MULTIMODAL, FILMIC METAPHORS AND THEIR INTERPRETATION PROCESS IN SILENT FILMS

Abstract

This paper explores the decoding process of a multimodal metaphor in silent films and discusses the results of ignoring the linguistic characteristics of the context. In addition, the conceptual and linguistic basis of a filmic metaphor is examined and the emphasis is put on the background knowledge and an emotional mood of a decoder. The data-based analysis and survey as well as the comparative method were used to analyse the findings of the research. The aims of the paper are as follows: 1. To show the significance of the imagination, background knowledge and emotional mood of a decoder during the interpretation process of a filmic metaphor. 2. To reveal the consequences of ignoring the connection of the filmic metaphor and its linguistic context due to the importance of verbal metaphor and its conceptual significance. 3. To explore the character of the metaphor usage in Georgian (Republic) and American films considering the fact that the filmic metaphor either reveals or lacks its formal characteristics. 4. To define multimodal metaphor and its non-verbal characteristics; 5. Whittock’s definition of a filmic metaphor and its isolation from the verbal conception; the theory of Uznadze discussing the role of emotional mood while decoding a metaphor, the suggestions of Roland Barthes concerning the varieties of narration.

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