This week we focused on understanding film and animation language, especially through mise-en-scène, composition, and framing. We also started preparing for our critical report by thinking more carefully about our chosen research topics.
For my critical report, I decided to focus on the influence of animation on children and young people, and how animated films and series can shape their understanding of the world and their moral values. I’m interested in how animation doesn’t just entertain, but also subtly teaches ideas about right and wrong, relationships, identity, and society.
The lecture on mise-en-scène helped me realise how powerful visual storytelling can be for younger audiences. Elements like lighting, colour, space, and character placement can communicate emotions and values without words. For children especially, these visual cues often have a stronger impact than dialogue.
Shot types were another important aspect. Close-ups, especially during emotional moments, encourage viewers to empathise with characters. In animation aimed at younger audiences, this can strongly influence how they connect to certain behaviours or choices characters make.
Lighting techniques also play a big role in shaping meaning. Films like Over the Moon use lighting changes to separate reality from fantasy, which can help younger viewers understand emotional transitions and internal conflicts in a visual way.
Overall, this session helped me see how visual language in animation can influence children’s perception and values. It gave me a stronger foundation for analysing how animation can contribute to shaping moral understanding and worldviews, which directly supports the direction of my critical report.