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Codes and Conventions in Film
What are codes?
Codes are systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can be divided into two categories – technical and
symbolic.
Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media text, for example the
camera work in a film.
Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, a character's actions show
you how the character is feeling.
Some codes fit both categories – music for example, is both technical and symbolic.
What are conventions?
Conventions are the generally accepted ways of doing something. There are general conventions in most film
genres, such as dressing the bad guy in black clothing in a western.
How codes and conventions apply in media studies
Codes and conventions are used together in any study of genre – it is not enough to discuss a technical code
used such as camera work, without saying how it is conventionally used in a genre.
For example, the technical code of lighting is used in some way in all film genres. It is a convention of the
horror genre that side and back lighting is used to create mystery and suspense – an integral part of any
horror movie.
A Study of Codes and Conventions: Thrillers
Use the space below to make notes from the PowerPoint presented in class.
A Practical Application of Codes and Conventions
We are going to watch the movie, Collateral, a Thriller starring Jamie Foxx and Tom Cruise. This movie
received good reviews, and is a solid example of the genre. It was rated 14A in Ontario, and does contain
some swearing (which also seems to be a convention of the genre). As of November 2016, the movie is
available on Netflix for those who want to rewatch at home.
As you watch the movie, list at least 10 examples of Codes and Conventions that are used by the director to tell
the story. Be specific (refer to how a scene was shot, a line of dialogue, costuming, etc).
Convention/Code
Specific Example
How would you rate this movie (out of 5 stars?) Why did you choose this number?