Contextual Studies: Metaphor and Meaning

A metaphor is a figure of speech is a implied or hidden comparison between two things that appear unrelated but share some characteristics.

Shakespeare's "All the world's a stage"

A way to stimulate the audience by making them think in a new way.

Allegory - An extended or complex metaphor, or connected series of metaphors
an allegory usually has two meanings: literal and symbolic (or metaphorical)

Allusion -  An indirect or passing reference, usually with no metaphorical intent
often used as a homage or nod to a film related show or films writers/directors inspirations

Analogy - A literal comparison without further meaning (a metaphor uses analogy with greater meaning)

Metaphor in TV and Film
- While writers may use verbal or literary metaphors, most metaphors in TV & film with be VISUAL
- Metaphors generally need to be constructed of familiar visual symbols and references and cannot overly complex
- Like a verbal metaphor they will break down if there are too many analogies to process at once. But there are many analogies to process at once. But there needs to be enough detail that the metaphor is recognizable

Jessica Jones:
Based on marvel comic book character
Although grounded in realism , TV series acknowledges in-world superpowers, marvel universe and comic book roots
Created and produced by largely a women's team
Critically acclaimed  93% on rotten tomatoes

The dominant narrative theme is power and control.

Abuse as a metaphor:
Jessica's friend Trish is a victim of childhood abuse (Physical and drugs) ny showbiz mother
Kilgraves new backstory reveals him as a childhood abuse from medical experiments.
Both characters become control freaks

Addiction as a metaphor:
It is a metaphor for both control and loss of control
Jessica's alcohol abuse is her coping mechanism
Former soldier called simpson abuses red pills that give him a superpower.
Jessica's addict friend is made to stalk her by kilgrave in return for drugs

Surveillance as metaphor:
Used as a metaphor for abuse and control
Jessica's surveillance work is an expression of her need to control
Kilgrave stalks jessica by surveillance and when discovered , he forces her to self-surveil by sending selfies.

Superpower as metaphor:
Manifestation of control and a metaphor of "the other"
Mrs Eastmans attempt to kill jessica is motivated both by revenge and fear of the gifted
Marvel Xmen have interpreted as a metaphor  for civil rights struggle and LGBT issues.

Visual metaphor in Jessica jones:
Cockroach scenes bookend episode 2
Jessica looks at a cockroach while thinking about kilgrave capacity for survival
By the end of the episode we know now that she is going confront Kilgrave, and kills the cockroach which symbolises that

Static vs Dynamic metaphor

Static: Obvious and constant It usually reflects one characteristic and one character
Dynamic:  Is one that provides new information as the narrative, continues. It is often shared with characters and/or found in new situations and new locations.

Why filmmakers might use metaphor:
Aesthetic/ artistic - To provide another level of meaning beyond literal or superficial
Freydian/Psychological - Alternative means of interpretation beyond the conscious
Political -  Allow filmmakers tackle a controversial subject or matter.