Table of Contents
- The Essential Devices Explained Simply!
- Salience
- Shape
- Gaze
- Framing
- Shot distance
- Angle
- Vector (Reading Path)
- Layout
- Modality
- Proximity
- Colour
- Line
- Symbols
- Setting
These are some of the many essential devices that you should know if you want to score a 7 in Paper 1!
Understanding devices is crucial when analyzing pieces of media because they serve as the building blocks of communication, shaping how messages are conveyed and interpreted. Devices encompass a wide range of techniques such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, irony, and foreshadowing, among others. Each device carries its own unique function, adding layers of meaning and depth to the content.
Firstly, devices provide insight into the creator’s intentions and craft. By recognizing and deciphering these devices, analysts can uncover underlying themes, motifs, and messages embedded within the media. For example, identifying the repeated use of a particular symbol can reveal overarching themes or character traits.
Moreover, devices enhance engagement and captivate audiences by evoking emotional responses and intellectual stimulation. Effective use of imagery, for instance, can paint vivid mental pictures and immerse viewers or readers in the narrative, fostering a deeper connection with the material.
Furthermore, understanding devices facilitates critical thinking and encourages active interpretation. It enables individuals to deconstruct media texts, question assumptions, and explore alternative perspectives. By dissecting the techniques employed, audiences can discern the intended meaning and evaluate the effectiveness of the communication.
In essence, knowing devices when analyzing media is akin to deciphering a complex language. It enables individuals to unlock the rich tapestry of meanings woven into the fabric of media texts, empowering them to engage critically, appreciate deeply, and communicate effectively in today’s media-saturated world.
The Essential Devices Explained Simply!
Salience
What grabs your attention first? Size, sharpness or focus of people or objects, colour, placement of figures or objects in the image have impact salience.
In written text, visually eg through bolden typeface, written through eg. repetition.
Shape
Curved shapes are more natural, straight-edged shapes such as squares or rectangles are more machine-like.
Similar effect achieve in written text through sentence structure especially when developing settings or characters.
Gaze
Where the character is looking. Demand: the character looks out at the viewer, demanding attention. Offer: the character encourages the viewer to look around the picture.
Achieved through narrative perspective in written text.
Framing
A frame creates a border that connects or separates the characters or objects and helps sequence information. A frame can be white space, lines, colour or objects in the image.
Achieved through introduction and conclusion in written text.
Shot distance
Close shot face or head and shoulders, creates affection or danger. Mid shot waist up, has less personal connection. Long shot full height of character shows where they are placed in the setting.
Achieved through narrative perspective in narrative perspective.
Angle
Low angle the viewer is looking up. High angle viewer looking down. Eye level an equal view between image and viewer.
Similar effect using narrative perspective in written text.
Vector (Reading Path)
A line that leads your eye from one part of the picture to another. Visible or invisible, straight or curved, often shows where a character is looking.
Basically its the plot of a written text.
Layout
Where the characters or objects are placed. Top or bottom, left or right, or margin. Centre is the most dominate position.
Achieved through visual elements of a written text like size, bolden typeface, etc.
Modality
How real the images feels. High modality relates to an image that feels real and natural, low modality the image is exaggerated and unreal.
Similar effect through tone, eg. sophisticated vs. casual, depending on the context.
Proximity
Distance between the characters. Close proximity shows trust and respect. Far proximity represents isolation and detachment.
Effect is achieved through narrative perspective in written text.
Colour
Creates emotions, or a reaction to a person, place or object.
Achieved similarly in imagery in written text.
Line
Curved lines suggest movement. Vertical lines show height. Diagonal lines create a slope ascending (upward) or descending (downward). Jagged lines create tension, danger or excitement.
Similar effect achieved in written text through sentence/paragraph structure to create that sense of rhythm which portrays excitement.
Symbols
Objects that extend meaning or represent contrasting ideas.
Setting
Where the image and written text is set.
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