ANALYSIS OF THE DEPICTION OF ASIAN MOTHER FIGURE IN THE FILM

• Main Author: Tisha Vania, Rae
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/84258
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

This study aims to analyze the shift in the representation of Asian mothers in Hollywood through the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once", focusing on the character Evelyn Wang. The film also shows an important shift in the representation of Asian mothers in Hollywood. The film shows Evelyn running a laundry business with her husband, Waymond, while taking care of her elderly father and trying to establish a good relationship with her daughter, Joy. Through a journey across dimensions, Evelyn finds different versions of herself in various universes, from a movie star to a kung fu master. This depiction shows that a person's identity is not static but consists of various possibilities and potentials. Evelyn is depicted as a complex and multidimensional individual, going beyond the stereotype of a rigid and disciplined Asian mother. The setting in the film also plays an important role. Evelyn's laundry business reflects a realistic and stressful daily life, showing dedication and hard work that are often overlooked in the negative stereotypical representation of Asian mothers. The IRS office and the nihilistic dimension show the external and internal pressures faced by Evelyn, reinforcing the theme of strength and resilience in the face of challenges. This study uses John Fiske’s semiotic approach to analyze the visual signs in the film that shape and convey Evelyn’s identity as an Asian mother. Content analysis methods are used to identify key elements of Evelyn’s character and how the film helps to change traditional stereotypical perceptions. The findings of this study indicate that through the film "Everything Everywhere All at Once" a new ideology was found that leads to the ideology of "Hollywood-Asia". This ideology itself reflects a shift in the representation of Asian mothers in Hollywood, from old stereotypes to more authentic and inclusive narratives. Hollywood is now considered to be more appreciative towards the complexity and diversity of Asian identities that combine traditional values with a pragmatic approach to adapt to modern realities.