Delad i två : En visuell undersökning av identitet i titelsekvensen till Severance

Sammanfattning

This essay is a study within the research field of visual communication. It consists of a semiotic, qualitative analysis performed on the title sequence of the first season of Severance (2022). The purpose of this study is to investigate how identity is visualized in the mise-en-scène, as well as see how the power relations between the identities of the Innie and Outie are visually communicated within the title sequence. The study is based on the research question: How are identity and power relations between Innie and Outie visualized, through mise-en-scène, in the title sequence of the first season of Severance? The analysis gave way for many different interpretations of the material, through looking at fragmentation of the self, duplications and patterns as well as the dissolving of reality. The results indicate that it is possible to interpret two identities within the title sequence, as two characters are found to be more aware of their surroundings than others. The identity of the Outie is interpreted as being in power and in control, while the Innie is often left powerless over his positioning and actions. At the same time, the Outie’s identity switches to the Innie’s, and the Innie gets to control a clone of the Outie, connoting that he’s still in a position of power at times. Finally, the varying access to space and time could be interpreted as meaning that they are, in fact, the same person, being formed and controlled by his environment – just like in the series. Along with this, the design documentation of the media production “Jätten Finn och Sankt Lasse presenterar: En introduktionsshow om biovett och etikett” is included as part of the thesis project, introducing the cinema Bio Kino in Lund (p. 39). This project consists of a 3D animated short film meant to be played before each showing. It features adaptations of two well known local characters, using nudging to encourage desired audience behaviour. It extends the cinema space into an immersive stage, where a humorous musical show is interrupted by noises from the audience.