Structuralist film theory
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| + | The '''structuralist film theory''' emphasizes how [[film]]s convey [[Meaning (semiotics)|meaning]] through the use of [[code (semiotics)|code]]s and conventions not dissimilar to the way [[language]]s are used to construct meaning in communication. | ||
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| + | An example of this is understanding how the simple combination of shots can create an additional idea: the blank expression on a person's face, a piece of an appetising cherry-topped chocolate fudge cake, and then back to the person's face. While nothing in this sequence literally expresses hunger—or desire—the juxtaposition of the images convey that meaning to the audience. | ||
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| + | Unraveling this additional meaning can become quite complex. Lighting, angle, shot duration, juxtaposition, cultural context, and a wide array of other elements can actively reinforce or undermine a sequence's [[Meaning (semiotics)|meaning]]. | ||
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| + | ==See also== | ||
| + | * [[Film semiotics]] | ||
| + | * [[structuralism]] | ||
| + | * [[Christian Metz (critic)|Christian Metz]] | ||
| + | * [[semiotic literary criticism]] | ||
| + | * [[meaning (semiotics)]] | ||
| + | * [[code (semiotics)]] | ||
| + | * [[Kuleshov Experiment]] ''for more information on the aforementioned phenonmenon of multiple shots with differing impact'' | ||
| + | * ''[[Six guns and society: A structural study of the Western]]'' (1975) - William Wright | ||
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The structuralist film theory emphasizes how films convey meaning through the use of codes and conventions not dissimilar to the way languages are used to construct meaning in communication.
An example of this is understanding how the simple combination of shots can create an additional idea: the blank expression on a person's face, a piece of an appetising cherry-topped chocolate fudge cake, and then back to the person's face. While nothing in this sequence literally expresses hunger—or desire—the juxtaposition of the images convey that meaning to the audience.
Unraveling this additional meaning can become quite complex. Lighting, angle, shot duration, juxtaposition, cultural context, and a wide array of other elements can actively reinforce or undermine a sequence's meaning.
See also
- Film semiotics
- structuralism
- Christian Metz
- semiotic literary criticism
- meaning (semiotics)
- code (semiotics)
- Kuleshov Experiment for more information on the aforementioned phenonmenon of multiple shots with differing impact
- Six guns and society: A structural study of the Western (1975) - William Wright
