Analisis Semiotika Representasi Pesan Moral dalam Film Thunderbolts - Jason Cipto Prajnanda; Yugih Setyanto (Fakultas Ilmu Komunikasi Universitas Tarumanagara, 2026)
This study analyzes the representation of moral messages in the film “Thunderbolts” using Roland Barthes’ semiotic framework, which includes denotation, connotation, and myth. The research focuses on six key scenes featuring Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, and Sentry. These characters are portrayed as complex antiheroes who carry emotional burdens and moral dilemmas that shape the film’s ethical narrative. A qualitative descriptive method is used, with data collected through repeated observation and documentation of visual and verbal signs. The findings show that moral messages in the film are not delivered explicitly but emerge through gestures, expressions, atmosphere, and interpersonal interactions. Denotatively, the scenes depict conflict and vulnerability, connotatively, they reveal themes of trauma, self-awareness, empathy, and restraint. At the myth level, the film constructs the idea that moral growth is a nonlinear journey shaped by personal struggle. This study contributes to understanding how contemporary superhero films articulate moral complexity through antihero figures. Penelitian ini menganalisis representasi pesan moral dalam film “Thunderbolts” dengan menggunakan model semiotika Roland Barthes, yang mencakup tataran denotasi, konotasi, dan mitos. Analisis difokuskan pada enam adegan kunci yang melibatkan Yelena Belova, Bucky Barnes, dan Sentry sebagai tokoh anti pahlawan dengan beban emosional serta dilema moral. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif melalui observasi berulang dan dokumentasi terhadap tanda visual maupun verbal. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pesan moral tidak disampaikan secara langsung, tetapi dibangun melalui ekspresi, gestur, dinamika suasana, serta interaksi antar tokoh. Pada level denotasi, adegan memperlihatkan konflik dan kerentanan. Pada level konotasi muncul tema trauma, kesadaran diri, empati, dan pengendalian diri. Sedangkan pada level mitos, film menegaskan bahwa proses perubahan moral bersifat panjang, tidak linear, dan dipengaruhi pergulatan pribadi. Penelitian ini memperkaya pemahaman mengenai bagaimana film pahlawan super modern menampilkan kompleksitas moral melalui figur anti pahlawan.