Representasi Kekuatan Media Massa dalam Film “Don’t Look Up” Karya Adam McKay

Abstract

This study aims to find out the meaning behind several scenes in the film that are used to reveal the representation of the power of mass media in the film "Don't Look Up". This study uses a qualitative method with a Roland Barthes semiotic approach that focuses on analyzing five scenes through denotative meaning, connotative meaning, and myth. The study results show that the film "Don't Look Up" clearly illustrates how the mass media has great power in shaping public opinion, managing narratives, and influencing people's views on various issues. The scenes in this film highlight hierarchy, control, and expertise in conveying information as key elements in the mass media. This film also shows that the mass media is not only a conveyor of information, but can also influence emotions, and individual perspectives, create tension, and ease the atmosphere. In addition, this film highlights the impact of social media in accelerating the spread of viral news and influencing the consumer behavior of the audience. The representation of the popularity of artists and controversial phenomena in the lives of celebrities depicted in this film shows that personal drama has great appeal to the public, who often prefer controversial news to news that is urgent for the public interest.

Keywords: Representation, Mass Media, Film, Roland Barthes' Semiotics