Semiotics

Theories:Buscombe’s Buscombe said that “One genre is differentiated from another by the icon

associated with it, the physical objects or symbols” He believed that based on 4 categories a genre can be defined, these categories

are;− Location− Appearance (clothing, hair, tattoos)− Tools (Guns, cars, machines, computers)− Miscellaneous (anything else)

Saussure He believes that the sign which is made up of a concept and a sound-image; the

impression of the sound of the word, is made up of the signified and the signifier.−Signifier: the form which the sign takes; a word, colour or image (ie. The colour

blue)−Signified: The concept which it represents/meaning/associations that the sign

refers to (ie. Blue is often associated with sadness or the sea)Neale & Ryan Created a triangle called the audience-producer-text triangle of dependency They stated that all 3 affected each other in some way for example, the producer

will change their texts to fit the audience needs/wants.

Woman in Black The film Woman in black is a horror film. The horror genre aims to

create ‘negative emotional reactions’ from the audience by including scenes with audience’s nightmares and fears.

Elements often included in in the horror genre are; ghosts, extraterrestrials, vampires, werewolves, demons, gore, torture, vicious animals, monsters, zombies, psychopaths and serial killers.

I used buscombe’s theory to analyse the trailer: Location - Nursery, marshland, big overgrown abandoned house, corridor,

houses, town, rain, mist and sea Appearance - Hats, dresses, suits, old fashioned, black Tools – Horse & cart and fire Misc – Toys, dolls, clown and old photos

Technical Codes:

In the trailer many different shot types are used including establishing, close-up, and extreme close-up, long shot, deep shot, over the shoulder, high angle, static and birds eye view. At the start the trailer there is a sound of wind and then throughout there is the sound of a high pitch music box in the background, the voiceover of a small girl reciting poetry comes in around halfway through.

Symbolic Codes:There aren’t many symbolic codes in the trailer but there is repetitive showing of old toys and dolls which emphasise the era and the setting of a nursery. These objects are also often used in horror films so highlights the genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXXRS3Kghh4

American Ultra American ultra is an American action comedy film. This is a hybrid genre

combining comedy with action. An action film generally follows the challenges which the main character faces. They normally include violence, close combat and chases. A comedy emphasizes the humour of the main character, typically directed to make the audience laugh by effects or the characteristics of the character.

I used buscombe’s theory to analyse the trailer: Location – Garage, house, lounge, sofa, petrol station, shop and police station Appearance – Long messy hair, casual clothes, long coat, sunglasses, tight bun,

army camo, suits, tattoos, cuts Tools – Van, helicopter, fire, knife, guns, police car, spoon, computers and

grenades Misc – Weed, phones, drawings, explosions and food

Technical Codes;The shots which appear in the trailer include a medium 2 shot, close up, long and static, birds eye view and over the shoulder. The music which is used is very upbeat and uses pop music which is well known. Explosions are also used. Symbolic CodesArmy clothing is often used which implies the setting is an army camp even though it isn’t as obvious. Written CodesSome text is used and the word play and puns create humour.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxVA2Sv97yc

Iron Man Iron man is a superhero film. They generally focus on the

story of one or more superheros, or a person who has superwoman abilities compared to a normal person.

I used buscombe’s theory to analyse the trailer:Location – Mountains, desert, underground, cave, crowds,

workshop and the sky Appearance – Army camo, suits, sunglasses, smart, tie and sweatTools – army trucks, guns, rocks, missiles, explosions, planes,

technology, cars, machines and tanksMisc – Alcohol and poker

Technical Codes:Some of the shots used in the trailer include establishing, static, mid shot, close up and over the shoulder. The music used in the background is often orchestral rather than an actual song which creates tension from certain instruments. Explosions and special effects such as flying are also used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hYlB38asDY