Representation of Men as Sexual Objects in Film (Semiotic Analysis in the Film Dear David)

Abstract

The depiction of men in the media is one of the complementary parts or visual objects that can be the center of attention of the audience. Exploitation of the male body can actually be a potential for media success. One of them is a film, where some of the actors appear as sispek, some even do not cover their entire bodies. Dear David is a film that has received controversy related to the existence of sexual oppression against men. The purpose of this study is to further reveal the representation related to men being used as sexual objects in the film "Dear David" by Lucky Kuswandi in 2023. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach based on the theoretical foundations of Masculinity (Beynon) and Representation (Hall). Roland Barthes' semiotic analysis method is used to determine the meaning of the signs or symbols used in the film shown. The results of this study indicate that men can also be tempted and approached, and in this film it gives rise to a representation that men are part of the reason and temptation for women. Men get the stereotype of being brave, muscular and mighty if they can do everything. Researchers suggest that practitioners in the creative industry should pay attention to the absence of a patriarchal system that is detrimental to men in a film.

Keywords: Masculinity, Representation, Film, Semiotics, Dear David Film