Visual Essay
3.2 Film Visual Text
Q. We learn most about ourselves when the text is informed by events and people in our contemporary world.
No, I do not agree with this statement. We learn most about ourselves when the text has themes/messages relevant to our contemporary world. The character and plot details is merely a form of showing this theme.
The purpose of biopics is generally to inform or inspire, this is done through the use of techniques such as characters, acting, lighting and sound. Biopics are intended to make the audience question themselves, and to motivate, take action and change something in our lives so we can learn more about ourselves. Whether the film is contemporary or not contemporary is irrelevant, as it doesn’t make a difference to the viewers. As the viewer is watching it to become informed or educated, so they can learn about others to help themselves become better people. What does make a difference to a film being successful is the director’s portrayal of the message, the effect of the techniques used such as camera, lighting and sound to enhance the characters message and theme.
The film Iron Lady is a biopic of Margaret Thatcher, which is set in our contemporary world. The director uses juxtaposition to help viewers question themselves as what they do to help society. The irony of the film being called the Iron Lady alludes to Thatcher’s nickname and the she was a women of power, passion and perseverance. However, the film starts with Thatcher as an aged women buying milk. The director does a close up of her old hands, which are very shaky. With the directors editing we have this contrast of the young powerful Margaret Thatcher in a suit versus old Margaret Thatcher in a coat with a scarf tied under chin. The audience get the contrast of a young feisty, compassionate, driven women compared to a frail old lady who struggles to buy milk. The audience is meant to say what an achievement, making us question ourselves as to what we are
Q. We learn most about ourselves when the text is informed by events and people in our contemporary world.
No, I do not agree with this statement. We learn most about ourselves when the text has themes/messages relevant to our contemporary world. The character and plot details is merely a form of showing this theme.
The purpose of biopics is generally to inform or inspire, this is done through the use of techniques such as characters, acting, lighting and sound. Biopics are intended to make the audience question themselves, and to motivate, take action and change something in our lives so we can learn more about ourselves. Whether the film is contemporary or not contemporary is irrelevant, as it doesn’t make a difference to the viewers. As the viewer is watching it to become informed or educated, so they can learn about others to help themselves become better people. What does make a difference to a film being successful is the director’s portrayal of the message, the effect of the techniques used such as camera, lighting and sound to enhance the characters message and theme.
The film Iron Lady is a biopic of Margaret Thatcher, which is set in our contemporary world. The director uses juxtaposition to help viewers question themselves as what they do to help society. The irony of the film being called the Iron Lady alludes to Thatcher’s nickname and the she was a women of power, passion and perseverance. However, the film starts with Thatcher as an aged women buying milk. The director does a close up of her old hands, which are very shaky. With the directors editing we have this contrast of the young powerful Margaret Thatcher in a suit versus old Margaret Thatcher in a coat with a scarf tied under chin. The audience get the contrast of a young feisty, compassionate, driven women compared to a frail old lady who struggles to buy milk. The audience is meant to say what an achievement, making us question ourselves as to what we are