Movie props often serve as symbols. The Maltese Falcon isn’t just an art piece, Bond’s Aston Martin isn’t simply a means of transportation. Visual metaphor can be used to develop the plot and deepen characterization. This kind of symbol also works in nonfiction movies, for example, in the powerful mini-doc “Bosnia, where Europe ends.” For a quick but subtle discussion of the topic, here’s Epic Light Media’s “Visual Metaphor in Film.”

Epic Light Media is an award-winning creative & film production company based in Arizona. You can learn more about them via their website, their Facebook page, their Instagram feed, and their YouTube channel.