Communication in Film through Visual Techniques - Coursework Example

Communication in Film through Visual Techniques Introduction Concepts that are used with different films and sequences are designed to show a specific attribute or concept. When analyzing the two short videos, it could be seen that different elements were used specifically to express specific emotions and concepts which were important to the overall clip. The actions used as well as the audio – visual applications were able to support the main emotional concepts while creating a different understanding of the videos through the effects that were used. The small changes which were implemented in each of the videos were the most important aspect of the films, both which changed the possible meaning and interpretation of the clips. More important, each uses specific techniques to create a meaning which is related to the emotions and to a specific interpretation that can be implied by the audience. Codes and Conventions Used The first concept which was applied to both clips was the continuity editing. The main component of this is to establish continuous action while presenting discontinuous information that is seen visually. Typically, this is done by altering time or space with a similar presence visually. The conditions then become disrupted without noticing the change or are assumed through the cut that occurs (Smith, 3: 2005). Both of the film clips use continuity editing as a part of the same sequence to change interpretations of the clip. The first does this when the girl notes the empty Jack Daniels bottle by the stone (19). The continuity editing takes place with a different alcohol bottle being seen. The effectiveness of continuity editing comes when the camera changes depth to move from the close shot to a zoom out to reveal that the bottle is by a graveyard. The meaning of this can be interpreted to someone who has just lost an individual or who was by the tombstones earlier. Even though the original zoom on the bottle is in a different area, the movement to the graveyard with the same object creates continuity. The same sequence is seen with the second clip with the coffee cup that is on the ground, then the same cup being seen by a trash can and in a different scene (21). The continuity editing then creates interpretation and changes the time of the clip without changing the object. The zoom, focus on the object and perspectives are based on eyeline match and shot – reverse – shot. The eyeline match comes from keeping the same focus while changing objects. The shot begins with the initial object, reverses the scene, then shoots the same object in a different location, both which were similar in both sequences (Bordwell, Thompson, 21, 2006). This technique is similar to shots taken in the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Jim Carrey. For instance, there are several references to ice, which is the starting point of the two couples meeting. Continuity editing is used throughout the film where points are referred to with the couple on the ice. This transfers between memories and reality as well as different concepts that are a part of the film and create a deeper meaning and sense of emotion about the film (Michael Gondry dir, 2004). The second convention used with the film is the specific film techniques. The first was related to similar lighting that was used, while having different subjects and scenes within each film. The concept of colour and lighting creates specific effects toward emotions as well as how one relates to the subject. More important, it creates specific emotions and feelings that are related to the main topic through each scene. The backlighting as well as the stage presence of colour were both important in defining the main concepts of the film and how they linked to the story (Grodal, 9, 2002). Both of the films used specific expressions to convey this. In the second short clip, the scene begins with a long shot that uses a deep focus to show the setting on a campus (2). The original understanding of this then creates the understanding of the two walking through the sequence. The buildings remain integral through the entire clip as the couple walks through different points on campus. The first film strip starts with a long shot on a road that is in nature (2) and has a deep focus to show the depth of the road. One can then imply a different setting and experience for the two characters. The colours of the character costumes link to this with the costumes in the first sequence being white and the second black. This shows a specific attitude that relates to the setting and the overall ideologies of the characters. The importance of colour, the backdrop and the chosen settings is one that is able to convey the emotions and the mood of both of the strips. This structure is designed to reflect the atmosphere, mood and overall presence that move through each sequence. More important, the beginning shots and the relationship to the overall scene allow the viewer to move into the setting and to have a similar emotional response from the first scenes (Sundaram, Chang, 2000). Another movie which shows this same type of presence is Julie and Julia. The specific scenes are related specifically to the emotions that are a part of the movie. For instance, when Julia decides to cook, she is brought into a class to learn. The film shot shows a close up and the scene has several bright colours and white. This is representative of the mood, which is reflected in the dialogue of Julia Childs, specifically because of her situation and desire to learn cooking (Ephron, dir, 2009). Another concept which links to the code and conventions was based on the use of shot selection. Sequential and adaptive strategies are the two main ways in which shots are created, both which change the quality and expectations which are a part of the film. Shot selection is defined as a process or system which demonstrates a specific implied meaning to the film and results in the desire to interact with the film (Vendrig, Worring, 30: 2003). The shot selection is defined by moving into close shots and long shots, both which are used to create a specific atmosphere. For instance, in the first sequence, the shot begins with a long shot (2), which implies where the couple is and the setting. The change of shots occurs when the couple interacts (15) by talking then by seeing the Jack Daniels bottle. The change in shots helps to highlight the interaction between the couple and the main occurrences. The same concept is used in the second sequence, which creates a different tone and atmosphere. The difference is in the last series of shots when the close shot moves between the two who fight over running into each other (34). This is followed by moving into a basic framework with a low depth to keep the intensity of the argument (37). The movement of shots then implies specific concepts that are linked directly to the meaning of the clips. A similar concept that can be seen is through the movie Avatar. Even though this is done through graphic imaging, specific concepts are implied throughout the film. The shots which have more depth and a long shot occur with different scenes to show the atmosphere. When the main character goes into the planet as an Avatar, long shots show the scenery and the nature which is surrounding him. This continues until he meets with the other Avatar. Close shots are used specifically to evoke emotions or specific responses. For instance, when the Avatar tries to show the main character with a bow and arrow, there is a close up shot of the tree of life stopping her. This close shot creates a response and a certain level of knowledge which allows the viewer to process how the Avatar’s think and what their nature is (Cameron, dir, 2009). The changes in shot selection specifically allow the viewer to process specific scenes and ideologies that are a main component of the movie and create either a knowledge base or emotional response to the movie. Meaning of the Clips An aspect that comes from the two sequences is based on the ending sequence used for the final response. This creates an overall atmosphere and relates directly to the emotional response theory. Each of the components used in the film relate directly to getting an emotional response and to understand different layers of the story which is being told through the clip. The human affect combines with components of technology to understand more of the sequence and what is occurring, while using a specific technique to ensure that the emotional response is one which can be understood by the audience and which is represented through the several film techniques. This approach provides a better understanding of the overall media (Zeng, Pantic, Roisman, Huang, 39, 2008). Framing, angles, process shot and the focus of both clips are able to show a different emotion within the two film clips. The first clip creates a specific meaning that is based on the emotion of happiness while the second uses subtle techniques that imply anger. There are several points in the first sequence which lead to the end climax of the short clip, which shows an attitude of forgiveness. The first is when the two characters are talking and the arm of the girl moves on the shoulder of the boy. This is a wide angle shot with more depth of field and a deep focus. There is also a close – up focus that differs from the previous scene which was a long shot (14). These several differences of the framing imply a more pleasant concept and show that the mood through this scene is one which implies happiness and forgiveness. The next part that shows this is when the boy runs into another girl on accident. This is a close up shot with a close up angle and a frame that focuses on both characters (31). The reaction is one that is reinforced by focusing on the character holding out his hand and smiling for forgiveness (32). Having the close up shot and specific angles implies the same mood of happiness and forgiveness with a brighter outlook. The film then pans out into a long shot with the couple walking away, which ends the pleasant feeling which is implied. The emotion theory is also seen in the second clip and creates the main difference between the two clips. Like the first clip, there are several shots that imply the same emotion theory and what is implied in the film. The first part of this is seen with the long shot and deep angle with the two couple walking (12). The scenery in the back is darker and the clothing is darker. The depth of the field is one which focuses on the front area which makes the back lighting look darker than implied. The overall mood which is instantly created is based on anger and discomfort. The next part which shows the same meaning is with the close up shot of the coffee cup (26). The scene uses a close up shot with a zoom on the cup. The backlighting and front scenery are both dark and use a frame that makes the cup look darker, which also implies the same concept. The process shot moves from a dark frame to a darker one, which creates the same meaning. The last implication of anger is seen at the climax of the clip (34) when the boy runs into a stranger. The angle begins with a regular depth of field and basic frame then moves into a close shot with the angle on the dispute between the girl and boy. The angle is used to show the anger of both after running into each other. The angles further this with showing the girl on one side of the film with the dark backlighting and the boy on the other side of the film with the same dark lighting. As the angle moves back to the long shot, (37), gestures and the continuous backdrop show the same frustration and anger over the incident. The meaning which is created through both films uses the techniques and implications of the film, as well as the actions of the character as a secondary component to the emotions that are being displayed. The emotions are enhanced by the techniques that are used, all which fuse together to create either the feeling of pleasantness or frustration and anger. The concept used is one which is related to multimodal communication in which the human interaction, colours, visualization and video techniques work together to display a specific concept. The ability to compliment the main emotion of the video and to create an effective message through displays and specific techniques then helps to create implied meanings that are linked to the overall theme (Chen, Rao, 837, 2002). Conclusion The overall concepts which are noted in each of the sequences are based on creating specific responses that relate to communicating a message, such as emotion. The audio – visual theories and statements show how the use of specific techniques work together to create this same implication. The colouring, gestures of the actors, angles, framework, shots and other techniques work together to create an overall understanding of the main theme used. This is combined with specific integration of techniques that allow the process to become secondary and the implied meaning of emotion to become the primary subject. The result is the ability to communicate through the use of visual techniques while creating an emotional response or a knowledge base that is a main component of the desired message that is communicated in the clips. References Bordwell, David, Kristin Thompson. (2006). Film Art: An Introduction. New York: McGraw Hill. Cameron, James (dir). (2009). “Avatar.” Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Chen, Tsuhan, RR Rao. (2002). “Audio – Visual Integration in Multimodal Communication.” IEEE (86), (5). Ephron, Nora (dir). (2009). “Julie and Julia.” California: Columbia Pictures. Gondry, Michael (dir). (2004). “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” California: Universal Studios. Grondall, Torben. (2002). Moving Pictures: A New Theory of Film Genres, Feelings, and Cognition. New York: Oxford. Smith, Tim. (2005). “An Attentional Theory of Continuity Editing.” The University of Edinburgh. Sundaram, Hari, Shih – Fu Chang. (2000). “Determining Computable Scenes in Films and Their Structures Using Audio – Visual Memory Models.” Multimedia OO (8). Vendrig, J, M Worring. (2003). “Interactive Adaptive Movie Annotation.” Multimedia IEEE (10), (3). Zeng, Zhihong, M Pantic, GI Roisman, TS Huang. (2008). “A Survey of Affect Recognition Methods: Audio, Visual, and Spontaneous Expressions.” Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence. (31), (1). Read More