An Introduction to Semiotics
Semiotics are a sign or symbols that represents a deeper meaning when used in the film industry. It is a signified which conveys meaning to the audience,
There are very common and obvious icons which we specify to have a certain meaning, for example we know a red or green cross usually signifies health (e.g a hospital, first aid kit or ambulance. However, there are objects with deeper meanings and there are often portrayed in the television and film industry. For example, a rose could signify multiple things when used in context, i.e. Love, pain, heartache, romance, sex or penetration.
Another example of semiotics could be shown using a cigar. A cigar connotes richness, as they are expensive and are also seen as a very masculine object; it's not often that a woman is seen smoking a cigar, and when a cigar is used as a prop it shows the audience male dominance. The cigar can be seen as a phallic symbol, therefore when a female is seen holding a cigar it means that she is taking the masculinity away from the man. As it is a phallus, if the woman was to fondle or play around with it in her hand it would show her power over the man, and she would be seen as strong and manipulative, as she uses sex for power.
It is not only objects which are used to symbolise meaning, but it could also be an indexical signifier - e.g. Sweat. Sweating in film/TV can mean multiple things. It is often due to physical exertion, for example after a running or fighting scene. However it can be used to show other things, for example pressure sex, and fear. Another example would be a bruise. This could connote injury from a fight, abuse, sex, self-harm or drug abuse, and most of these make the character relatable to the audience.
An anchor is needed to establish and tie down a particular meaning to each signifier, and by doing this it limits ambiguity.
Semiotics are a sign or symbols that represents a deeper meaning when used in the film industry. It is a signified which conveys meaning to the audience,
There are very common and obvious icons which we specify to have a certain meaning, for example we know a red or green cross usually signifies health (e.g a hospital, first aid kit or ambulance. However, there are objects with deeper meanings and there are often portrayed in the television and film industry. For example, a rose could signify multiple things when used in context, i.e. Love, pain, heartache, romance, sex or penetration.
Another example of semiotics could be shown using a cigar. A cigar connotes richness, as they are expensive and are also seen as a very masculine object; it's not often that a woman is seen smoking a cigar, and when a cigar is used as a prop it shows the audience male dominance. The cigar can be seen as a phallic symbol, therefore when a female is seen holding a cigar it means that she is taking the masculinity away from the man. As it is a phallus, if the woman was to fondle or play around with it in her hand it would show her power over the man, and she would be seen as strong and manipulative, as she uses sex for power.
It is not only objects which are used to symbolise meaning, but it could also be an indexical signifier - e.g. Sweat. Sweating in film/TV can mean multiple things. It is often due to physical exertion, for example after a running or fighting scene. However it can be used to show other things, for example pressure sex, and fear. Another example would be a bruise. This could connote injury from a fight, abuse, sex, self-harm or drug abuse, and most of these make the character relatable to the audience.
An anchor is needed to establish and tie down a particular meaning to each signifier, and by doing this it limits ambiguity.