Ryan Coogler's Use Of Symbolism In Black Panther

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The movie Black Panther by director Ryan Coogler is a media product that has several connections to Shakespeare's Macbeth. In the two products, the director and author respectively, each shows how the ambition for great power through inhumane actions can lead to negative consequences for those affected by the person and the person himself. This is evident in Macbeth when general Macbeth attains kingship through killing King Duncan which consequently leads to the chaos that happens in the play. In Black Panther, this theme is evident when Erik Killmonger kills King T’Challa to become the King of Wakanda which precedes the abrupt changes to the traditions of the nation. Coogler is able to convey this idea through several methods of development and symbols. …show more content…

This is symbolic as it represents how this leadership change has turned the country of Wakanda upside down. In addition, Killmonger also has his back faced towards the camera which also represents how the new king does not take consider those around him. The events that would succeed are catastrophic. Afterwards, Killmonger orders the burning of the herb garden after consuming the heart-shaped herb. The scene that follows shows Killmonger in the same pose as the aforementioned scene; he has his back faced towards the camera. Moreover, mise-en-scène is used again when the garden is in flames and all that surrounds the king is fire. This is symbolic as it represents how the actions of one man can lead to the destruction of civilization. In this case, Killmonger is commencing his rot on Wakanda. The usage of mise-en-scène helps convey the director’s message as the camera work and props of the scene represent the negative consequences that those around Killmonger face after he becomes

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