This paper attempts to semiological study the multiple layers of meanings and functions in Ghatak’s seminal film," Subarnarekha "(1962) and explore the impact of Partition and the tragic predicament of the innumerable immigrants which has been portrayed through the skilful cinematic technique in which Ghatak has blended melodrama with social realism. In addition, it is also aimed at discussing the linkage between communication and semiotics and is expected to generate positive contributions in underlining the significance of semiotic theory and further researches in related fields or specific areas.
Ritwik Kumar Ghatak, the maverick Bengali filmmaker remains one of the most celebrated cinematic auteurs of Indian cinema. Dismantling the conventional constructs of commercial cinema, Ghatak along with Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen laid the foundation of the ‘alternative’ or ‘parallel’ cinema in Bengal during the 60s and 70s. The majority of Ghatak’s films focus on the post-Independence Bengali family and community, with a sustained critique of the emerging petite bourgeoisie in Bengal, specifically in the urban environment of Kolkata.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- An Introduction to Structuralism and Semiotics
- Saussure's theory of sign
- Signs: The basic unit of meaning
- Peirce's theory of sign
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to conduct a semiotic analysis of Ritwik Ghatak's seminal film, Subarnarekha (1962), exploring the multiple layers of meanings and functions within the film. It examines the impact of Partition and the tragic predicament of immigrants through Ghatak's blending of melodrama with social realism. The paper also aims to discuss the link between communication and semiotics, highlighting the significance of semiotic theory and its potential for further research in related fields.
- Semiotic analysis of Ritwik Ghatak's Subarnarekha
- The impact of Partition on Bengali society
- The portrayal of immigrants and their struggles
- Ghatak's cinematic techniques: melodrama and social realism
- The relationship between communication and semiotics
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Abstract: This section provides a concise overview of the paper's objectives and scope, highlighting Ghatak's significance as a filmmaker and the film Subarnarekha as a case study. It introduces the themes of Partition, immigration, and semiotic analysis.
- Introduction: This chapter introduces Ritwik Ghatak as a neglected cinematic auteur, highlighting his unique style and struggles in the film industry. It provides context for his work and sets the stage for the semiotic analysis that follows.
- An Introduction to Structuralism and Semiotics: This chapter delves into the theoretical foundations of the paper, explaining the concepts of structuralism and semiotics. It discusses the role of language, sign systems, and the interpretation of meaning in cultural studies.
- Saussure's theory of sign: This section focuses on Ferdinand de Saussure's theory of the sign, exploring the concepts of signifier, signified, and the arbitrary relationship between them. It emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in structuring signs.
- Signs: The basic unit of meaning: This chapter further explores the concept of the sign as the basic unit of meaning, explaining Saussure's dyadic model of the sign and providing examples of signifiers and signifieds.
- Peirce's theory of sign: This section presents Charles Sanders Peirce's triadic model of the sign, emphasizing the role of the interpretant in the process of signification. It discusses Peirce's three categories of signs: icon, index, and symbol.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The primary keywords and focus topics of this paper include Ritwik Ghatak, Subarnarekha, semiotics, structuralism, Partition, immigration, melodrama, social realism, communication, and cinematic techniques. These terms represent the core concepts explored in the paper, encompassing theoretical frameworks, film analysis, and social and cultural contexts.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2020, Structural Anaysis of Ritwik Ghatak’s Cincema. A Special Reference to the Movie "Subarnarekha", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/936298
