Cinematic space in dystopian narratives: Social construction of home in the film High-Rise

Abstract

In cinema, space is an important element that provides a foundation for the narrative, establishes the impression of reality, and contributes to the aesthetics of the film. As a cinematic space, “home” also generates meanings in accordance with the universe constructed in the film. In dystopian cinema, the home image offers designs that not only serve as aesthetic elements but also open up new lines of thought at both individual and societal levels. This study aims to trace the image of the home in dystopian cinema, question the individual and societal meanings of the home as a space, and determine how it is positioned within the relevant film genre. To achieve this goal, the film High-Rise is selected as an example, and the spaces of home are examined in relation to Lefebvre’s concept of The Spatial Triad and Freud’s concept of The Uncanny following a two-phased method consisting of formal analysis and conceptual analysis. As a result of the research, it is revealed that due to the dystopian theme present in the relevant film, the home image is abstracted from its personal meanings and represented as a social structure functioning as a practice field for power struggle.

Keywords

• Dystopia
• Architecture
• Space design in cinema
• The image of home
• The spatial triad