The Representation of Female Masculinity in Enola Holmes 2 Movie: Semiotic Analysis by Roland Barthes

Abstract

Enola Holmes 2 (2022) is a movie directed by Harry Bradbeer and adapted from a novel series by Nancy Springer called The Enola Holmes Mysteries. This feminism themed movie with action-drama genre tells how Enola Holmes, as a detective-for-hire, works on her first official case to find a missing girl along with a dangerous conspiracy fuels a mystery that will require the help of friends and Sherlock Holmes himself to unravel. This movie also talks about the struggle and equality of women in the 1800s. In addition, researchers want to know how masculinity influences Harry Bradbeer's perspective to represent the female casts in this feminism movie. To analyze further, this research uses Roland Barthes’ semiotic analysis method. Roland Barthes’ method defines symbols by connecting denotations and connotations and associating them with myths. Masculinity theory is used to reveal the myths of women and masculinity objectification that spread in society. Based on the results of this research, the female masculinity portrayed in this movie is divided into four categories: Power, Courage, Heroism, and Leadership. These four ideas of masculinity present an image of women who are free from the constraints of the time's traditional gender norms, which called for them to be kind, submissive to men, respectful of men, and not work, as well as the idea that women must always be beneath men.