15. Photographic portrayals of violence

General holstering gun after execution, Saigon,1968. Available at http://www.monroegallery.com/photographers/detail/id/826. April 28, 2011.

Eddie Adams was a famous photographer; he is commonly associated with his photographic portrayal of the Vietnam War. The photograph entitled, “General holstering gun after execution, Saigon,1968” depicts Saigon during the height of the Vietnam War. The appalling photograph, of the Chief of Police shooting a member of the Vietcong in the head, appeared immediately in newspapers and magazines world-wide.1

Considering the photograph depicts a dead victim of violence, some may accuse the photographer, in this case, Eddie Adams, of being insensitive.  The photographer applied categorical imperative; the brutality and causalities of war had to be photographed. Utilitarianism was also exercised in the decision to publish the photograph.2 Although the picture displays ethical transgressions, it has been widely credited with turning American attitudes against the Vietnam War. 

1 Margot Adler, “The Vietnam War, Through Eddie Adams’ Lens,” NPR.org, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102112403 (accessed April 27, 2011).

 

2 Paul Martin Lester, Visual Communication: Images with Messages (Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005), 115-116.

14. My favorite animated TV show

The Simpsons. Available at http://www.deadline.com/2010/11/fox-renews-the-simpsons-for-23rd-season/. March 28, 2011.

Homer and Dr. Hibert. Available at http://simpsonsimages.tumblr.com/post/1158275236/huntingforwizards-asked-do-you-have-any-pictures. March 28, 2011.

Lisa meets the First Lady. Available at http://parman.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html. March 28, 2011.

“The Simpson’s” debuted in 1988 as thirty second segments on the short-lived “The Tracey Ullman Show,” and evolved into one of the most popular and long-running cartoon programs in television history.  “The Simpsons” is still going strong today. The show’s success can be attributed to the producer’s ability to understand the expectations of the audience and the culture that surrounds them. This understanding, combined with sarcasm, superior scripting, show themes, and old-school slapstick comedy is the secret of the show’s long term success. The show is purposefully “low budget” the characters are simple. Less time on graphics results in reduced costs and more time spent on the script. The show is intellectual, while remaining funny on all levels. Adult audiences are drawn to the social satire, while a more youthful audience enjoys Bart’s bad behavior and colorful animation. “The Simpsons” continue to entertain people across the globe, and show no signs of slowing down.1

1 Lester, Paul Martin. Visual Communication: Images with Messages (Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005), 200-204.

13. Informational graphics

Cancer survival graph. Available at http://www.edwardtufte.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0000Jr. March 28, 2011.

The idea of information graphics is to visually explain a set of data. Linda Walsh describes a graph as a metaphor, “The line metaphor of a line graph encourages the viewer to think of the data as a continuous and changing event correlated to some factor, usually time.”1 The table-graphic above gives an idea of survival time gradients for each cancer listed, so the designers chose an appropriate format. The current diagram is full of overlapping points and crossing lines, making it visually confusing to the reader.

The diagram would be much more effective if the name of each type of cancer was also put on the right hand side, next to the 20-year relative mortality rate. This would make it easier to track the overlapping lines. Also, the lines used in the graph are the same weight as the lettering. If the lines were thinner and lighter, this visually would aid the reader in following the lines easily across the diagram. Left justifying the cancer titles on the right and left hand side would give the graph balance and unity. 

1 Linda Walsh, "Handbook of Visual Communication, Chapter 5:Graphics,"  http://infohost.nmt.edu/~crlanier/151/151ch5.html (accessed April 27, 2011).

12. Film titles/credits: Goldfinger

Goldfinger. Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM6I6aVRjiU. March 28, 2011.

The title sequence for any new Bond film is almost as anticipated as the movie itself. While there have been some amazing examples over the years, the classic Goldfinger’s opening suits the film perfectly.  The background is black, gold painted women are seen throughout the sequence while a short film plays on the surface of the women’s bodies. The color of gold semiotically represents the villain, Auric Goldfinger’s obsession with gold and women. Not only do your visually experience the titles, but the music directly relates to the on-screen experience. “Goldfinger” sung by Shiley Bassey completes the sensorium of effects by creating a rhythm between what you hear and what you visually see. Opening title sequences set the mood for a film and this is no exception.1

 

1 Lester, Paul Martin. Visual Communication: Images with Messages (Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005),153.

11. Typography: Scriptina

Sciptina font. Available at http://www.bitstormweb.com/website-design/8-free-fantastic-fonts-for-web-print-design.html. March 28, 2011.

The script font family is based on the strokes of natural hand writing. Script can be compared to cursive writing as each letter flows to the next. It was developed in France in 1557; it was originally designed to mimic everyday handwriting, but is now primarily used for high-class documents.1 A beautiful example of a script font is scriptina. It is comprised of semi-connected cursive lettering. The cascading loops and curves offered in this font make it a great way to add a personal touch to designs. The curves and loops also add to the font’s rhythm. This font is seen commonly on invitations and logos. 

1 Lester, Paul Martin. Visual Communication: Images with Messages (Belmont: Thompson Wadsworth, 2005), 142.