The Language of Memory in Cinema: The Use of Remembrance as a Narrative Tool in Aftersun

Abstract

This study examines how memory functions as a narrative device in the film Aftersun, where memories are portrayed not merely as tools of recollection but as a means for characters to question their identity and connection to the past. Through visual and narrative strategies, the film presents memories as a narrative language that explores self-identity and relationships. Drawing from feminist theory and memory studies, this research analyzes the film's narrative structure, arguing that remembrance is employed as a method for reconstructing ties to the past and understanding one's self. Aftersun transforms memory into a non-linear, fragmented, and emotional narrative device, offering the audience a deeper insight into the characters’ inner worlds. The purpose of this study is to uncover how memory serves as an effective tool in cinema for reproducing individual experiences and social identities.

Keywords

• memory
• narrative
• aftersun
• feminist theory
• remembrance
• autobiographical cinema
• visual language

The Language of Memory in Cinema: The Use of Remembrance as a Narrative Tool in Aftersun

Öz

Bu çalışma, Aftersun (2022) filminde hafızanın nasıl bir anlatı yöntemi olarak kullanıldığını incelemektedir. Filmde anılar, yalnızca geçmişin birer yansıması olarak değil, bireyin kimlik ve geçmişle olan ilişkisini derinlemesine sorgulama yöntemi olarak işlev görmektedir. Feminist teori ve hafıza çalışmaları perspektifinden hareketle, çalışmada filmin doğrusal olmayan, parçalı anlatı yapısının, karakterlerin iç dünyalarını nasıl açığa çıkardığı analiz edilmiştir. Filmde kullanılan görsel ve anlatısal stratejiler, hafızanın bir anlatı dili olarak işlevselleştiği anları öne çıkararak, hatırlamanın bireysel deneyim ve toplumsal kimliklerin yeniden üretiminde nasıl bir rol oynadığını ortaya koymaktadır. Aftersun, hafızayı duygusal ve seçici bir anlatı aracı olarak sunarak, geçmişle kurulan bağların ve bireyin kendini tanıma sürecinin karmaşıklığını yansıtmaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, hafızanın sinemadaki rolünü ve bireysel deneyimlerin toplumsal kimliklerin inşasında nasıl etkili bir araç haline geldiğini analiz etmektir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• hafıza
• anlatı
• aftersun
• feminist teori
• hatırlama
• otobiyografik sinema
• görsel dil

Kaynakça

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