Analyzing a Pirates of the Caribbean DVD Cover

In this lesson, we analyzed a Pirates of the Caribbean DVD cover, as well as learning the key terms in media studies. The key terms we looked at were;

A text: In Media Studies any mass media product is described as a text. This might be a book, however it can also be a film/TV program/a radio program/ a magazine or a newspaper. Every text has been deliberately constructed, every choice of image, colour and layout has been thought about in detail as to how it will appeal to its target audience.

Deconstruction: This is the practice of taking apart any media text and detailing what elements construct the finished text.

Signs and Signifiers: These are features we 'read' and are seen as 'clues' to the meaning of texts. We have learnt the meaning of them through constant exposure to them. This is culturally determined.

Denotation: This is what you see in front of you, what is shown on the page or the screen.

Connotation: This is the meaning(s) we infer from what we see in front of us. The 'hidden' meaning.

Conventions: Expected and predictable signs that we read and that create expectations in the audience, i.e. the gun fight at the end of a Western.

Code(s): A system in which signs are organised. They create meaning on agreed social and cultural experience of the audience and producer. There are technical codes and symbolic codes.

When I first looked at this, I automatically assumed that it is a DVD cover, however it could also be a poster/advertisement. The biggest face on the cover is Jack Sparrow, which shows that he is one of the main characters - others include Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley etc. Quite dark and mysterious colours have been used, which shows that it is an adventure film. The mist/fog that is rising up from the sea again suggests mystery and adventure, and almost as if there is a secret, which makes people want to know what that could possibly be. The sea and the ship suggests that it is mainly filmed near the sea/on a ship, however it looks like there is an island in the background - again shows a sense of mystery. The brightness of the characters faces contrast with the colouring of the background. This, again, shows that they are the main characters, but it also makes them stand out; it makes them sure that they are seen. Finally, the order of the characters differs from the order of the faces. This is to make sure that the most important people are in the most important order. This is the same with the faces; the face in the middle would be looked at first, hence why the biggest character has been put there.