In Media, we often talk about the “language” of texts and many incorrectly assume we mean that in an English Studies sense.
Of course, we mean how technical aspects (codes) are used in text to suggest narrative, story, mood and meaning.
This page is intended to discuss a wide range of “language” in moving image texts – for example, movies.
High Key Lighting
Bright light with few shadows – can be seen as “happy”
Low Key Lighting
Lower light with shadows, dark tones, contrasts – tension or mystery
Chiaroscuro
Low key and high contrast lighting, film noir
Low Angle Shot
Image taken from below the subject – can make it seem powerful
High Angle Shot
Image taken from above the subject – can make it seem vulnerable
Tilted/Dutch Angle (canted)
Tilted image – can show unease, disorientation, confusion, intoxication
Bird’s Eye View (overhead)
Image taken from directly overhead, unusual point of view, dramatic
Long Shot
Usually shows the entire human figure
Medium Shot
Usually shows the waist up
Close Up
Usually shows the whole face
Focus
Image is sharp – focus can be on foreground or background, or entire frame
Tracking Shot
Camera moves alongside the object it is recording – usually stays same distance from subject, but not always. Easier today with portable cameras.
Dolly Shot
Similar to tracking except camera moves towards or away from subject
Panning
Camera is fixed in position but is turned left or right
Tilting
Camera is fixed in position, but is tilted up or down
Editing, cuts and transitions – see this useful video as an introduction.
Continuity Editing
Creates a continuous flow of narrative, clear understanding
Fades
Image fades out to a blank screen
Dissolves
Image fades while being replaced by another image fading in
Jump Cuts
Non-continuous cut which could jump in time or location, can be startling, unsettling, or exhilarating.
Eye-Line Match
Character is gazing at something – next shot perceived as what they see
Graphic Match
The image, shapes, colours of one shot match the previous one
Diegetic Sound
Sound that happens in the world of the film, e.g. the characters can hear it
Marty plays the guitar on stage in Back to the Future
Non-Diegetic Sound
Sound that the characters can’t hear – the movie’s soundtrack, narration
Most film soundtracks!
Parallel Sound
Where the sound we hear suits the mood or tone of the scene
Exciting music during action scene
Contrapuntal Sound
Where the sound contrasts with the mood or tone of the scene.
Foley Sound
Live action sound recreated in the studio using everyday objects.
Most films!
Music
Within the film, or the soundtrack.
Dialogue
Words spoken by the characters
CGI
Computer generated imagery
Green screen
Green backgrounds which can be digitally replaced in the final film
Matte painting
Detailed painting on glass used to create the illusion of environments
Bullet time/Flo-Mo
Slow-motion effect where camera seems to rotate around a frozen moment
Speed Ramping
Slowing down/speeding up movement to create dramatic and stylish effects
Miniatures
Scale models used to represent real objects
| MISE EN SCENE Everything in the frame. |
- Props
Objects used to make the scene more realistic - Body language
Messages given by the position of the body - Costume
Clothing worn by characters, design, colours, choice can be important - Facial expression
Emotion shown by the performer’s face - Sets
Real or specially built locations for filming to take place - Hair
Cut, design and colour of hair which could indicate character or time period - Make-up
Used to enhance features, add ageing, illness etc.
There’s a lot to learn!
But by watching movies and spotting these features, you will become more familiar with how they are used and the filmmakers reasons for using them.
The next step then, would be to start using them in your own film projects!
TGEMM blog 
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