His personality seems feminine compared to the stereotypical macho male, in how he speaks softly, is anxious of going into the building, and his posture. His stripes could signify his clash of emotions. How he is dressed demonstrates he is keeping up with the latest fashion trends.
He was outside by himself which could suggest that Maxi is segregated from his friends. Him crouching against the wall implies that he is in a sensitive state of mind, like a baby being in a foetal position. The use of yellow behind him signifies happiness is behind him and misery is in the foreground, showing his emotional turmoil.
The camera is level when he is having a conversation with the older male to suggest he is now accepted.
Incidental music is used, where the background sound is distorted.
Friday, 26 November 2010
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Misfits - sound analysis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4yYKLR0tyY&feature=related
Diagetic: The dialogue between the characters represents how teenagers can be opinionated and close to the verge of quarrelsome. The colloquialisms, for example how Kelly speaks with the slang associated with chavs, represents the different stereotypical social groups within teenagers.
Non-diagetic: The background sound near the end of the conversation sounds eerie which builds up suspense and secrecy which suggests how teenagers can be paranoid and crafty.
Pleonastic: The non-diagetic sounds heightens into pleonastic sound. The music which is played from their earphones is pleonastic to exaggerate how teenagers are typically known to listen to loud music as they can be anti-social. The music played is upbeat and fast paced to illustrate the stated minds of teenagers of how we like the latest music. Kelly and Nathan are listening to Lady Gaga, whereas Simon was listening to another genre of music which sounds distorted, which implies how he is seen as different and often excluded from the rest.
Diagetic: The dialogue between the characters represents how teenagers can be opinionated and close to the verge of quarrelsome. The colloquialisms, for example how Kelly speaks with the slang associated with chavs, represents the different stereotypical social groups within teenagers.
Non-diagetic: The background sound near the end of the conversation sounds eerie which builds up suspense and secrecy which suggests how teenagers can be paranoid and crafty.
Pleonastic: The non-diagetic sounds heightens into pleonastic sound. The music which is played from their earphones is pleonastic to exaggerate how teenagers are typically known to listen to loud music as they can be anti-social. The music played is upbeat and fast paced to illustrate the stated minds of teenagers of how we like the latest music. Kelly and Nathan are listening to Lady Gaga, whereas Simon was listening to another genre of music which sounds distorted, which implies how he is seen as different and often excluded from the rest.
Monday, 22 November 2010
Deconstruction of a Periodical Drama - Pride and Prejudice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hasKmDr1yrA&NR=1&feature=fvwp
In Pride and Prejudice, the upper class are represented through mise-en-scene, camerawork, sound, and lighting.
Mise-en-scene
The long shot establishes how nicely kept the meadow is which suggests the lower class works for Mr. Darcy to maintain it, and how large the landscape is signifies wealth which is needed to buy the land. The fact that he can afford a horse shows the audience the extent of his wealth. The clothing he wears is what would be deemed as what the very wealthy would wear in that time period to highlight their magnificent status. His shirt is crystal white which is realistic as the very wealthy were expected to have everything perfect, prim, and proper or else their name would be shamed. This is connected to how Mr. Darcy looks perfectly groomed. There is a contrast between upper class and lower class when Mr. Darcy is walking back with the horse and another man who supposedly looks after the horse, as Darcy's crystal white outfit is drastically juxtaposed with that of the worker who is wearing an unappealing brown outfit which seems dirty. Miss Bennet is wearing a bonnet which signfies wealth. The wide shot of inside the building shows just how immense the rooms are, this creates a psychological reponse in the viewer of awe and possible jealousy.
Camerawork
As mentioned previously, a long shot is used at the beginning. Match on action is then used when the shot changes to a close up and low angle of Mr. Darcy taking off his scarf. The low angle is used to give him power as he is the main character. Then there is a cutaway to the woman looking at the painting. A point-of-view shot of the painting at a low angle is used so we know that is what she is looking at. The painting is looking down as though there is an eyeline-match between the woman and the painting. Match on action is used as Mr. Darcy jumps into the water; from a close up of his face, to a wide shot of him jumping to capture the length of the pond, to a high angle shot of him horizontally in mid air above the water to create a sense of its depths, to finally a low angle shot underwater of him plunging into it. These cutaways are very rapid to make the scene realistic seeing as jumping in would take approximately a second. A wide shot is used of Darcy walking down the hill to the castle, the beautiful image of the flowers and sunlight again suggests perfection and his life is amazing. Shot reverse shot is used during Darcy and Bennet's conversations to focus on a particular person as they are saying something and to capture their expression. Also, the 180 degree rule is put into effect here as both characters are in the same place during each edit, so the scene seems fluid and makes sense.
Sound
Non-diagetic opera music is played to present an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance, also the wealthy are stereotypically known to like opera music so the mise-en-scene matches with the sound. The music is melodic to move the scene forward on a leisurely pace, which creates a sense of relaxation to match Mr. Darcy's emotions as he unwinds n the meadow. Diagetic sound is used when Mr. Darcy is underwater from his point of view of how he would be hearing it. Colloquialisms suggests wealth also, for example how the characters use proper English and clear enunciation suggests exellent education and the posh accent is conventional to a high class.
Lighting
High key lighting is used at the beginning to establish that it is daytime and it also signifies happiness and purity, which is linked back to the idea of perfection. Underwater, low key lighting is used to suggest the water is murky.
In Pride and Prejudice, the upper class are represented through mise-en-scene, camerawork, sound, and lighting.
Mise-en-scene
The long shot establishes how nicely kept the meadow is which suggests the lower class works for Mr. Darcy to maintain it, and how large the landscape is signifies wealth which is needed to buy the land. The fact that he can afford a horse shows the audience the extent of his wealth. The clothing he wears is what would be deemed as what the very wealthy would wear in that time period to highlight their magnificent status. His shirt is crystal white which is realistic as the very wealthy were expected to have everything perfect, prim, and proper or else their name would be shamed. This is connected to how Mr. Darcy looks perfectly groomed. There is a contrast between upper class and lower class when Mr. Darcy is walking back with the horse and another man who supposedly looks after the horse, as Darcy's crystal white outfit is drastically juxtaposed with that of the worker who is wearing an unappealing brown outfit which seems dirty. Miss Bennet is wearing a bonnet which signfies wealth. The wide shot of inside the building shows just how immense the rooms are, this creates a psychological reponse in the viewer of awe and possible jealousy.
Camerawork
As mentioned previously, a long shot is used at the beginning. Match on action is then used when the shot changes to a close up and low angle of Mr. Darcy taking off his scarf. The low angle is used to give him power as he is the main character. Then there is a cutaway to the woman looking at the painting. A point-of-view shot of the painting at a low angle is used so we know that is what she is looking at. The painting is looking down as though there is an eyeline-match between the woman and the painting. Match on action is used as Mr. Darcy jumps into the water; from a close up of his face, to a wide shot of him jumping to capture the length of the pond, to a high angle shot of him horizontally in mid air above the water to create a sense of its depths, to finally a low angle shot underwater of him plunging into it. These cutaways are very rapid to make the scene realistic seeing as jumping in would take approximately a second. A wide shot is used of Darcy walking down the hill to the castle, the beautiful image of the flowers and sunlight again suggests perfection and his life is amazing. Shot reverse shot is used during Darcy and Bennet's conversations to focus on a particular person as they are saying something and to capture their expression. Also, the 180 degree rule is put into effect here as both characters are in the same place during each edit, so the scene seems fluid and makes sense.
Sound
Non-diagetic opera music is played to present an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance, also the wealthy are stereotypically known to like opera music so the mise-en-scene matches with the sound. The music is melodic to move the scene forward on a leisurely pace, which creates a sense of relaxation to match Mr. Darcy's emotions as he unwinds n the meadow. Diagetic sound is used when Mr. Darcy is underwater from his point of view of how he would be hearing it. Colloquialisms suggests wealth also, for example how the characters use proper English and clear enunciation suggests exellent education and the posh accent is conventional to a high class.
Lighting
High key lighting is used at the beginning to establish that it is daytime and it also signifies happiness and purity, which is linked back to the idea of perfection. Underwater, low key lighting is used to suggest the water is murky.
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Representation
Areas which are represented in TV Dramas are:
Groups e.g. men, women, children, and particular age groups.
Social types e.g. social class and sexuality.
Events e.g. the Jubilee.
Places e.g. regional areas.
Examples of TV Dramas that use:
Groups - Misfits represent lower class teenagers
Social Types - Skins represent middle class teenagers which is portrayed through the living standards of where they live and colloquialisms.
Events -
Places - Eastenders represents East London
Groups e.g. men, women, children, and particular age groups.
Social types e.g. social class and sexuality.
Events e.g. the Jubilee.
Places e.g. regional areas.
Examples of TV Dramas that use:
Groups - Misfits represent lower class teenagers
Social Types - Skins represent middle class teenagers which is portrayed through the living standards of where they live and colloquialisms.
Events -
Places - Eastenders represents East London
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Deconstruction of Misfits Season 1 Opening
What techniques enhance our viewing experience and create realism?
Sound
The opening begins with non-diagetic music which intensifies to make it more dramatic. The beat, which is a constant almost-buzzing noise, integrates into another beat which is of the rock genre. This genre of music would have been used to keep their target audience of teenagers and young adults entertained because indie rock is rather popular in that market group.
Up beat and fast paced non-diagetic music is used during the fight scene to match the speed of the editing.
Representation
The girls conform to the typical idea of the female gender as how they are fixing themselves in the mirror and the fact that they are wearing make-up suggests that they are vanity-centred. The fighting scene portrays the boys as thinking they are 'hard', this creates a sense of realism because a lot of teenage boys think this. As the opening is set in a community service centre, this means that the characters are supposed to conform to the view of how typical offenders should be, for example not caring that they are there (which comes across in Nathan's sarcasm), being violent and vulgar (which is shown through swearing).
The wide shot of the six offenders standing in front of the probation worker gives the viewer an idea of what each one is like as their personality is reflected by their stance. (From left to right) the first male is leaning casually against the railing which suggests that he does not have much respect for the probation worker and does not want to be where he is at the moment; he has the top of his uniform turned over to reveal his upper body which implies he is the vainest out of the males. The second has his arms crossed indicating intimidation and he thinks that he is the toughest. The third, Nathan, is standing head on which gets across confidence and he is positioned centrally and so he seems taller than the rest because he is the most important character. Both girls are leaning back, but the second seems more seductive. Finally, the boy at the end has more of a timid (hands in pockets, slightly hunched) and neat (legs together) posture than the others which represents more of a sensible and organised character.
Place
Behind the line up of the offenders is the Southmere Lake, so this scene establishes that the setting is in South East London.
Camerawork
When they are standing in a line a low camera angle is used to make them more significant. The probation worker is positioned so half of him is out of the frame, and he is right in front of the camera so it's as if his body is looming above the offenders, like he controls them. Lighting is used powerfully in this frame because his body is silhouetted until pitch black to signify fear, mystery, and authority, which is contrasted against the daytime weather behind the offenders.
A close up of each of the offenders face in turn is used to show their emotions whilst the probation worker is speaking; chewing gum, looking away, and smiling signifies disrespect which is another realistic portrayal of stereotypical teenagers.
Editing
Match on action and cutaways are used at the beginning where each character is getting dressed, which starts off slow and builds up slightly along with the music. This establishes each character, whilst the music draws the viewer into the programme.
In the line up, cutaways and match on action is used when the teens are talking over one another and interrupting the social worker which appeals to the target audience seeing as youths are known to be impatient, so the editing speeds up the scene. Also, the insults and sarcasm (mainly from Nathan) being thrown from one character to the next is humourous and therefore entertaining for the target audience who can relate to the banter. Shot reverse shot and match on action is used during the fight scene to alternate between the actions and dialogue of Nathan and the boy, but so it still makes sense to the viewer.
Credits
Low key lighting is used to create a dark and supernatural atmosphere. Animations which are silhouetted and have distorted movements creates the feeling of eerieness and confusion which makes the opening enigmatic. The music used is "Echoes" by the Rapture which is a dance-punk genre of music to entertain the target audience. When the credits finish the music suddenly stops and jumps straight into the next scene of the programme which is unexpected.
Sound
The opening begins with non-diagetic music which intensifies to make it more dramatic. The beat, which is a constant almost-buzzing noise, integrates into another beat which is of the rock genre. This genre of music would have been used to keep their target audience of teenagers and young adults entertained because indie rock is rather popular in that market group.
Up beat and fast paced non-diagetic music is used during the fight scene to match the speed of the editing.
Representation
The girls conform to the typical idea of the female gender as how they are fixing themselves in the mirror and the fact that they are wearing make-up suggests that they are vanity-centred. The fighting scene portrays the boys as thinking they are 'hard', this creates a sense of realism because a lot of teenage boys think this. As the opening is set in a community service centre, this means that the characters are supposed to conform to the view of how typical offenders should be, for example not caring that they are there (which comes across in Nathan's sarcasm), being violent and vulgar (which is shown through swearing).
The wide shot of the six offenders standing in front of the probation worker gives the viewer an idea of what each one is like as their personality is reflected by their stance. (From left to right) the first male is leaning casually against the railing which suggests that he does not have much respect for the probation worker and does not want to be where he is at the moment; he has the top of his uniform turned over to reveal his upper body which implies he is the vainest out of the males. The second has his arms crossed indicating intimidation and he thinks that he is the toughest. The third, Nathan, is standing head on which gets across confidence and he is positioned centrally and so he seems taller than the rest because he is the most important character. Both girls are leaning back, but the second seems more seductive. Finally, the boy at the end has more of a timid (hands in pockets, slightly hunched) and neat (legs together) posture than the others which represents more of a sensible and organised character.
Place
Behind the line up of the offenders is the Southmere Lake, so this scene establishes that the setting is in South East London.
Camerawork
When they are standing in a line a low camera angle is used to make them more significant. The probation worker is positioned so half of him is out of the frame, and he is right in front of the camera so it's as if his body is looming above the offenders, like he controls them. Lighting is used powerfully in this frame because his body is silhouetted until pitch black to signify fear, mystery, and authority, which is contrasted against the daytime weather behind the offenders.
A close up of each of the offenders face in turn is used to show their emotions whilst the probation worker is speaking; chewing gum, looking away, and smiling signifies disrespect which is another realistic portrayal of stereotypical teenagers.
Editing
Match on action and cutaways are used at the beginning where each character is getting dressed, which starts off slow and builds up slightly along with the music. This establishes each character, whilst the music draws the viewer into the programme.
In the line up, cutaways and match on action is used when the teens are talking over one another and interrupting the social worker which appeals to the target audience seeing as youths are known to be impatient, so the editing speeds up the scene. Also, the insults and sarcasm (mainly from Nathan) being thrown from one character to the next is humourous and therefore entertaining for the target audience who can relate to the banter. Shot reverse shot and match on action is used during the fight scene to alternate between the actions and dialogue of Nathan and the boy, but so it still makes sense to the viewer.
Credits
Low key lighting is used to create a dark and supernatural atmosphere. Animations which are silhouetted and have distorted movements creates the feeling of eerieness and confusion which makes the opening enigmatic. The music used is "Echoes" by the Rapture which is a dance-punk genre of music to entertain the target audience. When the credits finish the music suddenly stops and jumps straight into the next scene of the programme which is unexpected.
Thursday, 4 November 2010
Types of TV Drama
Soap Opera
A type of serial. Multiple characters who carry a multitude of storylines. They will appear, reappear and disappear at any given time. No single storyline will dominate.
An example is Eastenders. The themes in Eastenders seem to be changing as different dillemmas keep arising, which keeps viewers drawn to the programme. Some examples of different themes are death, sexuality, marriage, etc.
Serial
Often open-ended. It will have a conclusion that draws the viewer for the same unique viewing experience for the next programme. It may take the form of a soap opera, a miniseries, or a telenovela.
An example is Brideshead Revisited.
Partners
A series that links to another series.
An example is Casualty and Holby City because both are set in the same Holby General Hospital, Holby City is a spin-off of Casualty, and characters from both programmes occasionally cross over. There is a common theme of healthcare/hospitality and death in both programmes because they want the portrayal of events in their hospital to be as realistic as possible.
Series
A longer and more extended format with a multiple group of programmes, with the same set of characters.
Doctor Who is a type of Series with each series having a certain amount of serials (episodes). According to the Guiness Book of World Records it is the "most successful" science fiction series of all time. As it is sci-fi there is a recurrent theme of imaginative creatures, usually, who disturb the equilibrium and the Doctor is expected to be the hero by creating a new equilibrium.
Single Drama
A longer and more extended format, this can often be up to a film length (hour and a half).
Royal Wedding was a 90-minute single drama for BBC Two.
Drama Trilogies
A three-part series.
How is a TV Drama an entertaining experience?
Dramas are reportrayals of reality, so the viewer can relate to the characters and situations, resulting in a close bond created between the viewer and them. Therefore, the audience might have a psychological response to what happens to the characters, e.g. sympathy. There may also be a visceral response if there seems to be a common or cliche situation.
A type of serial. Multiple characters who carry a multitude of storylines. They will appear, reappear and disappear at any given time. No single storyline will dominate.
An example is Eastenders. The themes in Eastenders seem to be changing as different dillemmas keep arising, which keeps viewers drawn to the programme. Some examples of different themes are death, sexuality, marriage, etc.
Serial
Often open-ended. It will have a conclusion that draws the viewer for the same unique viewing experience for the next programme. It may take the form of a soap opera, a miniseries, or a telenovela.
An example is Brideshead Revisited.
Partners
A series that links to another series.
An example is Casualty and Holby City because both are set in the same Holby General Hospital, Holby City is a spin-off of Casualty, and characters from both programmes occasionally cross over. There is a common theme of healthcare/hospitality and death in both programmes because they want the portrayal of events in their hospital to be as realistic as possible.
Series
A longer and more extended format with a multiple group of programmes, with the same set of characters.
Doctor Who is a type of Series with each series having a certain amount of serials (episodes). According to the Guiness Book of World Records it is the "most successful" science fiction series of all time. As it is sci-fi there is a recurrent theme of imaginative creatures, usually, who disturb the equilibrium and the Doctor is expected to be the hero by creating a new equilibrium.
Single Drama
A longer and more extended format, this can often be up to a film length (hour and a half).
Royal Wedding was a 90-minute single drama for BBC Two.
Drama Trilogies
A three-part series.
How is a TV Drama an entertaining experience?
Dramas are reportrayals of reality, so the viewer can relate to the characters and situations, resulting in a close bond created between the viewer and them. Therefore, the audience might have a psychological response to what happens to the characters, e.g. sympathy. There may also be a visceral response if there seems to be a common or cliche situation.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Film editing Techniques
180 degree rule
In film/TV it is a basic guideline stating that two elements, e.g. characters, in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other.
'Crossing the line' means the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdyyuqmCW14
Match on action
A continuity editing technique where an edit takes place in the middle of an action.
In other words it is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in the movement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laUPi7MPOSQ
Shot reverse shot
A film technique where one character is shown looking (often off screen) at another character, and then the second character is shown looking back at the first. As the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer subconsciously assumes that they are looking at each other.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLkUHZ1qips
In film/TV it is a basic guideline stating that two elements, e.g. characters, in the same scene should always have the same left/right relationship to each other.
'Crossing the line' means the camera passes over the imaginary axis connecting the two subjects.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdyyuqmCW14
Match on action
A continuity editing technique where an edit takes place in the middle of an action.
In other words it is a cut that connects two different views of the same action at the same moment in the movement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laUPi7MPOSQ
Shot reverse shot
A film technique where one character is shown looking (often off screen) at another character, and then the second character is shown looking back at the first. As the characters are shown facing in opposite directions, the viewer subconsciously assumes that they are looking at each other.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLkUHZ1qips
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Propp and Todorov
PROPP
Vladimir Propp created this in 1938.
Character types:
Propp suggests that characters have different functions / spheres of action. Characters can fulfil more than one spheres of action, e.g. a princess can also be a helper. Spheres of action can also be made of more than one character, e.g. there can be several villains.Hero - the main character / protagonist of the story who restores the equilibrium by usually going on a mission to accomplish something, to which there is often a prize or reward of some sort.
There are two different types; the victim hero and the seeker hero. The victim hero is who the villain is after, but the seeker hero helps those who are the villain's victims.
There are two different types; the victim hero and the seeker hero. The victim hero is who the villain is after, but the seeker hero helps those who are the villain's victims.
Villain - the antagonist of the story who disrupts the equilibrium.
False hero - appears to be good but is revealed in the end to be bad.Prize - a reward for the hero once the mission is fulfilled.
Helper - helps hero to restore equilibrium; one or more character/s who provides help to the hero to help complete the mission, and ussually accompanies the hero on their mission.
Mentor/Doner - gives hero something (an object/information/advice) to help resolve disruption; the character/s who guides and advises the hero on their mission by providing information/aid.
Blocker - the one who is also trying to prevent the hero from fullfilling their mission and is usually an associate of the villain.
Dispatcher - sends the hero on to their task.
Princess/victim -usually most threatened by villain and is saved by the hero. Especially in fairy tales, the father usually gives princess to hero at the end.
Princess/victim -usually most threatened by villain and is saved by the hero. Especially in fairy tales, the father usually gives princess to hero at the end.
Narrative Structure
Propp organised his narrative structure into six different categories which tells the story:
> Preparation - a community or family is in an ordered state of being.
> Complication - can be when the villain harms a member of the hero's family; or when the hero plans action against the villain.
> Transference - can be when the hero is given a magical gift; or the hero arrives at the place that he can fulfil his quest.
> Struggle - there is a struggle between the hero and the villain.
> Return - can be when the hero escapes; or a task is set for the hero; or the hero accomplishes a task.
> Recognition - the hero is rewardeed.
TODOROV
This narrative structure was created in 1954 by Tzvetan Todorov.
Narrative Structure:
This structure is organised into five different categories which tells the story and the headings of each category speak for themselves:
> Equilibrium
> Disruption
> Recognition of disruption
> Attempt to repair disruption
> A return or restoration of NEW equilibrium
Source: www.watershed.co.uk/east/content/narrative.html
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Gregory Crewdson Image 2
Denotation
The denotation of this image looks like a painting of a man and a woman sitting around a dinner table. Spotlight lighting is used to make them stand out in the centre of the image, whilst the surrounding edges are in shadow. There are four seats around the table - two being vacant, a chandelier, tableware, the usual furniture seen in a domestic household (i.e. a cabinet and picture frames), and there is a small kitchen situated behind where the lady is sitting.
Connotation
This image could connote how people's lives can be different to the persona which they reveal on the surface, as in someone could be pretending to be happy and sociable amongst friends, but at home it is in fact a different story as the persona does not need to be shown to the family members who know what you are going through. It could also connate how a person's home reflects on their personality.
Enigma
A few questions which could be asked are:
Why do the couple look so sad?
Why are two of the seats vacant?
Why is the surrounding area so dark?
Why are they sitting around a dining table when there is in fact no food on their plates?
Why is no one serving the food?
Notion of Codes
Their facial expressions of them frowning represent sadness, or it might possibly be depression, and they are not regarding each other so it is as if they are just sitting in silence which usually happens when someone has a lot of things on their mind. Their posture, especially the male's, seems very static which signifies tension between the two. Light is a signifier usually used to signify happiness/warmth, but in this instance I think the lighting is only used so we can see the scenery clearer when in fact the whole room could be plunged into complete darkness. The darkness is a reflection of the mood and relationship between the man and woman - cold, tense, and probably hostile.
The denotation of this image looks like a painting of a man and a woman sitting around a dinner table. Spotlight lighting is used to make them stand out in the centre of the image, whilst the surrounding edges are in shadow. There are four seats around the table - two being vacant, a chandelier, tableware, the usual furniture seen in a domestic household (i.e. a cabinet and picture frames), and there is a small kitchen situated behind where the lady is sitting.
Connotation
This image could connote how people's lives can be different to the persona which they reveal on the surface, as in someone could be pretending to be happy and sociable amongst friends, but at home it is in fact a different story as the persona does not need to be shown to the family members who know what you are going through. It could also connate how a person's home reflects on their personality.
Enigma
A few questions which could be asked are:
Why do the couple look so sad?
Why are two of the seats vacant?
Why is the surrounding area so dark?
Why are they sitting around a dining table when there is in fact no food on their plates?
Why is no one serving the food?
Notion of Codes
Their facial expressions of them frowning represent sadness, or it might possibly be depression, and they are not regarding each other so it is as if they are just sitting in silence which usually happens when someone has a lot of things on their mind. Their posture, especially the male's, seems very static which signifies tension between the two. Light is a signifier usually used to signify happiness/warmth, but in this instance I think the lighting is only used so we can see the scenery clearer when in fact the whole room could be plunged into complete darkness. The darkness is a reflection of the mood and relationship between the man and woman - cold, tense, and probably hostile.
Gregory Crewdson Image 1
Denotation
The denotation of this image is what I can see, which is a woman sitting in a bed of flowers and mud, so she is covered with mud herself. Unusually, the flowers is in the middle of a room which seems like a kitchen and there is light streaming in through the window on the right. In the background there are counters and kitchen furniture with plates and crockery.
Connotation
The connotation of this image could be the saying that "life is not a bed of roses", which means that there are ups as well as downs in life.
Enigma
This image is very enigmatic because it raises a lot of unanswered questions within the viewer, some examples being:
Why is she smothering herself in dirt?
Why does she look unhappy?
Why is there a small garden in a kitchen?
Does this house belong to the woman in the image?
Notion of Codes
Her facial features are that her eyes are drooping and she is frowning, the notion of codes for this facial expression is that the person is unhappy or angry or tired, etc. From my perspective it seems to me that the woman is unhappy and tired/fed up. She could be fed up of life, which links back to the connotation that "life is not a bed of roses".
She is kneeling down, the notion of codes for this could be her surrendering to something, or having to rest due to exhaustion. The fact that she's kneeling down in mud could mean that she wants to bury herself and hide away, which is the complete contrast of the lighting because the bright light streaming in should represent positivity, especially as it is focused on her. Her posture and facial expression contradicting the lighting could represent the dichotomy of life - there is always a mix of good and bad.
Her clothing is a very unattractive top, style and colour-wise, and she is only wearing underwear to cover her lower body. This could mean that she does not care how she looks and the drabness of her clothes could reflect on the drabness of her life.
The denotation of this image is what I can see, which is a woman sitting in a bed of flowers and mud, so she is covered with mud herself. Unusually, the flowers is in the middle of a room which seems like a kitchen and there is light streaming in through the window on the right. In the background there are counters and kitchen furniture with plates and crockery.
Connotation
The connotation of this image could be the saying that "life is not a bed of roses", which means that there are ups as well as downs in life.
Enigma
This image is very enigmatic because it raises a lot of unanswered questions within the viewer, some examples being:
Why is she smothering herself in dirt?
Why does she look unhappy?
Why is there a small garden in a kitchen?
Does this house belong to the woman in the image?
Notion of Codes
Her facial features are that her eyes are drooping and she is frowning, the notion of codes for this facial expression is that the person is unhappy or angry or tired, etc. From my perspective it seems to me that the woman is unhappy and tired/fed up. She could be fed up of life, which links back to the connotation that "life is not a bed of roses".
She is kneeling down, the notion of codes for this could be her surrendering to something, or having to rest due to exhaustion. The fact that she's kneeling down in mud could mean that she wants to bury herself and hide away, which is the complete contrast of the lighting because the bright light streaming in should represent positivity, especially as it is focused on her. Her posture and facial expression contradicting the lighting could represent the dichotomy of life - there is always a mix of good and bad.
Her clothing is a very unattractive top, style and colour-wise, and she is only wearing underwear to cover her lower body. This could mean that she does not care how she looks and the drabness of her clothes could reflect on the drabness of her life.
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