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.
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.
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 characters 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 d辿cor 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 80s 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 audiences attention
should be on him.