Semiotics is the study of subliminal signs that our minds read interlinking objects and meanings. They are all around us; in films, games, comics, animations and even advertising. All visual forms of media and imaging are crammed with subliminal signals that we read and interpret.
The denotation of a sign is the most basic level of understanding – what denotes it literally. The connotation is what it suggests on a more subtle culturally determined reading – what it connotes. And the myth is the ‘world view’ it contains or implies – the ideology.
A common example of a reading that interpreted by our minds during some popular films denotes the rebirth of a hero – or the resurrection. Usually the protagonist will be reborn and bring balance to the world. The resurrection of Christ is commonly used in films and novels for dramatic effect and narrative significance. The film ‘The Matrix’ shows the rebirth of the protagonist Neo after being shot down in the first film of the trilogy is resurrected. Neo is known as ‘the one’ who brings balance to the Matrix through destroying Agent Smith and ending the war between the machines and the humans. This is also seen in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ where the ‘true king’ Simba returns anew and reformed to his father’s land after a sort of removal from society. His return is seen as a resurrection; bringing balance again to the land. Without knowing it we read these signs of a hero alike Jesus Christ and subliminally see the significance in the narrative. Even in one of the most famous films of all time, the ‘Star Wars’ Trilogy we see the protagonist Anakin Skywalker bring balance to the galaxy. He’s also known as ‘the one’ alike Neo the Matrix. All the time we read these signs and it adds great depth to a narrative, possibly without the authors even realising the connections they are creating.
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