Here is an example of the use of Bordwell’s four “flags” that give meaning and perception to film the iconic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.
Referential- What happens and why- the experience of Dorothy the main character.
Explicit- The deeper meaning or moral behind the story- “what is most important in life?”
Implicit- What parallels or symbolism may be used in the story to illustrate the meaning behind it- who or what does Dorothy represent.
Symptomatic- The shape of the culture and society around the piece- for example the Great Depression is happening at the time the movie is made, what happens to society at large.
