Instead, meaning arises from the interaction between the film's images and soundtrack and the viewer's interests, values, past experiences, etc. Moreover, the meaning of any particular is NOT determined by the director's intentions. Films are worth studying . Understanding how the visual image can lie, how it is constructed and manipulated, and learning how to uncover the hidden ideological values and beliefs that underlie all representations will transform you from a passive viewer who accepts whatever appears on the screen as true and natural, to an active, skeptical viewer who questions and reflects upon the representation, and decides for him- or herself whether to accept it as accurate or reliable. The study of film requires a double-consciousness .
Films are seductive.
Cinematic techniques and conventions have been developed to ensure that stories flow smoothly, that characters behave in reasonable and predictable ways, that viewers identify with certain characters, that viewers are not distracted from the story in any way. In order for learning to take place, we must both do our jobs and fulfill our respective responsibilities. Please take the time during the semester to reflect periodically on the extent to which we are each fulfilling our respective responsibilites.