Claude Levi-Strauss argues that meaning is constructed through a complex system of concepts presented in stark opposition. To what extent do you agree with this structuralist theory? Refer to Humans to support your answer [15]
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| The character Odi is highly idiosyncratic and demonstrates a range of oppositional elements. In this scene, the highly sophisticated android is situated in a stereotypical UK supermarket, which creates a compelling and highly appealing binary opposition to the target audience. By placing Odi in such a familiar setting, it allows him to become more relatable |
Knee-jerk reaction - That meaning is constructed through a series of oppositions
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Point - An excellent example of the importance of diametrically opposed values can be found in the scenes relating to George and Odi. George, an older American gentleman is consistently presented as the total inverse of Odi, which ultimately makes them that much more fascinating to the shows target audiences. For example...
Evidence - everything as always should be related to media language!
- Robots and humans: the dialogue of the store-woman refers to Odi as a 'stupid thing', language which clearly dehumanises him. Odi is indeed a robot, however, we know that Odi has feelings and emotions, or rather, George believes he does.
- George loves Odi, which is symbolised through the mise-en-scene of George continually trying to fix Odi, with objects such as dental probes and screwdrivers
- A binary opposition is constructed between old and young, with the MES of George's walking stick contrasting significantly with with Odi's youthful appearance. This opposition constructs George and Odi as a father and son, which may prove to be surprising and even problematic to the target audience.
- However while Odi is clearly youthful in appearance, the MES of his dried out lips are emphasised through a close up. This positions the audience in a highly uncomfortable mode of address, where they must accept Odi's apparent death despite clearly being a robot.
- Binary opposition between the frail old George, who appears to remember, and Odi, the artificial intelligence who is unable to remember. This strange and confusing binary opposition ultimately reinforces his humanity. by gradually growing older and breaking, which is emphasised through the diegetic sound effects of Odi glitching and stuttering actually make him more relatable to the target audience