Theories of representation: Signs

Theories of Representation

Signs 

Semioticians believe that everything seen in a film is a sign. The sum for a sign is SIGNIFIER + SIGNIFIED= SIGN. For example colours are used frequently to symbolise something the colour red is seen a lot in horror films that involve gore they usually portray danger, warnings or anger. The colour black is another one regularly used in horror films and creates fear and hints that something evil is on its way.

In our film we used a lot of make-up such as red lips and smudged eyes for Agnes' mother. This symbolises her being reckless and that she doesn't care the bright red lipstick shows how she's a dangerous character and shouldn't be trusted. Agnes' dads make-up has been done so it looks as if he has bruises and is very pale this shows he's been in trouble before and makes him look like a suspicious character. All these are signs to the audience on what kind of characters they are and what to expect in the story line by just using make-up.

Another sign is the use of props in the kitchen scenes we purposely used mugs and kept food out so it shows the audience that the house is properly functioning and people actually do live there. We wanted to make the home look like a family lives there so we placed certain props in the kitchen to make it look like we wanted. Again using signs to symbolise something to the audience.