Feminist Stylistic and Visual-Semiotic Analysis of Selected Contemporary Films: Implications for Multimodal ESL Pedagogy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I2.625Keywords:
Critical Gender Awareness, Feminist Stylistics, Multimodal ESL Pedagogy, Third-Wave Feminism, Visual-Semiotic Analysis, Women’s EmpowermentAbstract
This study examined women’s empowerment in Damsel, Swiped, and The Lost Daughter through feminist stylistic and visual-semiotic analysis to inform the development of gender-inclusive multimodal ESL learning materials. Grounded in Third-Wave Feminism and supported by feminist stylistics, visual grammar, multiliteracies pedagogy, and theoretical triangulation, the study employed a qualitative, interpretative, text-based, comparative multiple-case design. It did not involve human respondents; instead, the data consisted of selected scenes, dialogue excerpts, screenshots, timestamps, and visual elements from the three films. The films were chosen through criterion-based purposive sampling, while the researcher-constructed instrument included thematic, narrative, feminist stylistic, and visual-semiotic matrices. Findings revealed five recurring themes: patriarchal oppression and gender inequality, psychological and emotional struggle, generational trauma and inherited expectations, resilience and survival, and female agency and empowerment. The films challenged traditional gender roles through revisionist fantasy, institutional realism, psychological narration, role reversal, symbolism, satire, and female-centered storytelling. Feminist stylistic analysis showed that lexical, syntactic, and discourse patterns may encode oppression but may also function as tools for resistance and narrative reclamation. Visual-semiotic analysis further showed that framing, gaze, gesture, lighting, and color externalized women’s struggle, resilience, autonomy, and psychological complexity. The study concluded that feminist film analysis can be translated into multimodal ESL pedagogy for advanced learners, particularly through tasks that develop language proficiency, critical literacy, media literacy, and gender awareness. It aligns with SDG 4, Quality Education, and SDG 5, Gender Equality. Its sustainability impact lies in promoting inclusive education, gender-responsive learning, cultural awareness, and innovative use of contemporary media in ESL instruction.
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