Semiotics

Semiotics

 

In todays lesson we learnt about semiotics. Semiotics is basically a study of signs. It can be anything that stands for or represents something else. 

 

• Denotation - what we see when we look at an image.
• Connotation - what we understand from a image.
• Polysemy - different ways of reading text.
• Preferred reading - how the writer/person wants the audience to view the media text.
• Oppositional reading - when the intended meaning of the text is totally opposed by the reader.

 

                                           

The eye on the top left is the thing that stands out the most as it has the darkest colours and covers quite a large area. The fact the eye is staring directly at the camera gives a feeling as though this actor is actually focussed at staring at you which makes the viewer feel uncomfortable.
The close up image with the staring eye has not got very sharp features as the image seems blurry and lacking detail, this makes the skin seem unblemished. This suggests that society doesn't realise that there is anything wrong with anyone because there is no visible evidence to things like mental health issues.
The logo/title 'Girl, Interrupted' is written in a fairly scruffy font and also is black on a white background which draws attention to the film poster questioning why it is like that and not in a generic tidy font. The colour white is seen to be a positive colour representing angelicness, innocence and purity. In my opinion this contrasts with the majority of the film as its all about women in a mental hospital, but the ending is positive. Also the title of the film looks like it's been torn from the above image. This makes the audience think that the character could have some sort of problem, possibly psychological as her face looks distorted by the tear.
By having the words 'sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy' on the movie poster allows the audience to have an insight into the film. They can then decide for themselves whether they are the target audience and whether they want to watch it or not. It can also be seen as a referral to people with mental health issues as they are commonly referred to as 'crazy'. So the poster could be seen as offensive to those with mental health issues, because they wont want to be labelled as 'crazy'. By having 'based on a true story' in the corner of the film poster and in small it shows the lack of importance the information provides for the viewers, however this can influence some people to view it because they prefer to watch more realistic films.