The Representation of Social Anxiety Disorder in The Character of Shoya Ishida

A Syntagmatic Analysis of Christian Metz in the Japanese Animated Film A Silent Voice

Abstract

Visual art in film functions as a medium of communication and an informative medium, in addition to its cinematic aesthetic and entertainment value.A Silent Voice (in Japanese: Koe no Katachi) is a film directed by Naoko Yamada and written by Reiko Yoshida, featuring character designs by Futoshi Nishiya and music by Kensuke Ushio. Released between 2016 and 2017, this film was recognized as the most outstanding anime work in 2017. A Silent Voice chronicles the journey of Shoya Ishida, a young man who initially engages in bullying behavior but subsequently becomes a victim of bullying. This study aims to analyze the syntagmatic elements of the film and describe the representation of social anxiety disorder in the character of Shoya Ishida as a victim of bullying.To this end, researchers employed the syntagmatic semiotic method of Christian Metz's model to analyze the cinematographic elements systematically arranged to convey the message or meaning of the story presented in the film. The results of the research indicate that Shoya Ishida, represents social anxiety disorder. Ishida's social anxiety disorder behavior is explained in the film as a result of the trauma he experienced when he was ostracized and ridiculed by his friends at school for bullying his deaf classmate. The character's social anxiety manifesting in public spaces hinders his ability to socialize, leading to contemplation of self-harm. The film employs the autonomous shot technique, a single shot that captures the essence of a scene, in numerous instances, particularly in scenes depicting Ishida's internal struggles. The film employs two types of inserts: Subjective Insert and Explanatory Insert, which aims to elucidate a moment or detail in the film and thereby conveying Ishida's experience to the audience.