The Character and the Role of Intellectuals in Society: Multimodal Interpretation of Free Guy

Abstract

An intellectual’s role is needed to improve society because they give a solution to achieve a better society. Regarding the social function of intellectuals, film has become one medium through which society communicates about the existence of intellectuals. Therefore, this research is conducted to reveal the representation of intellectuals in Free Guy. This research is a qualitative research since the data are in the form of texts rather than numbers. The linguistic and the visual data used a documentary method to collect the data. Then, the data are in the form of the narrative of the film. Then, the data are analyzed using systemic Functional linguistic, visual grammar focusing, and the role of intellectuals. The results analysis covers 122 clauses and 96 shots regarding the representation of intellectuals. The linguistic and visual elements show the patterns of intellectuals in Gramsci’s notion presented by the film’s characters. The findings imply that there are organic and traditional intellectuals who can bring unity to the Free City (the name of the city in the Free Guy film). Also, the role of being an intellectual implies having a specific social position, which involves the organization and dissemination of ideas and the significant influence they carry. Intellectuals play a crucial role in achieving positive change in society.