Semiotics!

This lecture was based on semiotics and how iconic a characteristic or object can be. The opposite of iconic is arbitrary and a scale can be shown, showing opposite ends of the spectrum.

Iconic  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  Arbitrary

As we move from iconic towards arbitrary, the images start looking less like what they are supposed to be describing. For instance, with the word 'woman' although it doesn't actually look like a woman, we know exactly what it means, while someone who doesn't understand English will recognise the other 3 images and not the most arbitrary. This could also be shown with Live Action Film, 3D Animation, 2D Animation, and then regular text from a book.

We also covered how certain characteristics and features of characters in films and animation can mean various things and help viewers understand characters more.

Denotation: What the sign is in the most basic level of understanding.

Connotation: What it suggests and implies, a more subtle meaning.

Myth: The ideological or political meaning of the thing.

Dr Isaac Kleiner - Half Life 2

Denotation: Wears a lab coat, shirt, tie and glasses. Only has a small amount of hair left. Has a slightly crazed grin and is overall happy.

Connotation: Lab coat and glasses can show a sign of above-average intelligence. Shirt and tie can show professionalism. Crazed grin and hand position can hint at 'mad inventor' type character. Missing hair and dirty coat can show stress in life.