Meaning and Response

Understanding ‘Meaning and Response’

• Familiarise with the concept of meaning and response, it refers to how audiences interpret and react to European films.
• Interpretation of a film is subjective and influenced by a viewer’s personal background, ideological beliefs and cultural context.
• A film’s meaning can be conveyed through narrative structure, characterisation, setting, genre conventions, cinematography, editing, and sound.
• It’s crucial to consider the cultural, historical, and political context of the film during analysis.

Cultural Context

• European films often provide insight into a specific culture.
• Note the values, beliefs and rituals depicted in the film, they offer meaning and shape audience response.
• Consider how the film may depict cultural conflicts or clashes, as these can greatly influence audience reactions.

Political and Historical Context

• European cinema often explores its country’s history and politics.
• Take into account the time period in which the film was made and the events unfolding during that period.
• Understand how historical events or political climate depicted in the film influence audience understanding and generate different responses.

Narrative Structure and Genre Conventions

• Analyse the film’s narrative structure - how the story is told can influence audience response.
• Explore how the genre conventions used shape meaning and influence the viewers’ perception and emotional response.

Cinematic Techniques

• Scrutinise the film’s cinematography - camera angles, lighting, and colour all contribute to a film’s meaning.
• Evaluate how editing techniques, such as cross-cutting or montage, impact audience interpretation of the film.
• Pay attention to the use of sound - ambient sound, music, and sound effects can manipulate audience response.

Characterisation and Setting

• The characterisation and development of characters play a vital role in audiences’ emotional responses.
• Consider the impact of the setting - the time and place where a film’s action unfolds can add layers of meaning to a film.

Viewer’s ideology and world view

• A viewer’s ideology and world view largely impact their interpretation and response to a film.
• Be aware that different social, political and cultural beliefs might lead to varied interpretations of the same film.

Remember, when studying “Meaning and Response” approach every European film in a holistic manner, interpreting both the film’s stylistic elements and its wider cultural and societal contexts.