Levi-Strauss theory of Structuralism applied
Still image from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, 2018, showing Dr. Olivia Octavius transformation into Doc Ock, symbolizing the disruption of order and the beginning of chaos.
In the opening scene, Dr. Olivia Octavius is shown and her relationship with Spider-Man is established. From a structuralist viewpoint, the scene's meaning is established by the contrast between chaos and order. In the beginning, Dr. Octavius is seen as an orderly scientist in her lab. But when she turns into Doc Ock—complete with terrifying mechanical arms—it symbolizes the end of order and the beginning of chaos. This binary conflict helps to craft an engaging story. The tension between Dr. Octavius's desire to further science and her turn into a villainous figure excites the viewer and promises a compelling narrative arc.
Miles's clumsy attempts at learning how to swing under Peter B. Parker's guidance are on display in the second scene. This scenario represents the binary opposition of competence and inexperience, according to structuralism. Peter is a seasoned Spider-Man who displays skill as he moves through the forest with ease. As a rookie who finds it difficult to learn the basic skills of web-slinging, Miles symbolizes inexperience. The ideas of mentorship and the learning process are explained in detail using this binary opposition. The scenario highlights the necessity for instruction and practice by highlighting the obvious differences between an expert and a beginner.
Gwen Stacy is introduced in the last scene, giving some background information and justifications. Using the structuralist lens, this scene can be analyzed by contrasting isolation with connection. Gwen's story of losing her best friend and deciding to live alone in order to stop the sorrow highlights how disconnected she is from reality. But her coming to Miles's reality and the possibility of making new friends among Spider-People point to a change in overcoming that loneliness. The creation of recognizable character kinds is made easier by this binary opposition. Gwen is introduced as a distinct and captivating character in the Spider-Verse by the way of her first image as a lone wolf in contrast to the other Spider-People's unity.
Still image from They Live, 1988, showing the hidden messages such as the money which implies 'THIS IS YOUR GOD' highlighting how important money is to society, and how we're controlled indirectly.
John Carpenter's "They Live" opens with a sequence that introduces Nada, the main character, and his discovery of the sunglasses that contain hidden messages. By contrasting the ordinary reality Nada first encounters with the frightening subliminal messages revealed by the sunglasses, the sequence sets up the central tension of the movie. According to structuralism, this scene depicts the binary opposition between ignorance and consciousness. Nada's first impression of the world is one of ignorance, full with eye-catching commercials and seductive taglines. He can see the surroundings in clear black and white when he puts on the sunglasses, displaying oppressive messages like "OBEY" and "MARRY AND REPRODUCE," which denote a conscious state of mind. This conflict serves as an explanation for the primary message of the movie, which is that the masses are controlled by hidden forces that control their thoughts and desires without people noticing it.
As Nada wears the sunglasses later in the sequence, the binary contrast between appearance and reality further highlights the main struggle of the movie. The contrast between the ordinary aspect of a grocery shop, filled with items that appear ordinary, and the subliminal messages included in those items would be the main focus of structuralism. The picture changes to black and white, revealing merchandise shelves adorned with labels such as "CONSUME" and "STAY ASLEEP." In order to establish a strong narrative, this scenario seeks to highlight how widespread the hidden control is, extending to even the most routine facets of daily existence. The spectator is left wondering how Nada would handle this dishonest situation as the binary opposition becomes clear to the extent of the deception and the risk it means.
A brief interaction between Nada and what appears to be an ordinary businessman closes the scene. The businessman's face appears as an ugly alien skull through the sunglasses, highlighting the movie's theme of covert forces controlling society. According to structuralism, this interaction represents the binary opposition between the human and the alien. The businessman's actually normal human look is a front for the alien force in charge of him. This alien form's exposure represents the power structure's covert reveal. It is through this binary opposition that distinctive character types are produced. The scene creates the "us versus them" dynamic that pushes the story and allows the audience to empathize with Nada's struggle against this oppressive alien rule by clearly distinguishing humans and aliens.
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