Introduction
This week, I focused on defining a research topic and elaborating a tentative abstract and research question to explain my investigation. I also established which authors I will include for my thesis and which I am looking forward to expanding by next term.
Research Proposal
Abstract:
The following paper will discuss to what extent do film semiotics play an essential role in world building and characterization within the horror genre. It will specifically focus on some of Tim Burton’s most iconic animated and live action films (Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, apart from Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice). The aim of this paper is to analyze Tim Burton’s distinctive style in order to help other animators to understand how to create the visual language of horror films.
Tentative Title:
To what extent do film semiotics play an essential role in world building and characterization within the horror genre?
Tentative Subtitle:
A semiotic analysis on Tim Burton’s animated and live action movies: Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie, Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice.
Bibliography:
Semiotics in Film:
- Edgar, R., Marland, J., and Rawle, S. (2010) The Language of Film. London and New York: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Semiotics:
- Peirce, S. P. (1991) Writings on Semiotic by Charles Sanders Peirce. Second Edition. North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press.
- Saussure, F. d. (2013) Course in General Linguistics. London: Bloomsbury.
Horror Genre:
- Sipos, T. M. (2010) Horror Film Aesthetics. Creating the Visual Language of Fear. Jefferson, North Carolina and London: McFarland & Company, Inc.
Tim Burton:
- Kempf, H. C., Gallo, L. Burton, T. (2009) The Art of Tim Burton. China: Steeles Publishing.
World Building:
- Nelson, M. A. (2019) Fantasy world-building: a guide to developing mythic worlds and legendary creatures. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc.