Cinematic language as a multimodal discourse: from frame editing to cultural code

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to conduct a cultural analysis of the language of cinema as a manifestation of polycoded communication. This will make it possible to uncover the specific features of cinematographic meaning-making tools – from frame editing to the construction of cultural codes. The methodology of the work is based on the integration of historical-comparative, anthropological, and multimodal approaches. The historical-comparative method allows for tracing the transformation of plots and visual techniques across different periods of cinematic development. The anthropological method is aimed at exploring the impact of cinema on culture and everyday life. The multimodal method focuses on analysing the interaction of visual, auditory, and linguistic elements that together form the structure of cinematic communication. The scientific novelty of the research lies in its comprehensive exploration of the language of cinema as a polycoded communicative system. This study reveals the significance of cinema in shaping contemporary cinematographic culture, where the integration of various sign systems, cultural codes, and notions of everyday life plays a central role. Special attention is given to analysing the interaction between visual, auditory, and narrative components of cinema as a medium that collectively generate a unique cultural product.