In this week, I plan to research more information and academic references about my topic and write a small draft.
Next week I developed topic with Jibaro, and this week I choose my main topic as:
The visual design and symbolic analysis in the short film Jibaro
The reason I choose the topic:
“The visual design and symbolic analysis in the short film Jibaro.”
As a short animation without dialogue, Jibaro has unique and impressive design aesthetics and animation aesthetics. I personally feel that the missing information in the dialogue, such as the culture background of the story, and all the narrative is presented in the visual language, which puts a high demand on the director and animator, who need to use design, camera movemnet and charactor actions to show the plot, rather than relying on narration or dialogue to explain what happened.
Therefore, as a dialogue-free short film, Jibaro’s visual design and metaphor are worthy of further study. My topic would like to study how the director presents the theme and symbolism of the whole story through visual elements.
I also like another work of the director, that he combines 2d strokes with 3d model, and use film style to shot the animation.
At the beginning of the research, I need to search the historical background of Jibaro, with the historical background, it is easy to distinguish the forces and characters in the position and motivation, and how they use visual language to express these.
Culture background – Latin America was colonized by the Spanish period of great maritime history
Three main forces/characters:
1.The Siren – Naturally, native Latin Americans with wealth and rich resources
There is only one Siren in the story, but various metaphors point to her representing a native Latin American or a mountain spirit.
Outsiders would hear her singing and dance and walk into the middle of the lake to drown
2.Spanish knights, who come to Latin America to conquer and colonize, are shown in the film coveting the Sirens’ jewels and eventually drowning.
There are gold armor and silver armor knights in the film, this indicate that they have a strict hierarchies. Their bodies are decorated with tattoos.
3.The missionaries, they viewed the native peoples as souls to be saved, but in reality, many of these efforts resulted in the suppression of native beliefs and societal structures.
In the short film, they pay the price for their greed and drown in the lake.
As aristocrats, they often lost their teeth due to sugar intake, which showed their indulgence and greed.
In-class notes:
Critical Report Structure
- Title: Subtitle
- Acknowledgements – Optional
- Abstract – is really important
- Key Words
- Contents Page
- Introduction
- Literature Review – critical part – how these book comment, categorize these ideas and support my report – a critical and analytical approach
- Main Body of Text
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Image List
Eassy draft
(I used the outline of essay structure and paragraph tips uploaded by the teacher in ual moodle):
main topic: The visual design and symbolic analysis in the short film Jibaro
1.Introduction, statement on the Issue, topic to be investigated and purpose of report (200 words)
Introduction the main topic: The visual design and symbolic analysis in the short film Jibaro. And the reason chose this theme: has an impressive artistic style and is very metaphorical
2.Critical Review a of literature or gathering of evidence. Critical appraisal of research undertaken and how you used your sources to investigate the topic and achieve objectives or answer the question (250 words)
- History of Spanish Colonization
- Origin of the Word “Jíbaro
- Analysis of Visual and Symbolic Meanings in Jibaro
- Official Interview with Director Alberto Mielgo
- Different Perspectives on Jibaro’s Visual Design
3.Investigation of options based on evidence. Main discussion and findings with citations. Sub- headings are recommended (800 words)
Visual design: colour design, character, landscape, storyboard, postures
4.Conclusions or recommendations to the audience based on findings (250 words)