A picture paints a thousand words, so they say. A cliche I know but undoubtedly true. The art of film making, is a relatively new form of communicative technology. Hence, the reason why it formed the basis of week three's lecture content. It is said that the first example of a series of pictures being edited together to form a narrative occurred in approximately the year, 1903. Back then the art of 'Cine-speak' (or the language, terms used in film production), as the lecture called it. Was restricted by the cameras available at the time (Nasty and strange cardboard-box looking things, no doubt). As this new technology slowly began to evolve, many budding directors started to notice the endless possibilities that the art of film could achieve. It could communicate themes and ideas to the masses in an entertaining and convenient fashion.
As the lecture empathised, 'shots' have the ability to replace words with their powerful meaning. This is most likely why even silent films are effective in displaying meaning. You might have noticed this also if you have ever watched a movie with the sound turned off (I don't' no why, maybe you were too lazy to reach for the remote from the depths of your couch). These 'shots' presented with various differing angles, constitute a language. For example, a close up makes us focus on the 'who', one or more item (or actor) in particular. long shots are often used to tell us "where' the scene or story is taking place. The 'What' aspects can be established in a film, by a mid-shot and often extreme closeups are used to describe the 'Why'. The how of narrative can be described by a series of close ups and or a medium close up. But variations are often used in the process of film making. These various angles and techniques are used to make us become intimately involved with the story and or characters.
The art of film is a powerful and beautiful medium, which can often be used to help us think about society and the issues that effect us. Unfortunately, It can also be used as a destructive tool for propaganda. How could the language of film create propaganda you might ask? Well, like any form of communication, it relates various messages to whoever watches it. Because the viewer is entertained by the 'mise en scene' of a film, they often miss the spider's web of propaganda beneath.
Take the movie 'Top Gun' (1986) for instance. A 'high concept' film, (romance aimed at women and a lot of action for the boys). Yet all the while it tricks its audience through the language of cinema, in order to propagate the U.S government's glorification of war. Also, have you ever noticed the effective placements of various items in movies such as Coca Cola or Long Beach cigarettes? (oh dear, I was advertising as we speak!!!) All of these are effectively placed in order to send a direct message to our brains to purchase such items. It is no wonder that as soon as films started being made, various Public Relations practitioners started latching on to its effectiveness as soon as they had the chance.
Of course film, is not always used for propaganda. Like any communicative technology, it has the ability to do good. It can be a beautiful and incredibly powerful medium, which can make us think about the rights and wrongs of our society. It can give 'the little guys' a voice too. Due to the fact that it is a language in itself.
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