A Simple Semiotics in Film Definition for Aspiring Filmmakers

Semiotics in film definition represents the use of signs or various activities, conducts, or processes. Which involve signs or codes and conventions that denote a particular meaning, with a root in cultural subconscious learning. Sometimes it takes a simple start to a tough subject in order to fully understand film theory.

This semiotics in film definition represents a simplified version of an otherwise complex film theory topic. 

Semiotics in Film Definition

Semiotics in film, by definition, represents the study of signs and symbols and the meanings or interpretations that we have of them.

According to semiotic film theory, there is actually no relationship between the words or signs that we understand and our meaning for them.

They are, in fact, interpretations that have been derived over years of subconscious cultural learning.

For Example

If you see a person with their thumb up, you might think they are saying, “I’m okay” or “All good!” as the thumbs up symbol is a sign that through cultural learning. We all have come to recognize as “safe” or “good” or “okay.”

However, the thumb in the upward position doesn’t actually mean any of that, there’s actually no relationship between the thumb up and the meaning. Except that we signify the sign (a thumb in upward position) with the meaning (safe or okay). 

Semiotics can actually dig even deeper. Because, the symbol of the thumbs up is not always resemblant of being “okay.” In fact, in the scuba diving world, the thumb up signifies to the diving partner the need to ascend back to the top of the water.

And, if someone is on the side of the road and they have their thumb in the upward position. It signals the desire for the individual on the side of the road to hitch a ride with the passerby.

Cultural Context

Thus, semiotics represents our ability to infer things that we are not told based on the cultural subconscious learning which takes place naturally within our society.

Thus, filmmakers, who should be constantly focused on the need to show, not tell, a story, can use semiotics to infer many different things. Through the use of various signs, symbols, contexts or patterns.

Changes to Semiotics in Film Definition Since the 1970s

Although semiotics in film was incredibly popular when it was initially coined. The 1960s and 1970s changed the landscape a bit. As such, semiotics in film, by definition, has become more prominent.

Although the basic semiotic relationship of film has taken on very non-semiotic studies and meanings.

In fact, according to Frank Kessler, semiotics in film today is not a method of film study or approach. But rather “a series of generalizable hypotheses that outline at least the contours of a general art theory.” 

Need some clearing up? The Media Insider has a good video analyzing semiotics in film: