Perspectives and Review

Module 3 - Perspectives and Review

The study of Perspectives and Review focuses on how we understand, interpret, and critically evaluate visual narratives such as films, television series, and interviews. It emphasizes both the technical language of visual media (camera, sound, editing, mise-en-scène, performance) and the art of reviewing (synopsis, abstract, critical writing, and evaluation).

Perspective in visual media studies refers to the standpoint from which a work is viewed and analysed.

It can include:

Narrative perspective: Whose story is being told, and from what angle?

Cultural perspective: How does the work reflect or challenge social, historical, or political contexts?

Critical perspective: The theoretical lens applied—feminist, postcolonial, psychoanalytic etc.

The Role of Review

A review is a form of critical writing that evaluates visual narratives. It does not merely retell the story; it offers analysis, interpretation, and judgment.

 

Reviews serve multiple purposes:

For audiences: They guide choices and provide insight.

For scholars: They act as critical documents that capture how works are received in their cultural moment.

For creators: They offer feedback and perspectives on the impact of their work.

 

The Language of Visual Narratives

Visual media communicate through a combination of spoken words, written text, and audiovisual codes. This creates what scholars call the language of cinema/television. Key components include:

Camera techniques: Angles, movements, and framing that shape meaning.

Editing: The rhythm and flow of the narrative.

Sound: Dialogue, music, and effects that evoke mood.

Mise-en-scène: The arrangement of everything within the frame—setting, costume, lighting, colour.

Performance: The expressive dimension added by actors.

Together, these elements form a visual grammar that reviewers must decode to interpret meaning.

 Academic Tools: Synopsis, Abstract, and Review

Synopsis: A brief summary of the plot or content.

Abstract: A more analytical summary, highlighting themes and significance (used in scholarly contexts).

Review: A combination of summary, evaluation, and cultural interpretation, often written for academic, journalistic, or public platforms.

Critical Writing and Review Skills

A strong review is balanced, structured, and evidence-based.

Essential elements include:

Clarity and conciseness (avoiding unnecessary plot details).

Use of critical vocabulary (e.g., symbolism, diegesis, narrative arc).

Contextual awareness (placing the work in a wider cultural or historical setting).

Analytical depth (noting how technical aspects create meaning).

Reading professional reviews sharpens critical skills, while practising review writing develops the ability to engage with media both as entertainment and as cultural texts.