Visual motifs

Visual motifs are repeated images, symbols, or themes resounding with symbolic meanings relating to general visual narration of the story. Therefore, these motifs work towards unifying a story, reinforcing its message themes, and deepening their effects on the audience.

Specific examples of visual motifs include certain objects, such as a key or clock, colors—like red, symbolizing passion or danger—or patterns like a circle, symbolizing unity or cycles. Making use of those at properly selected moments within a script allows writers to build a consistent visual language that gives resonance to key themes and underlines character development, further enriching the meaning held within a story.

Whether used subtly or overtly, these visual motifs work to create both coherent aesthetics and emotional resonances throughout the narrative, making the experience of viewing it more rewarding and inviting a greater level of commitment for the viewer to the material.

StudioBinder compares the Visual Motifs in 2 different movies. The Silence of the Lambs and Americana!