Analysis of Distinctive Visuals: Comparison of Mankind Is No Island and Scenic Drive
Distinctive Visuals are demonstrated through images or visualisations which eloquently an emotion, meaning or ideas of culture, values or society. In Jason Van Genderen’s 2008 short film, “Mankind Is No Island” the realisation of society of the homeless and empathy towards them as the homeless man struggles with daily life. His experiences also make us question ourselves about humanity, the unfortunate and less privileged. Whereas, Ron Cobb cartoon image “Scenic Drive” represent ideas of the negative effects of modern lifestyle.
An important aspect of Distinctive Visuals is uncovering ideas and meaning through imagination shown in lyrics, words or signs as this is explored in both texts. During the short film the homeless man is alone, shot in two big famous cities, Sydney and New York, the composer questions what is that people love about these cities. This is communicated through extreme close up shots of signs around the cities formed together to send their message. In, “But what is that we love. Do we love the people or the place. Do we measure empathy by donations” questions the realities of society that these two big cities that people love so much, is it the place that makes it just a beautiful place or is it the people because there are unfortunate and under privileged people being disregarded. “Do we measure empathy by donations” also questions society, does contributing to donations truly show that they care. The phrases used put together from signs and posters around the cities in order to send their message makes Genderen’s video unique as it shows how words can tell a story. These simple methods represent how easy it can be to make a change and the great impact it can have on underprivileged people.
Whereas, in “Scenic Drive” by Ron Cobb, the domination of urbanization and how humans have diminished the scenery of natural environment. The surroundings are represented as intimidating where heavy smoke, power lines and factories dominate the image.
An important aspect of Distinctive Visuals is uncovering ideas and meaning through imagination shown in lyrics, words or signs as this is explored in both texts. During the short film the homeless man is alone, shot in two big famous cities, Sydney and New York, the composer questions what is that people love about these cities. This is communicated through extreme close up shots of signs around the cities formed together to send their message. In, “But what is that we love. Do we love the people or the place. Do we measure empathy by donations” questions the realities of society that these two big cities that people love so much, is it the place that makes it just a beautiful place or is it the people because there are unfortunate and under privileged people being disregarded. “Do we measure empathy by donations” also questions society, does contributing to donations truly show that they care. The phrases used put together from signs and posters around the cities in order to send their message makes Genderen’s video unique as it shows how words can tell a story. These simple methods represent how easy it can be to make a change and the great impact it can have on underprivileged people.
Whereas, in “Scenic Drive” by Ron Cobb, the domination of urbanization and how humans have diminished the scenery of natural environment. The surroundings are represented as intimidating where heavy smoke, power lines and factories dominate the image.