Symbolism in Japanese animation: Neon Genesis Evangelion and its depth of imagery

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

11/17/2008

Category :

Political science

Sub category :

Social sciences

Oboulo.com selection criteria

$ 6.95 Add to cart

Summary :

Introduction.
1. A tool employed by authors and directors to fill in the gaps of a story.
2. Very few cartoons targeted at an audience older than twelve.
Neon Genesis Evangelion - 1995 and 1996.
1. Story is set in a post-apocalyptic Japan.
2. Adam and Lilith.
3. Freudian and oedipal images.
4. The case of the two biological pilots of the EVAs.
5. Religious symbolism in EVA.
6. The ending of the series.
Anno - the animation company that spawned the series.

Abstract

symbolism has long been a tool employed by authors and directors to fill in the gaps of a story where an explanation would prove unnecessarily wordy or would jeopardize the message's importance. That which is not said, often, is just as important as what actually is. Modern cinema benefits greatly from the technique, and without it, books would become largely devoid either of meaning or of importance. In a medium as sophisticated as anime, it seems only natural that symbolism has found a new home. American animation, in this regard, falls largely behind its japanese counterpart, with possible exception being granted to a few of the more sophisticated works coming out of this country. The prime difference, however, is in demographic. With very few cartoons being targeted at an audience older than twelve, any amount of depth actually attempted by animation is lost upon the key demographic.