Film language and representation

How film language is used in relation to certain onscreen characters can also have an impact on representation.

Mise-en-scene

Illustration of film language and representation
Figure caption,
The representation of a person or fictional character can be influenced through mise-en-scene elements such as the way they speak and how they appear.

James Bond is generally portrayed as a handsome, well-spoken Englishman and is usually seen in expensive suits and formal wear.

A character who behaved the same way but had an unpolished look and spoke with a heavy foreign accent might not be seen in the same way.

Camera

Camera angles and framing can add to how a character is represented.

A character the director wants us to view as important will be given a prominent position in the frame and may be filmed from a low angle so as to stress their dominance.

Likewise, characters who are being given less prominence might be pushed into the background of a shot or relegated to the edges of the frame.

Sound

Music and the use of sound also have an impact on representation.

A character’s appearances on screen might be linked to a positive and heroic musical theme.

A speech might be given extra prominence on the soundtrack, at a higher volume than everything else.

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