Myths in Birdman (2014): A Semiotic Study

Abstract

This article will touch on the use of semiotics in Birdman with more emphasis on the myth theory of Roland Barthes. Birdman is a film released in 2014 by Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu and the film won four awards at the 2015 Academy Awards, namely Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Achievement in Directing, Best Writing and Original Screenplay and Best Achievement in Cinematography. As can be seen through this film, it can be said to be an imitation of reality especially in terms of cinematography which uses the long take technique which this technique resembles the view of the human eye. According to its director, he got the idea to produce this film when he was 50 years old. It is at that point that he thinks about how the ego in human beings can change a person's actions in a positive and vice versa. Behind the narrative construction, the director also uses semiotic techniques that make the audience think about the continuity of the Birdman character himself with the main character of the film, Riggan Thomson. Therefore, it is not surprising why this film was able to win the award of Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Achievement in Cinematography.