Audiovisual Language Language Analysis of Zhang Yimou

Abstract:By the pursuit of motion picture arts,flexible thinking and vibrant audiovisual
language,Director Zhang Yimou has made it to the world class as a film master.Among these,his
unique audiovisual language thinking has created the myth of Fifth Generation film,thus
aroused the national identity,which motivated a generation of filmmakers to constant craving on
motion picture arts.
Key Words:Zhang Yimou audiovisual language symbol theme

Film,which called the Seventh Art,has attracted the attention of the masses for many years.An
American anthropologist Clifford Geertz outlined culture as a system of inherited conceptions
expressed in symbolic forms by means of which men communicate, perpetuate, and develop their
knowledge about and attitudes toward life. in his book The Interpretation of Cultures. It was the
selection of the folk custom and the unique audiovisual application,together with the skill of
symbolism that aroused the national identity,especially echoed the theme.

Visual Shock--------The use of color and shots

Color is language.Shots are emotion.The large-scale use of red made it become the main
color in Zhang Yimou s film.Besides,with the seamlessly combination,these two aspects
represented the color of fire burning which also flamed in peoples heart.Moreover,red reflected
the intensive desire within human instinct.This kind of specific folk custom has already become
the special style of Zhangs film.
Auditory Shock--------The use of music
The use of music was also a symbol of Zhangs film.In the film Lifetimes Living,the whole
scene was resounded with Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong and the tweeters of
sound.The background music was show a era successfully which reflected the oppression on
human in that era.
In another film Curse of the Golden Flower ,Zhang adopted pronounced Chinoiserie.Whether
the title song Chrysanthemums Terrace or the folk song Jasmine Flower ,were all appreciated by
the whole world because of the gentle and innate grandeur Chinese characteristics.
The audiovisual language of film,actually consisted of audiovisual symbols.Zhang Yimous
works originally embed Chinese characteristics in the film made it become particular which
demonstrate the national spirit.