Analyse some of the ways in which the visual elements of the text such as camera angles, backgrounds used and framing present ideology.

Essay by M4GGSHigh School, 11th grade November 2002

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1)Analyse some of the ways in which the visual elements of the text such as camera angles, backgrounds used and framing present ideology.

Ideology is often referred to as the system of ideas, values and beliefs which an individual or group holds to be true or important. The use of technical codes such as, camera angles, use of background and framing clearly reveal ideology, for example consider a short scene from Friends. The establishing shot is a mid-shot of Joey questioning the tip he has just received from his friends. His friends are sat on a couch and in the background you can see the familiar window, which denotes where they are, as the audience recognise it from previous episodes. The scene then cuts to Chandler, so you assume he gives the tip, and then another cut back to Joey. This back and forwards camera action serves to identify the discussion between the two characters.

We learn that Chandler has tipped 20%, which ideologically seems acceptable but Joey seems to want more. The camera then pans out to a close up showing two new characters that now become involved in the argument. It pans out more to give a wide shot with Joey and two other characters on the couch. Because of where the couch is sited in comparison with the window, the window seems to frame the situation keeping the audience focused on the action. The camera again cuts between Joey and others on couch showing their argument over Joey's irrational behaviour about the generous tip, which shows that the ideology of the tip because money here is important and becomes involves with the others, wondering whether friends should support each other by paying more. Another presentation of ideology is shown by another scene in the coffee house. The...