Where does the Problem Lie?: Identification with Characters and Communication of Social Issues in 2022 Fantasy and Science-Fiction Films

Where does the Problem Lie?: Identification with Characters and Communication of Social Issues in 2022 Fantasy and Science-Fiction Films

This study begins with a scholarly view and analysis on three pieces of media, then it moves to a deeper look into the production side of film by conducting a production analysis of behind-the-scenes representation. The study then analyzes journalistic commentary on the films and ends by comparing and contrasting the scholarly perspective and the contemporary perspective from journalistic opinion articles. Close analysis, genre analysis, and critical race theory are used in this study to investigate how individuals can identify with characters and stories on screen in addition to how conversations around social justice issues can be instigated with film. Since this study focuses on studios and their films of 2022, it generates an interesting conversation surrounding the film industry, like other entertainment industries, and how it deals with the problem of racial inequality on screen as well as behind the scenes.