Textual analysis

Unit 1: Textual Analysis

Textual analysis is the close analysis of media texts in order to interpret the meaning(s) created by a director.

To help analyse media texts, we can split it up into 4 microelements: Cinematography, Sound, Mise-en-scene & Editing.

Task 1
Your task is to define/write examples of the following key terms

Task 2

You will watch a clip of The Avengers Age Of Ultron and textually 

analyse the first 3 minutes, using as many key terms as possible. 

Remember to consider the connotations – WHY have these decisions been made, what are the associations?

Scene 1

The scene opens with the camera using a tilt movement to focus on a glowing blue stone. The colour blue has associations with cold, bitter weather, therefore the audience is put on edge immediately. A 'close up' shot type is used here, emphasising the object is of importance. 

2

The camera then pans, showing a close up profile of two characters. This is filmed from a eye level angle, immersing the audience in the plot. 

Dark lighting is used, meaning the audience cannot see the character faces clearly. This creates an ominous atmosphere. Along with the dark lighting, the colour blue from the previous scene is still prominent, this ties the two scenes together.  

Next a tilt movement is used, the tilt follows one of the perviously shown characters holding hands with the other. The use of the close up shot along with the tilt movement shows the importance of the relationship between the two characters.