Symbolism and Irony

Definition

Something that stands for something else

Some symbols are universal Symbols that are precharged, nothing is

needed to give them meaning

Some symbols are created, charged with meaning derived from the context of the film itself

Four ways to do this Repetition Value placed on an object by a character Context Special visual, aural, or musical

emphasis

Repetition

Drawing attention to an object more often than simple surface object might seem to deserve

Value placed on an object by a character Object may be relatively minor in

importance, functioning to offer insight into the character, or it may have major significance to the dramatic structure

Context

Where an object is placed may give it symbolic importance

Special visual, aural, or musical emphasis Visual emphasis may be achieved

through dominant colors, lingering close-ups, unusual camera angles, changes from sharp to soft focus, freeze frames, or lighting effects

Natural sounds, or musical refrains can also become symbolic

Symbolic patterns

Symbols interact with one another so the filmmaker expresses the same idea through several symbols instead of relying only on one.

Metaphors

Visual metaphor is a comparison that helps the audience understand an image because of its similarity to another image

Extrinsic metaphor has no place within the context of the scene itself but is imposed artificially into the scene by the filmmaker

Intrinsic metaphor emerges directly from the context of the scene itself

Types of irony

Dramatic irony- contrast between ignorance and knowledge

Irony of situation- sudden reversal or backfiring of events so that the end result of a character’s actions is exactly the opposite of his or her intention

Irony of character- characters embody strong opposites or contradictions or when their actions involve sharp reversals in expected patterns of behavior

Irony of setting- action takes place in a setting opposite of our expectations

Irony of tone- juxtaposition of opposites in attitudes or feelings