Film Analysis Terms Q2

Archetype

Something that is patterned frequently in multiple media, which can include personality, settings, and storylines.

Ex: Regina George (Blonde Mean Girl), Suburban Environment (Clean and Nice Town), Good vs. Evil

Trope

An image or sequence of storytelling scenes that is frequently repeated and stems as a metaphor for something.

Ex: Explosion Walk (Coolness), Makeover Scenes (Idealness), Glasses Removal on Dorky Characters.

Motif

An element of a film that keeps getting repeated for symbolic reasons.

Ex: Tacky stair handle from “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Juxtaposition

A dramatic comparison of two things to emphasize a message in the film through symbolism.

Ex: “Life is Beautiful” gloomy fog vs. bright blue day

Duality

Showing two opposites of one another in CHARACTERS. Not through symbolic means.

Ex. Doctor Danny - respectable doctor on the outside, insane killer on the inside.

Ambiguity

Something that can have multiple meanings, and the answer is not precise.

Ex. The doctor’s duck riddle from “Life is Beautiful”

Novum

Term used to describe a sci-fi situation that can be possible, but not literally.

Ex: Zombies existing because of a bacteria that can turn ants into zombies.

Ethos

Means of credibility where you believe/trust something.

Ex: Virgil Tibbs criminology experience, Sparta’s belief that there should be segregation, etc.

Pathos

Appealing to audiences through emotion.

Ex: The Death of Guido in “Life is Beautiful”

Equivocal

Possibility of multiple meanings at once.

Ex: Frequent gesture towards horses in “Bird Box”

Unequivocal

Has one solid direct meaning:

Ex: The bells ringing means an angel gets his wings from “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Ambivalence

Mixed feelings about a certain topic that leaves you unsure of what to believe.

Ex: Tobey McGuire’s character feeling conflicted about the thought of abortion.

Utilitarianism

Doing something for the greater good for everyone, regardless of morality/rules.

Ex: The doctor lying to Tobey McGuire about his heart condition to not have him die in war.

Kant

Belief that you must always stick to your morals without bending them.

Ex: You can’t lie, even if it means telling the truth will make the situation a whole lot worse.

Autonomy

Freedom or independence to act on one’s own will.

Ex: Tobey McGuire moving to work in an apple farm by himself.

Autonomous

A GROUP of people being free and independent to act on each other's own wills.

Ex: Cider house workers having their own rules instead of following the ones laid out for them.

Didactic

A story meant to teach a moral lesson.

Ex: You must always learn to value your own life as told in “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Iconography

An icon used to represent something.

Ex: A cross to represent goodness and Christianity.

Existentialism

Belief that there is no true meaning to life and you must find it yourself.

Ex: Luke trying to figure out his life while he’s in jail.

Satire

A comedic form of exaggeration that makes commentary towards something.

Ex: Don Lockwood’s singing in “Moses Supposes” as commentary to 1920s vocal coaches.

Parody

Copying a piece of media and exaggerating it for comedic effect.

Ex: Cardi B’s cover for “Last Christmas”