SWAT Codes
When analysing films and television programs, we use a series of codes known as SWAT Codes. SWAT Codes are concerned with how the text has been constructed. SWAT stands for Symbolic, Written, Audio and Technical Codes.
Symbolic Codes: The secondary meaning represented by particular objects or symbols in the film. We can find symbolism in objects (such as a cross symbolising Christianity), setting (beach symbolising reflection, contemplation), costumes (designer suit symbolising someone who is very well off, important), colours (black symbolises evil, white symbolises peace and purity) and many more.
The symbolic meaning of elements of the film helps to add a deeper layer of meaning to the film as a whole. Symbolism often allows the film to comment on the world as a whole, rather than just the small world of the film.
Written Codes: Any text that appears on the screen, either as a part of the film itself (product names, signs, newspapers) or through credits, subtitles etc.
Written codes can often communicate specific information more easily than visuals. For example, if it is very important that the viewer know the exact setting of the film, the name of the town or country will flash on the screen as a subtitle when we first cut to that setting. This setting may have some symbolic significance, so the written code ensures we know where it is.
Audio Codes: Any sound that we hear throughout the film, such as dialogue, music, sound effects, laugh tracks or applause.
Dialogue assists in character and development, while music helps to set the mood of a scene. Sound effects are used to make the film seem real (our world is never silent, there is always background noise) or to add to the emotion of a scene (for example, a creaking door in a horror film adds to the suspense.)
Technical Codes: Techniques used in the construction of the image. For example: camera shots, camera angles, camera movement, lighting, special effects.
Technical codes
Symbolic Codes: The secondary meaning represented by particular objects or symbols in the film. We can find symbolism in objects (such as a cross symbolising Christianity), setting (beach symbolising reflection, contemplation), costumes (designer suit symbolising someone who is very well off, important), colours (black symbolises evil, white symbolises peace and purity) and many more.
The symbolic meaning of elements of the film helps to add a deeper layer of meaning to the film as a whole. Symbolism often allows the film to comment on the world as a whole, rather than just the small world of the film.
Written Codes: Any text that appears on the screen, either as a part of the film itself (product names, signs, newspapers) or through credits, subtitles etc.
Written codes can often communicate specific information more easily than visuals. For example, if it is very important that the viewer know the exact setting of the film, the name of the town or country will flash on the screen as a subtitle when we first cut to that setting. This setting may have some symbolic significance, so the written code ensures we know where it is.
Audio Codes: Any sound that we hear throughout the film, such as dialogue, music, sound effects, laugh tracks or applause.
Dialogue assists in character and development, while music helps to set the mood of a scene. Sound effects are used to make the film seem real (our world is never silent, there is always background noise) or to add to the emotion of a scene (for example, a creaking door in a horror film adds to the suspense.)
Technical Codes: Techniques used in the construction of the image. For example: camera shots, camera angles, camera movement, lighting, special effects.
Technical codes