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Regardless of what we write, metaphors are accepted as an important literary tool. But what is a metaphor? A metaphor is a figure of speech in which we use a word or phrase that denotes one type of object or idea instead of another, thus suggesting a similarity or analogy between them. Metaphor subtypes include allegories, hyperboles, and parables.
Some common examples of metaphors are “you are drowning in money” or “laughter is the best medicine”. However, not all metaphors are manifested verbally, as there are also non-verbal metaphors. One of the non-verbal manifestations of metaphor, the visual metaphor , has become a popular research topic in a context characterized by the “pictorial turn” or “visual turn” in contemporary culture.
What is a visual metaphor?
A visual metaphor is a representation of an object by a visual image that suggests a particular association or similarity. Visual metaphors are used to create meaning from objects and symbols in movies, television shows, photography, and even commercial advertisements.
The meaning created from these objects can help advance a story, connect with an audience or consumer, or establish a theme. Some examples of visual metaphors are the lightning-shaped scar in Harry Potter or the glass half full or half empty used in entrepreneurship or self-help topics.
The function of visual metaphors
The function of visual metaphors depends to a large extent on the goal that the piece seeks to achieve. For example, the goal of advertisements is to persuade the consumer, while the goal of a movie may be to entertain the audience. However, both are based on public participation. To engage the audience, the director must communicate effectively and efficiently. Visual metaphors are perfect for this, as they allow meaning to be conveyed by the mere presence of a visual element.
When visual metaphors are used constantly they can become visual motifs. A motif is a repeating narrative element that supports the theme of a story. In a movie, a motif can be presented in many ways: physical objects, sound design, lines of dialogue, music, colors, and symbols.
Any pattern used will greatly enhance your story if it has narrative significance. Visual motifs in film use recurring patterns through props, sets, costumes, symbols, and events to support the intended theme of a story.
Examples of visual metaphors in cinema
As we all know, cinema is a visual medium above all else. For screenwriters it is essential to translate the story into images, and this is something that is often done through visual metaphors.
One of the most poignant examples from recent years is Peter Quill’s (aka Star-Lord) mix tape ” Awesome Mix Vol. 1 ” in Guardians of the Galaxy . As a visual metaphor, this tape encloses the origin of Quill, the death of his mother and his entire history in a single symbol.
Other motion picture items that have been considered visual metaphors (later turned into visual motifs) are Cobb’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) totem pole in Inception and Rosie’s (Scarlett Johansson) shoes in Jojo Rabbit .
Sources
- Aguilar, O. (2011). Focusing the visual metaphor : cognitive optics I
- Frison, C. (2015). Silence in cinematographic images .
- Marugán, F. (2016). The visual metaphor , a communicative element of brands in outdoor advertising.
