Swimming Towards Change

Item

Title
Swimming Towards Change
Author
Nina Skeele
Date
28 May 2020
Type
Text; Image; MovingImage; StillImage
Identifier
aes/261
Language
eng
Abstract
Through semiotics, framing and marxist methods of analysis, this essay examines the heroic framing of Ernesto “Che” Guevara presented in the film Diarios de Motocicleta. The plot of the film follows the road trip Guevara takes with his friend Alberto Granado on an old motorcycle through South America. As they witness poverty and inequality across the continent, there are many instances where it would seem that Ernesto is beginning to form the communist ideologies which eventually guide him to be the face of revolution. The film downplays these ideologies by only commenting on classism through the use of material signs, which Ernesto overcomes physically rather than philosophically. This depiction of material problems with physical solutions creates a simpler situation for the audience to comprehend; one in which the morality of Ernesto is unquestionable, and his selflessness is emphasized through physical sacrifice.
Description
This presentation was delivered on May 28, 2020 at Western Oregon University Academic Excellence Showcase (Monmouth, OR).
Rights
Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 05/27/20, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Department
Communication Studies
Faculty Sponsor
Emily Plec