Revision Representation Language

Representation How and individual, group, nationality, place is represented. Often very much linked to technical and cultural codes.

Language Technical codes – camera angles, sound effects, special effects, music, lighting… Cultural codes – signs and signifiers – display of symbols which have become associated with something over time, and can be culturally specific.

Representation Individuals Groups Linda Harry Osborne Katie Chad (Ted) CIA Gym Russia

Analysing representation What are they like? Give evidence of how you know this – MUST BE VERY SPECIFIC!!!!!! Explain how this evidence shows this trait – what effect does it have? (this should be the longest part of your point)

Harry (H) P: Harry is represented as being paranoid. E: This is shown when he is out running and there is a car following him. E: Harry’s immediate reaction is to assume that he is being followed, showing that he jumps to the worst conclusions. The camera follows Harry from behind and he keeps checking over his shoulder to see who is behind him showing his paranoia . Suspenseful music is played to indicate Harry’s fear. It is anticlimactic for the audience when the car drives away and nothing happens, and when nothing comes of it over the course of the film, we realise that he is simply paranoid.

Harry (N5) ‘Describe a representation in media content you have studied’: Harry is represented as being paranoid (1) ‘Explain how a representation is created’: Harry is first seen at the dinner party questioning the hosts about the ingredients in the canapes. (1) This shows he is paranoid because he is allergic to a lot of foods and is becoming increasingly anxious about the food at the party, stuttering and twitching and scratching his throat when he convinces himself that they contain shellfish. He is making a big deal out of it despite being reassured that they do not contain shellfish. (1)

Language Camera angles/movement Sound effects Special effects Music (can be technical/cultural) Costume (often cultural) Lighting Mise-en-scene

Analysing language Identify technique Identify example Explain effect… simple!

Opening scene (H) In the opening scene media language is used to excellent effect. For example, the use of an ariel zoom in to the roof of the CIA headquarters, accompanied by typewriter-style intertitles and percussive music all clearly indicate the genre of the film as a spy thriller. The effect of this is to set up the genre of the film. We associate the camera angle with surveillance, suggesting that there will be spying in the film. The typewriter font is something we associate with top secret classified documents, again suggesting the genre of spy thriller. The music is an example of intertextuality, clearly referencing the classic political thriller ‘7 Days in May’. Its discordant nature makes it sound dramatic and unsettling, so we know that what we are about to watch will match this. The accumulative effect of this means that the audience have a clear expectation as to the genre of the film from the very beginning.

Opening scene (N5) ‘Explain the effect of media language in media content you have studied’: Close up tracking shot of feet walking along a long corridor. (1) The effect of this is that it keeps us guessing who the owner of the feet are. (1) We guess that the person is important due to the fact that they are well dressed with polished, smart shoes (1)