Media language
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This document discusses media language and how it can be used to deconstruct texts. It provides examples analyzing the visual codes in images from The Dark Knight, Moulin Rouge, Billy Elliot, and a music video. Specifically, it examines aspects like costumes, colors, lighting, framing, and positioning of characters to derive meaning and better understand the narratives.
Media language
- 2. WHAT IS MEDIA LANGUAGE AND HOW DO WE USE IT TO DECONSTRUCT A TEXT? ? It is all about semiotics. ? When we deconstruct we identify visual codes, i.e. colour, costumes, lighting, mise-en-scene, editing, cropping ? We also look at the composition of shots which involves: the structure and framing of the shot, what camera angles were used and the proxemics of characters/objects ? We may find that some of these elements illustrate a narrative.
- 3. USING MEDIA LANGUAGE TO DECONSTRUCT A TEXT… EXAMPLES:
- 4. THE DARK KNIGHT – THE JOKER The colours in this image are largely contrasting: the purple, red and green (hair) are not colours that are usually used to compliment each other. This is effective as it emphasises his obvious ‘crazy’ personality. This is exaggerated further with his costume. His bright purple suit, alongside his prominent make-up could be considered as ‘abnormal’. His character is revealed through the use of the joker card. The unusual purple costume and face paint on the card link perfectly with the character in the image. The centred proxemics of the character , followed by the use of a close up shot, create an attraction to the character’s face.
- 5. MOULIN ROUGE The low key lighting suggests a romantic atmosphere. The romance is emphasised by the colours in the image. Red is the most prominent colour in this image. Red connotes love and passion. The colour gold is used also, which connotes wealth, which suggests the type of characters in this film. The characters are positioned in the centre of the frame; connoting importance. They are also framed by two hearts which reinforces the idea of romance and love. A wide shot was used for this image which exaggerates the elaborate setting by allowing all of elaborate décor and props to be included in the frame.
- 6. BILLY ELLIOT The proxemics of the boy is that he is at the centre of the frame, while positioned in the foreground. From this we assume that he is the protagonist. His costume makes him stand out in the shot. The characters in the background are all wearing the same white ballerina costume, while he is wearing a vest and tracksuit bottoms. The darker colours of his costume contrast with the bright white of the ballerina costume exaggerating the gender difference and the abnormality of a boy doing ballet. (this is especially abnormal in the 80’s when it was set)
- 7. MUSIC VIDEO – COMPLIMENT YOUR SOUL DANCROLL This is from a music video of the indie genre and many of the semiotics in this image conform to the conventions of that genre, including: a plain setting, and unique elements, i.e. the animals. Another convention is plain colours, which is shown through both the costume and the setting. He is holding a guitar and singing, connoting that he is the main artist. He is standing in the centre of the frame indicating that the audience’s attention should be on him.