Connotation, denotation & mise-en-scene

During the last weeks, we have been incorporating into our vocabulary some new language in order to be more accurate in our future analysis of media. Through semiotics, which is the study of signs and symbols (facial expressions, clothing or even poetry or marketing), we can determine many aspects about the piece we are watching. Adding to this, some terms that we also regarded are proving advantageous during the development of our coursework. I will define them in order of meaning; most of them are opposites, which makes the whole set of jargon even easier to understand and assimilate.

• Stereotypical: a simplified and standardized image used to label an individual or a group. It is what we would usually find in a Hollywood blosckbuster. (i. e. A brave warrior).
• Countertypical: the out-of-the-ordinary version; something less bound to be expected. (i.e. A brave princess).                 
• Denotative: what we actually see in a frame. (i.e. A pen)
• Connotative: what is associated with the image we see. (i.e. A pen is often associated with writing or being creative). In an a analysis of a horror movie scene, for instance, we would say that the blood all around the bed of the protagonist connotes that something tragic has happened.
• Signifier: sign (denotation). (i.e. A word, a colour, an image).
• Signified: what the sign refers to (connotation). (i.e. Blue is often linked to melancholy or the seaside). We would say that colour red signifies love or passion in a rom-com poster.
• Anchorage: the means through which we can clarify a piece of media and reduce its connotations by using another piece of media as a clue. (i.e. Captions in a newspaper).

By using all these words, our descriptions get far more interesting, apart from the fact that they essential for anyone planning to pursue a career in film making. 

As a final example of the terminology I have pointed out today, I am going to talk about my future plans in this subject using some of the words:  

When the time comes for us to develop our own thriller sequences, I will probably embrace countertypical characters because I want to stand out with my work, though I will also be willing to use signifiers and even anchorage to make sure that my sequence connotes what I had previously thought and makes it easier for the audience to deduct the genre and the storyline roughly and immerse them in the action. 

Also, do not hesitate to do one last exercise so you make sure that you understood everything in its entirety: