Week 02: Looking

This weeks reading was Chapter 1, 'Introduction to Textual Analysis"

which discusses how we interpret media text dependent on a variety of factors. By considering these codes and conventions meaning and an understanding can be non verbally  communicated.

The following is an interpretation of a text using some of the encoding tools found in this weeks reading text. "Lacey, N., 2009, ‘Introduction to Textual Analysis’ (extract) in Image and Representation: key concepts in media studies, 2nd Edition, MacMillan, London, pp 6-33."

I have chosen to use the image in the Daily Telegraph titled, ‘UPSET...Ruth and Bob Pye’ as an example to interpret. This image depicts an elderly couple that are maintaining a fixed stare. Their faces are painted with negativity through the omission of a smile and by lowering the brow. Complementing their facial expression, the subjects have their arms resting on the table whilst leaning forward. Through this non verbal communication, instantly the text can signify to the reader the 'fed-up' response the subjects have on the issue that is shared.  The mise-en-scene captures the couple taking up most of the space with the background of their house. A telephone is placed in the lower third of the frame. A variety of assumptions can be made about this text without reading a headline or the following articles. The context and meaning represented through the text suggests to me that the couple are ‘waiting for answers’ perhaps not satisfied with a phone service. A critical assumption can be made in regards to a mistreatment from a company, disconnection or even a loss of connection with a family member. This can be instigated by looking further into the background, taking note of the picture frame on the wall. This example of text can 'tell a story' about a variety of issues and needs supportive text to communicate specifically what the issue actually is about. Key themes of anger and communication can however be generated by this image yet the full extent and detail is left to the article to convey.

The Daily Telegraph, (2009), UPSET..Ruth and Bob Pye [ONLINE]. Available at: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/familys-phone-number-nightmare/story-e6frezt9-1111118522742 [Accessed 10 March 11].