Film Motifs

A film ‘motive’ is a recurring image or idea that is designed to enhance the viewing experience for the audience. It is shown throughout a film to subconsciously create a build up of tension or the reverse effect of a tranquil feeling- it conclusively represents what kind of genre the film is. For example, if a heart is repeatedly shown within a film (for the background effect) then the audience will associate the film with romance and pick up on the certainty it is to do with love.

EXAMPLES:
1) In the film 'Psycho' by Alfred Hitchcock, birds were used as his motif. This was purposeful as for some cultures birds are seen as a bad omen. Hitchcock used this motif to remind the audience on a regular basis that his film contained ominous, frightening themes. Therefore, just through the use of crows, ravens etc. the audience throughout is reassured and reminded of the genre in hand.

2) A second example of a motif is in the film 'Jaws' by Steven Spielberg (1975). The motive used in this film is the repetitive music. Due to the fact this specific fast beat music is played whenever the shark is close, helps the audience to label the shark as fearful and dangerous, which would regularly create tension whenever it is played. In addition, it also reinstates the genre of the film, as the bold, commanding and non-diegetic sound involves the audience further making them continuously on edge.

3) A third example would be from the film ‘The Woman in Black’ by James Watkins (2012). The colour black is the motif for this particular film, as it signifies death and sinful behaviour the audience can immediately become aware of the genre. The decision to use this colour throughout would make the audience feel anxious of the unknown, but also apprehensive with the film in hand. This would have the exact effect Watkins wanted, as a chain of anonymity is thoroughly created.

Although we have researched into different motif's and seen the effects they hold with their target audience we have decided to not include a motif in our opening sequence. The reason for this is because, although we believe they work well with films and give off the needed emotion for us to include one in a short amount of time in our opening sequence will be difficult, and may not have the same effect.