Semiotics and Animation Movies: An Analysis of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This paper analyzes the animation movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse using the construct of semiotics. It explores the use of symbols and signs in conveying deeper meaning in the movie. The analysis focuses on the themes of vulnerable superheroes, the symbolism of the spider, the desire to imitate successful individuals, and the concept of parallel universes. The paper also discusses the psychological interpretation of the movie and its implications.

Running head: SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES: AN ANALYSIS OF SPIDER-MAN: INTO
THE SPIDER-VERSE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
As opined by Cobley (2016), the genre of fantasy fiction movies had gained a
substantial amount of prominence in the present times and it is seen that a plethora of fantasy
fiction movie are being made by the directors to cater to this demand shown by the audiences.
Doroszewski (2018) is of the viewpoint that an interesting trend which is being seen within
the framework of the contemporary motion pictures is the fact that the audiences are showing
increasing propensity towards the genre of animation. For example, in the earlier times it was
seen that the popularity of the genre of animation was primarily limited to the children or the
teenagers however in the present times it is seen that it is being widely embraced by the
adults as well (Nöth 2016). In this regard, it needs to be said that one of the most important
factors which had directly contributed towards the popularity gained by the concerned genre
of motion pictures is the technological advancements attained in the recent times which in
turn had improved the quality of animation that is being used for the creation of these movies
(Danesi 2018). More importantly, it is seen that rather than merely focusing on the aspect of
animation or for that matter entertaining the audiences these movies often in a subtle manner
take the help of different kinds of signs or symbols for conveying some deeper meaning. It is
precisely here that the importance of the construct of semiotics lies which is presently used
by the critics for the effective analysis of the different movies. This paper intends to
undertake an analysis of the animation movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” through
the usage of the construct of semiotics.
Rotman (2016) is of the viewpoint that the construct of semiotics or more popularly
called by the name of semiotics studies can be defined as the study of the symbols or the
signs and its usage for the analysis or the interpretation of the different texts or works.
Furthermore, as discussed by Danesi (2018), the branch of semiotics is primarily concerned
with the understanding as well as the study of the signs, sign processes, likeness, indication,
designation, allegory, metaphors, signification, symbolism and others. As a matter of fact, it

2SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
had been seen that the tool of semiotics over the years had been one of the most commonly
used ones for the effective analysis of the different kinds of literary texts or other similar
works. In addition to these, the construct of semiotics is primarily concerned with the analysis
of the manner in which meaning is being conveyed through a particular text or work and
thereby for the purpose of finding the true or for that matter the actual meaning of the
different texts which was actually intended by the authors (Nöth 2016). Cobley (2016) has
articulated the viewpoint that an interesting trend seen within the contemporary world is the
fact that the tool of semiotics is being employed for the analysis of the different movies or for
that matter the motion pictures for the effective understanding of the true intended meaning
of the movies or the motion pictures. This in turn had helped the movie critics or reviewers as
well as the audiences to effectively understand the actual or the true meaning of the different
movies or motion pictures setting aside their entertainment value.
The movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) directed by Rodney Rothman,
Peter Ramsey and Bob Persichetti is an American computer-animated superhero film and the
first animated motion picture within the Spider-Man franchise (Imbd.com 2019). The plan for
the creation of the movie under discussion here was leaked in the year 2014 which in turn
forced the directors of the movie to speed up the creation of the concerned movie
(Nytimes.com 2019). The movie focuses on the Marvel character of Spider-Man or Miles
Morales and their attempt to save the city of New York from the Kingpin. More importantly,
one of the most important aspects of the motion picture under discussion here is the fact that
it takes the help of the concept of parallel universes for the effective movement of its plot
(Bramesco 2019). The end result of this is the fact that the movie shows multiple Spider-
Mans from different universes and it is the collective effort of these superheroes which helps
them to defeat the Kingpin. In addition to these, while revisiting some of the most popular
scenes or the concepts from the past movies of the same franchise it is seen that the Miles

3SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
Morales is being trained by Peter Parker and the other Spider-Mans from the other parallel
universes. The directors as well as the producers of the movie under discussion here have
tried to take the help of the animation to effectively recreate the aura of the comic books and
also the manner in which Spider-Man was portrayed in these books (Rollingstone.com 2019).
As a matter of fact, it was seen that for the production of the concerned movie more than 140
animation professionals were being used thereby making it the movie with the largest crew
members to be ever produced by Sony Pictures Animation (Summers 2019). Moreover, the
movie received instant success and in contrast to the $90 million budget investment invested
for the production of the movie, the movie generated more than $375 million worldwide
(Rollingstone.com 2019). In addition to these, it was seen that the movie under discussion
here was also able to get different international awards like “76th Golden Globe Awards”,
“46th Annie Awards”, “91st Academy Awards” and others (Summers 2019).
A critical analysis of the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” through the
specific lens of the construct of semiotics is likely to yield insightful regarding the movie and
also its actual meaning. In this regard, it needs to be said that one of the most important
symbols which had been used in the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is that of the
vulnerable superhero pitted against a powerful super-villain. Ginocchio and DeFalco (2017)
are of the viewpoint that the theme of superheroes and their fight against mighty evil villains
had captivated the attention of the audiences over the years and this idea had been used by the
different comic book writers for the purpose of creating diverse kinds of superheroes in order
to cater to this need of the readers. In this regard, it needs to be said that the movie under
discussion here also effectively uses this concept for the creation of the superhero, Spider-
Man and thereby shows his fight against the villain of the movie Kingpin (Summers 2019).
However, the primary difference between this movie and the other ones related to the genre
of superheroes lies in the fact that whereas the other movies or the comic show a mighty all-

4SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
powerful superhero, this movie shows a vulnerable superhero who is unable to defeat the
villain on his own. As a matter of fact, it is seen that the Miles Morales requires the help of
the Spider-Mans from the other parallel universes for the purpose of defeating the villain and
also for the purpose of releasing the full potential of his own powers (Bramesco 2019).
According to Summers (2019), the theme of vulnerable superhero was widely
appreciated as well as embraced by the audiences of the movie under discussion here because
of the fact that unlike the other superhero movies wherein it is seen that the audiences merely
feel empathy or sympathy for the heroes in this movie the audiences were being able to relate
themselves to the hero. For example, the character of Spider-Man with his inherent character
and also inability to use his own superpowers, his failures and others reminds the audiences
of their own failures, shortcomings and other aspects of their own character which in turn
adds to the verisimilitude of the movie and the story which is being narrated (Bramesco
2019). More importantly, it is seen that just like the common men he is self-doubting and
procrastinates which makes the protagonist of the movie not only lifelike but at the same time
closer to the audiences as well. This aspect of the character of the protagonist of the movie
under discussion here becomes apparent from the line of the movie wherein it is said that
“Burroughs may also have been struck by the debilitating physical effects the industrial city
could inflict on the human body and the perceived consequences of these effects on manly
virility” (Imbd.com 2019). In addition to these, it is seen that just like the common people
whom one encounters almost on a daily basis the hero or the protagonist of the movie wants
to save the world and also wants to make it a better place to live but is not sure about the
manner in which he should proceed to do despite the fact that he possesses more powers than
the average men do (Nytimes.com 2019). The resultant effect of this is seeks advise from the
Spider-Man from the other universe who himself had experienced the same emotions at the
age at which Miles Morales is. This aspect of the character of the protagonist of the movie

5SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
under discussion here becomes evident from the line “You can't think about saving the world.
You have to think about saving one person” (Imbd.com 2019).
As per Rollingstone.com (2019), one of the most important symbols which had been
used in the movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is the symbolism of the spider which
as a matter of fact forms the central lacuna of the character of the protagonist or for that
matter of the entire movie under discussion here itself. For example, it is seen that just like a
spider which creates different webs for the purpose of resting and also keeping itself secure
from the different dangers or for that matter its predators, the protagonist of the movie also
tries to create an intricate web around himself not only for the purpose of hiding his true
identity but also for the purpose of keeping the people close to him really safe (Summers
2019). In this regard, it needs to be said that the hero of the movie under discussion here
creates two different identities for himself, the superhero Spider-Man who wants to save the
world and the common man who is scared of even the smallest harmful things just like the
other people of the world (Bramesco 2019). More importantly, it is seen that it is only after
he is being bitten by a radioactive spider that the actual transformation of Miles Morales
begins which is also followed by puberty and his transition from the state of innocence to
experience. In this regard, it needs to be said that he is being shown as the other individuals
of the world who are merely concerned with “confronting pressures to use alcohol, cigarettes,
or other drugs and to initiate sexual relationships at earlier ages” and taking pleasure out of
the same (Imbd.com 2019). However, it is only after meeting the Spider-Man that is not only
being able to control his urges but also effectively use the powers that he had derived from
the radioactive spider. For example, by taking one look at Morales the Spider-Man is being
able to recognise his abilities and thereby says “I see this spark in you. It's amazing. What
ever you choose to do with it, you'll be great” however at the same time he makes him

6SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
understand the fact that he needs to use his powers for saving the world and not for using it in
a destructive manner (Imbd.com 2019).
Another important sign or for that matter symbolism which had been used in the
movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is the desire or the tendency on the part of the
individuals to imitate or mimicry the individuals who have been able to gain a substantial
amount of success in their own lives (Summers 2019). For example, in the movie under
discussion here, it is seen that the protagonist of the movie tries to mimicry or imitate the
Spider-Man and follow his footsteps for the purpose of gaining the success that he had been
able to attain. However, making Morales understand the pitfall or the shortcoming of the
same, Spider-Man says that “One thing I know for sure. Don't do it like me. Do it like you”
(Imbd.com 2019). In addition to these, another important symbolism which had been
explored in the movie under discussion here is that of death. This theme or symbolism
becomes apparent from the death of the Spider-Man from one of the parallel universes while
trying to defeat the villain and this in turn reinforces the theme or symbolism of vulnerable
superheroes which forms an integral theme of the concerned movie (Bramesco 2019). In this
regard, it needs to be said that the effective usage of this theme or symbolism in the movie
not only adds to the verisimilitude of the movie as well as the story which is being narrated
but at the same time makes the audiences release the fact that the superhero who is being
displayed in the movie is a common man just like them who had been able to gain
superpowers.
Summers (2019) is of the viewpoint that an important sign which the movie “Spider-
Man: Into the Spider-Verse” takes the help of is that of the parallel universes or time
dimension which could be easily accessed by the individuals provided the individuals have
the right kind of tools or technological resources for doing the same. This is important
because of the fact that this sign actually supports the psychological interpretation of the

7SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
movie under discussion here. For example, in the recent times it had been seen that the
psychological interpretation of the movie had gained a substantial amount of prominence and
different movie critics are taking the help of the branch of study of psychology for coming
forward with a new interpretation of the movie itself (Bramesco 2019). Furthermore, it is
seen that the parallel universes which are being depicted in the movie are considered to be the
different parts of the sub-conscious mind of the audiences and their interconnection
represents the interconnection between the diverse parts of the sub-conscious brain of the
individuals (Nytimes.com 2019). Moreover, this also in a succinct manner highlights the fact
that the superpowers of the individuals reside in their own brain and they do not need the help
of external sources of power to make them powerful. Thus, it can be said that the concerned
movie in an implicit manner highlights the fact that the individuals in order to become
superheroes need to effective use their brain.
To conclude, movies or motion pictures had formed an integral part of the lives of the
individuals for a very long time however the problem arises because of the fact that because
of the primary focus of the audiences on the aspect of entertainment it is seen that in the
majority of the cases the audiences are being unable to understand the true meaning of the
movies. It is precisely here that the construct of semiotics becomes important since it enables
the individuals to effectively analyse the meaning of the movies through an analysis of the
symbols, signs and other aspects of the movie. These aspects of the usage of the construct of
semiotics for the analysis of the movies becomes apparent from the above analysis of the
movie “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” through the usage of the construct of semiotics.

8SEMIOTICS AND ANIMATION MOVIES
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