media language Flashcards
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings:
what can semiotics be used for?
to analyse aspects of media language
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does the urban setting of Luther immediately connotes?
realism
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does the urban setting have links to?
intertextual references to other gritty crime dramas which audiences therefore have expectations of the narrative and themes
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does the settings also relate to?
characters
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does zoe’s office look like?
large and modern but lined with books
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does zoe’s office suggest?
her important role and her intelligence
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does luther’s workplace look like?
darker and more claustrophobic with a lack of natural light connoting his troubled persona.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
persona
refers to a character in the drama which may have distinct qualities, beliefs and behaviours which conveys a specific message, theme or perspective within a play
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does these binary opposing locations also serve to illustrate?
the differences between Zoe and Luther and the problems in their relationship.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
why does alice seen as the victim?
initial rural, comfortable setting misleads us to accept her as the victim.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings and location):
what does alice’s flat later in the narrative establish?
her power within the narrative with its view across London suggesting she is in control and omniscient
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (visual codes, clothing):
what creates meaning?
the connotations of characters’ clothing and appearance create meanings
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (visual codes, clothing):
what does alice’s long red hair, wears red lipstick and dresses in suits or tightfitting clothing connote?
intertextual links with the femme fatale character, a stock character in early 20th century films - a mysterious, beautiful but villainous woman with dubious morals, who sets out to ensnare a man for her own ends
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (visual codes, clothing):
what does luther’s clothing suggest?
his rank within the police
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (visual codes, clothing):
what does luther being often dishevelled connote?
that he does not always conform to expectations and may be more of a maverick.
dishevelled
to describe the appearance of a person which their look looks messy, unkempt or unruly
maverick
someone who is unconventional, independent-minded and often behaves or thinks in ways that are different from established norms or expectations
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (codes of gesture and expression):
what does luther’s gesture and expression often connotes?
his inability to control his emotions, he can be violent and behave unpredictably
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (codes of gesture and expression):
what are examples when luther cannot control his emotions? (2)
when he goes to visit Zoe at her home and punches the door
his reaction to the call from Zoe telling him about her encounter with Alice when he proceeds to wreck his office
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (codes of gesture and expression):
what does luther’s facial expressions and physical gestures convey?
aspects of this personality and this contributes to tension within the narrative
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (codes of gesture and expression):
what does alice’s gestures reinforces?
her need to control and her psychopathic tendencies
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (codes of gesture and expression):
what are examples when alice needs to control her actions? (3)
her arm around Zoe’s neck
the initial use and recurrence of the hat pin her hand reaching out to touch Luther’s face in her flat.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (technical codes):
what do the camera shots, movement and angles work together to communicate?
messages and ‘show’ the narrative
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (technical codes):
what does Luther’s high production values and a cinematic style which is used to convey?
information without the use of dialogue
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (technical codes):
what do close-ups do?
advance the relationships between characters and establish tension and a dynamic
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (technical codes):
what does the interview with Alice after the crime uses?
close-ups and shot-reverse-shot to communicate the change in Alice and the realisation in Luther that she is the perpetrator.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meaning (technical codes):
what does the camera establish?
give one example.
enigmas, for example the repeated shots of the murdered dog which initially seems unimportant, but whose role in the narrative is eventually revealed.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
what do crime dramas have a recognisable set of?
conventions
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
why will crime dramas evolve over time?
may be specific to a sub-genre, for example a psychological crime drama
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
what may the narrative be based on from a crime drama?
on a crime that needs to be investigated and solved.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
what theory is linked to the narrative conforming to?
Todorov’s theory where the structure is linear from the initial disruption through to a resolution, or non-linear where time and space is manipulated
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
what are the binary oppositions as a narrative element?
good vs evil
hero vs villain
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (genre):
what does crime dramas have a set of recognisable character types of? (8)
a hierarchy with a boss
a detective
sidekick
other characters, for example a victim, a range of suspects, the perpetrator of the crime and experts/witnesses who help in the solving of the crime.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings + locations):
why do they have settings and locations?
to establish realism including the police station, the crime scene and in Luther, urban locations
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings + locations):
what would contemporary crime dramas feature?
the home of the detective in order to develop their character
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings + locations):
what does luther’s home serves?
to reinforce his issues and instability
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings + locations):
why is luther’s room sparse and seems temporary?
as he thinks he can repair his relationship with Zoe, even though this seems increasingly unlikely
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (settings + locations):
what does the setting of the pre-like sequence establish?
the dark mood of the drama
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (iconography):
what is an iconography?
is related to a genre or to the character
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (iconography):
what does luther’s overcoat become?
synonymous with his character
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (iconography):
what are other iconography in this episode?
crime scene tape
a weapon
uniforms denoting rank
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (audio codes):
why do they include non-diegetic mood music?
to evoke tension, dialogue incorporating lexis specific to the genre and sound effects to advance the narrative
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (audio codes):
why do they include non-diegetic mood music?
to evoke tension, dialogue incorporating lexis specific to the genre and sound effects to advance the narrative
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
why does the set episode have a pre-title sequence?
explores events that have occurred earlier
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
why does the set episode have a pre-title sequence?
to explore events that have occurred earlier
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
what does the sequence establish?
tension from the start and the exposition sheds light on Luther’s character, it also places the audience in a privileged spectator position.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
what do audiences have on for the narrative?
have expectations of how the protagonist may behave subsequently.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
how does the ep follow the conventional narrrative of a police procedural crime drama?
adopting a linear structure with key moments where the narrative is advanced.
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
what happened when luther started to suspect alice?
when he visits Alice to tell her will find the weapon and the confrontation on the bridge between Alice and Luther, leaving a cliff hanger before the next ep
consider how the various forms of media language create and communicate meanings (narrative):
how are action codes typical to the crime genre?
they set in motion elements of the narrative, for example Alice finding the whereabouts of Zoe and threatening her causes Luther to react and embark on a particular journey
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
what is the prop theory?
a character-driven narrative theory which suggests that characters influence a narrative and communicate meanings through cause and effect, the narrative progresses as a result of their actions.
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
how do all characters have motives?
are revealed during the story arc and the narrative according to Propp, is driven by the need to achieve their goals
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
what does Propp suggested that may be applied to Luther?
there were a range of narrative roles, some of which can be applied to characters in Luther.
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
how does Luther demonstrates attributes of the hero figure?
established through the cinematography, framing, the narrative, and his interactions with colleagues.
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
however, how does luther demonstrates traits of the anti-hero?
in that he is flawed and does not conform to expectations
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
where is it established that luther is an anti-hero?
from the beginning when he lets Henry Madsen fall
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
what do both alice and henry madsen perform as?
villains
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
why is Madsen important?
although he only appears at the beginning of this episode, is a constant reminder to us that Luther is not a typical police detective, as in the opening scene the lines between villain and hero are blurred.
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
why is alice revealed as a villain?
whilst initially appearing to be the damsel in distress is revealed as the villain with an astute mind and an ability to manipulate and control people and situations.
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
how is Zoe both conforms to and subverts the role of princess?
She is married to the hero; she is threatened by the villain and needs the protection of a male character (Mark)
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
how does zoe has her own power base?
she is a successful lawyer and has made the decision to leave Luther and is determined in the decision to take her life in another direction
Theoretical perspective on narrative (Applying Propp):
what does DC Ripley assumes the role of?
helper/sidekick
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
what are the ways which the audience is introduced to the main characters?
through media language including cinematography, framing, and shot composition
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
what is the first shot of Zoe? and what does it connote?
a bird’s eye view of her office where she is several floors up and surrounded by windows, a typical motif connoting power and prestige
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
what is in darkness?
Luther in the initial chase sequence
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
how is Luther different from Madsen?
is indistinguishable from the villain, Henry Madsen
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
what does alice’s first shot portrays her as?
as vulnerable and afraid as she cowers, blood-stained in her home.
consider how choice of elements of media language influences meaning:
what conveys about their role and power within the narrative?
The paradigmatic choices that have been made regarding the characters and their settings
paradigmatic
…
How the choices of technical codes influence meaning in the interactions between characters and how this advances the narrative:
what is one example?
when Luther interviews Alice at the police station.
How the choices of technical codes influence meaning in the interactions between characters and how this advances the narrative:
what does choices of elements of media language include?
gesture codes, expression and technical codes
How the choices of technical codes influence meaning in the interactions between characters and how this advances the narrative:
what does the choices of elements of media language show the audience?
the change in Alice from one of a vulnerable victim, to a potential villain who can manipulate the situation
repertoire
all the music or plays, etc. that you can do or perform or that you know
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
what does it mean if the elements recognisable to audiences?
fulfilling their expectations
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
how useful was the elements?
useful in the marketing of the product
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
what is the neale theory with the Luther?
although crime dramas rely on repetition of common conventions, they also vary and introduce different elements
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
what are genres considered as?
dynamic
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
how are genres developed?
over time to reflect social and cultural change
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
what is one example of the development of genre?
Luther addresses the changing roles of women and cultural diversity.
consider theoretical perspectives on genre, including principles of repetition and variation; the dynamic nature of genre; hybridity and intertextuality:
what is the neale theory related to the genre?
has become less easy to categorise certain programmes as they borrow from other genres and hybridise
principles of repetition
the repeated use of particular elements of visual arts to create a pattern, movement, rhythm, or unity .
principles of variation
the use of the elements of visual arts to create differences in an artwork for visual interest
what is the dynamic nature of genre?
genres are not ‘set in stone’, they change and develop over time
what is hybridity?
…
what is intertextuality?
…
why do genres use intertextuality?
to engage with audiences
what does luther incorporates elements of?
American police procedural and film noir through cinematography and the character of Alice as the femme fatale
Consider the importance of close-up shots and the yawn in this scene and how this rapidly advances the narrative and displays Luther’s skill as a detective:
what do the close-up shots in cinematography often focus on?
why do they do this?
the facial expressions, eyes, or specific details of a character, and they are used to convey emotions, thoughts, or reactions.
what do the close-ups of Luther’s eyes and facial expressions demonstrate?
his intense concentration and analytical thinking. They highlight his dedication to his work and his ability to dissect intricate crime scenes therefore has intense focus
what does Luther’s expressions in close-up shots reveal?
the emotional depth and the emotional toll that his job takes on him.
how does the series portrays him as?
a complex character dealing with inner demons and personal struggles
how do the close-up shots show his observational skills?
he often notices small, crucial details that others might miss
what do the close-ups help viewers to see?
the world from his perspective
what may the yawn contrast with?
the intense, focused demeanor of Luther in the close-up shots
what does it suggest as the contrast can be used to create suspense and intrigue?
that Luther is always vigilant and prepared for the unexpected, even when he appears relaxed.
what does the yawn being a character-building moment suggest?
that Luther’s mind is always active, even when he appears to be at rest. This supports the portrayal of Luther as a brilliant but tormented detective.
what can a well-timed yawn create a sense of?
rhythm in the storytelling, making the scene more dynamic and engaging. It might signal a shift in the narrative, introducing a new element or challenge
