Affron reading
Juan Antonio Ramirez has defined six properties of cinematic set design. These points are a help as a first condition for the analysis of the narrative function of décor. The author then mentions Cappabianca, Bandini and Vaizzi, who all looked at the elements of décor differently. However, what is important to note here is that décor elements wouldn’t exist without framing, choice of angle, editing, sets and of course the old forms: lighting, acting and sound. Again, these components can be used to analyzing the difference between cinematic set design and other arts and métiers. (painting, architecture, music, prose narrative). They also mention that there is a difference between theater and cinema and that is something to beware of when one for instance is analysing a design set, because in the opinion of Bandini and Viazzi: Set design plays a very big role and it is therefore important to be analyzing it properly. However, this is when the author introduces Eric Newton whom synthesizes the comparisons between both film décor and theatrical décor. The important point here is that when used properly the set design is easier to understand.
Of course one also needs to notice the fusion between character and décor, since both of them plays an important part. With this notion the writer mentions three functions of décor that affects the set: decorative function, the localizing function, and the symbolic function. And the text then mentions that the best way to achieve a good design set is by analyzing and understanding what is needed for the set. And for this reason they have different levels as to how to understand a design set: Level one: set as denotation. Level two: set as punctuation. Level three: set as embellishment. Level four: set as artifice. Level five: Set as narrative.
However another important thing about décor is the reality that it brings to the film. Even though the décor might be modified it is still meant to give a certain feel or a certain expression, which is what, makes the audience convey the movie in different or certain ways. (making the movie feel real, unreal etc. ) And of course that it is a really important part of the film and that it is almost impossible to have a film without a setting. It helps the viewers understand the theme of the film without actually having it described or spelled out for them.