Media Theory 4: Structuralism

 Media Theory 4: Structuralism

In our fourth round of theories, we tackle Claude Levi-Strauss' theory on structuralism. Our scenes to demonstrate and understand our current theory is Spider-Man Into The Spiderverse: Doc Ock Revealed, and They Live (1998): Seeing the Truth Scene

Into The Spiderverse: Doc Ock Revealed

    - The purpose of the scene is to establish a connection between Miles and Peter, and establishing their relationship as student and mentor. A structuralist interpretation of what this scene means is that a veteran and novice finally comes together and learns from each other. The function of a compelling narrative is what specifically functions in this clip. Miles as the novice looks to Peter for guidance on what to do, as he struggles to web-swing away from danger. Meanwhile Peter can barely focus on teaching him while pressured by Doc Ock and gives him too much advice that he cannot understand. Peter then gives Miles the tip he needs, to not listen to him, and that finally pushes miles to where he needs to be and overcome his trial of web-swinging.

They Live (1998) Seeing the Truth Scene

    - The purpose of this scene is to show that everything in the world has hidden undertones that make influence you to do stuff, and even the people you see may not be real people. A structuralist interpretation of what this scene means is that the protagonists finally sees the villains and their propaganda everywhere he looks, even in the people you meet on the street. The function of creating identifiable character types is what the focus of this scene is. This scene establishes what is the enemy clearly, by showing what the truth behind every word, image, and person means and is. They show what the companies and the alien people what from you, and where to find them in everyday life.