An Intro into Semiology

Semiotics are basically the signs that are used within the media, whether it be in print based media where text and images will support eachother in portraying certain messages or in moving image media where mis-en-scene, sound, editing etc. can all be considered signs.

A simple way of describing how semiotics work is with traffic lights being the main example, you can see that they either shine red, amber, or green - three lights that are vertically aligned. These facts would be considered denotations, the literal meaning of a word/object. A deeper look into these denotations would be the colours and what they symbolise therefore becoming connotations, associations that are made when interpreting a sign. For example, the red light suits its job of stopping cars because red can symbolise danger where as green symbolises the opposite and is considered a safe colour for example green ticks compared to red crosses. Although the colour amber is not a mixture of red and green it is 50% red and can symbolise energy which makes sense as it directs drivers to prepare themselves to go or come to a stop. However, in a broader sense, the colour red can represent passion and desire and the colour green can represent nature or envy therefore these signs become polysemic, a sign with a number of potential meanings.

I am going to use connotations and denotations to analyse this movie poster for Tomb Raider...

                                

Denotations - The woman, Lara Croft, is standing confidently whilst pouting and holding two guns. She has long plaited hair and is wearing a vest and shorts as well as a skull belt and gun holsters.

Connotations - The connotations of what can be seen instantly create a picture that shows strength and power. The guns act as signifiers that suggest bigger things such as death or danger or even enemies. This is supported by the skull on her belt that strongly symbolises death. Within the photo she is shown as a 'sexual' character but with masculine qualities, her long hair symbolises her femininity but the fact it's in a braid shows her ability to control it and have strength over it no matter how long. Her clothes are very tight fitted which accentuates her curves which emphasizes her femininity but also her sexual character that is revealed in the film. As well as showing off the feminine parts of her body the clothes she is wearing also emphasize her masculine qualities such as her shoulders which look broad, this suggests strength which is supported by her facial expression - her pout hold connotations of sexiness and seduction where as her piercing eyes and raised eyebrows have a suspicious feel to them and a look that is quite dangerous.