Explicit and Implicit Meanings in Film

Explicit Meanings in Film

• Explicit meanings are directly communicated through film elements like dialogue, plot, visuals, and sound.
• These meanings are easily understood by most viewers.

Implicit Meanings in Film

• Implicit meanings are implied and require interpretation.
• They are conveyed through symbolism, contrast, juxtaposition, editing, and references to other media or historical events.
• These meanings often require viewers to make connections and possess specific knowledge.
• Implicit meanings are often more nuanced and less obvious, requiring viewers to actively look for the underlying messages.

Explicit Meanings in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

• Grief: Expressed through character reactions to T'Challa’s death, including Shuri's initial denial and eventual acceptance.
• Cultural Conservation: Demonstrated through contrast between Wakandan and Western grieving traditions (e.g., music, dress, celebration of life versus mourning).
• The film's first sequence shows Shuri dealing with the loss of her brother. This moment sets the tone of the film and exhibits the stages of grief.
• The initial stages of grief are shown through Shuri's denial to acknowledge her brother's death when her mother brings it up.
• The acceptance stage of grief is shown when Shuri, amidst the sadness, takes up the mantle of her brother and changes it into her own.

Implicit Meanings in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

• Female Power: Implied through women's roles in Wakanda and the absence of depictions directly challenging female power despite the presence of women in power, exemplified when Dora Milaje lead soldiers.
• Colonialism: Implied through the depiction of attempts to exploit Wakanda’s resources (Vibranium), and the historical parallels with colonization's legacy on Wakanda's land and people.
• This film contrasts what most films tend to show when a woman takes over a position of authority.
• The film illustrates the attempted French invasion of Wakanda, referencing historical colonial exploitation of African resources.

Symptomatic Meanings in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

• Representation of Western societies' historical and ongoing exploitation of resources from other countries, including artifacts and land.
• The film presents the struggle over land and power in today’s world.
• Positive message of increasing acceptance of diverse cultures.