What is Connotation Film Theory?

In film semiotics there are various orders of meaning in which it is expected that spectators will distinguish between what a sign or symbolic element stands for and the cultural associations with the symbolism. Moreover, these distinguishing orders or levels of meaning represent denotation and connotation, respectively. According to film theorists, connotation film theory represents an important reflection of how a subject is captured by the camera. And the way the audience views the symbolic meaning of the objects and words that are represented. 

What is Connotation Film Theory?

Connotation focuses heavily on the symbolic indication of a word or object or what it indicates rather than on what the word or object defines.

According to connotation film theory, the words or vocal expressions within a film and the displayed objects of the film convey an attachment, both ethical and passionate, to the objects or words. 

Connotation takes a non-literal framing of a word or object and seeks to add symbolic association to it beyond the actual literal meaning imposed.

Connotations represented in film may have either a positive, negative, or neutral implication which essentially means that the association made with the word or symbol is good, bad, or really neither nor.

Types of Connotation Film Theory

Different types of connotation in film have different imposed meanings on the objects or words associated with them. 

For example, negative connotation occurs when the non-literal association that is made for a word or symbol is bad.

Positive connotation occurs when the non-literal association with the word or symbol is good. If there is really neither a good or bad non-literal association the connotation is neutral.

Applying Connotation Film Theory

Application of connotation film theory to suggest figuratism of speech or objects to the audience.

Essentially encouraging the spectator to visualize the symbolism behind various words or objects that are represented in the film.

Let’s take a look at a few connotation examples in film:

• In the film Apocalypse Now there is a connotation of words. Which represent a sense of victory when the following quote is spoken: “I love the smell of napalm in the morning.”
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• The film Casablanca has a connotation of words for a quote. Which symbolizes that individuals who are in a line of questioning are generally known for causing trouble. The quote is, “round up the usual suspects.”
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• In the film Chinatown there is connotation with a quote that is used to represent the symbolic understanding that it is futile of anyone to attempt making changes to Chinatown. The quote is, “forget it Jake, it’s Chinatown.”

In Summation

Connotation film theory essentially represents the figurative words and objects which are symbolic of a non-literal meaning.

Similar to denotation, though the opposite, connotation is non-literal whereas denotation is literal.

Connotation relies upon non-literal implications of objects, words, or items whereas denotation relies upon literal, objective qualities.