IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Literature
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): IDEAS: Journal on English Language Teaching and Learning, Linguistics and Lite

The Representation of Violence and Injustice in Saw (2004) Movie: A Forensic Linguistics Perspective

Az Zahra Rizani (Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang)
Moh. Iqbal Firdaus (Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang)
Eka Ugi Sutikno (Pendidikan Bahasa Inggris, Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Following Stuart Hall's theory of representation, this research uses forensic linguistics to examine how violence and injustice are represented in the Saw (2004) movie. The research aims to uncover how language is used to construct ideological meanings surrounding violence and injustice in the film. Using a qualitative descriptive method and content analysis, the research focuses on the dialogues, monologues, and narrative elements in Saw (2004) that reflect acts of physical and verbal violence, discrimination, and violations of human rights. The findings reveal that language is employed not merely to drive the plot, but to shape psychological manipulation, moral dilemmas, and systems of control. Jigsaw’s use of commands, threats, and rhetorical devices portrays violence as moral retribution, while injustice is masked through coercive choices and oppressive structures. Forensic linguistic markers such as modality, imperative forms, metaphor, and evaluative language play a central role in constructing these representations. This research contributes to forensic linguistics and English education by demonstrating how language in popular media can encode power relations and ideological messages, highlighting the need for critical media literacy in academic settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ideas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

IDEAS Journal is published twice a year in the months of June and December (P-ISSN 2338-4778 and E-ISSN 2548-4192); it presents articles on English language teaching and learning, linguistics, and literature. The contents include analyses, studies and application of theories, research report, ...