Language Flashcards
Media Language
How choice (selection, combination, and exclusion) of elements of media language influence meaning in media.
How can elements of media language influence media?
- Create narratives
- Portray aspects of reality
- Construct points of view
- Represent the world in ways that convey messages and values through codes and conventions.
Narrative Theory (Tzvetan Todorov)
Every narrative follows a five part structure:
- Equilibrium
- Disruption of the equilibrium
- Recognition of the disruption
- An attempt to repair the damage
- New equilibrium
Character Theory (Vladimir Propp)
Every narrative has eight characters:
- Hero
- Villain
- False hero
- Dispatcher
- Princess
- Princess’ father
- Helper
- Donor
Who is the hero of a narrative?
Someone on the quest through which the audience follows the narrative.
Who is the villain of a narrative?
Someone who struggles to stop the hero in their quest. An example of a type of antagonist.
Who is the false hero of a narrative?
A character that initially appears good or presents themself as the protagonist/helper of the protagonist, but is revealed to be evil later on.
Who is the dispatcher of a narrative?
The person that sends the hero on their quest.
Who is the princess of a narrative?
A reward for the hero. Often needs to be protected from a villain.
Who is the princess’ father of a narrative?
The authority figure who gives a reward to the hero e.g. his daughter’s hand in marriage for completing the quest. (Propp noted that the princess and her father were often indistinguishable archetypes)
Who is the helper of a narrative?
Offers help to the hero in their quest; usually a sidekick.
Who is the donor of a narrative?
Prepares the hero for their quest by giving them a special power or item.
Enigma Code (Roland Barthes)
An element of a narrative that isn’t fully explained, so it becomes a puzzle or mystery to the audience.
Non-verbal/symbolic codes
- Mise-en-scene
- Paralanguage + facial expressions
- Props, costumes
- Key signifiers/images
Written/verbal codes
- Written words e.g. slogans, mastheads, captions
- Typeface/font
- Style
- Choice or emphasis of words
Technical codes
- Camera angles
- Camera shots
- Editing choices e.g. cropping, juxtaposition
- Sound
Aerial shot
- Filmed from the air
- Often used to establish a location
Establishing shot
- At the head (start) of scene
- Establishes location of action is set on whilst also setting tone of upcoming scene
Close-up (CU)
- Usually framed above shoulders and has full face of character in the frame.
- May focus on significant object
Extreme close-up (XCU)
Frame is focused on a small part of the character’s face or a small detail of an important object.
Medium shot (MS)
Shoots from the character’s waist up.
Dolly zoom
The camera tracks forward, while simultaneously zooming in or out, or vice-versa.
Over-The-Shoulder-Shot
- Camera is positioned behind a character’s shoulder
- Usually used to show a conversation
High Angle Shot
Shot from a higher point and looks down on the character.
Long Shot
Frames character from the top of their head to toe whilst capturing their environment.
Low Angle Shot
Shot from a lower point and shoots up at the character.
Two-Shot
Medium shot that shows two characters within the frame.