINEMATOGRAPHIC EFFECTS

5. Lutrin and Pincus. 2004. ENGLISH HAND BOOK AND STUDY GUIDE A
Comprehensive English Reference Book. Johannesburg. Berlut Books CC
REFERENCES