Week 6 - Assumptions and Contributions of Semiotics

We decided to choose a scene from the movie "Life is Beautiful (1997)"  by Roberto Benigni. 

1. What is the story about?
> The story is about a Jewish Italian guy called Guido Orefice, who fell in love and married a wealthy non-Jewish Italian lady by the name of Dora, who happens to be the local school teacher. Their marriage granted them a child by the name of Giosue Orefice. World War 2 came in and Guido helps his family after they were all detained into the Nazi Concentration camp.

2. What do you think happen next?
> Giosue complain that  he was hungry and wanted to see his mum, Dora.

3. Who are these characters?
> It could be say that Guido is seen as a caring, funny and loving dad. No matter how bad the situation is, he always try to make sure that his son,Giosue doesn't know about the real truth. He always make sure that his son think of their time in the Nazi Concentration camp as a game in order to make sure his son doesn't get kill.

4. What are they doing?
> Giosue is suspicious of the whole "game" event his father was talking about as the detainees talked with each other.

5. What sort of people are they?
> The detainees, as seen in their blue and white striped uniform that they were force to wear.

6. What can you tell about the relationship between the characters in the scene?
> In  order to protect his son, Guido tell his son Giosue that the camp they are in right now are just a game.

7. Where is it set.
> In the Nazi concentration camp.

8. Why has the film/program maker chosen this particular background or location?
> So the audience can relate to the pain and torture that this particular group of people have to face during the time of Nazi concentration camp and WW2.

9.  What does it mean for the story?
> The location shown in the movie represent the dorm where the Nazis place the jews civilians and the horror they unfold upon them.

10. How does it relate to the story?
> The location, people, what they wear and props gives you an assumption on where it was. The audience know all of those civilians who were force into the train were going to be shipped to the Nazi Concentration camp. This is also further reinforce by Guido before he enter the dorm as we can see soldiers all around the camp.

11. Look at the props how are they relevant to the story?
> As can be seen by their iconic uniform, it is shown that they are the detainees of that camp. It is also easily recognizable by the people.

12. Are any props of particular significance?
> Yes

13. List all the features used by students to find out this information - such as sound actiong, props, camera work, colour, location music, etc.

> Acting : Guido always act like nothing horrible is happening. He always kept his cool and calming explained to his son about what is happening in a manner that won't make his son panic. This can be seen by how he lie to his son so that he would be safe and sound. The show of undivided love between father and son, Guido, as a father is willing to do anything for the safety of his son and his family.

> Camerawork : When Guido enter the dorm, a medium close up shot was use for the scene.

> Colour : A  bit dark, gloomy mood and colour can be seen at the same time. It symbolize the fear of Guido. The fear of the truth that he is trying to hide from his son.

> Location music : The music use  give you a sense of suspense to the audience.