Symbolism And Social Class Conflict In “The Platform”: A Qualitative Content Analysis

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the film “The Platform”through the lens of Marxist critique, focusing on its portrayal of social classes andthe impact of the capitalist system on social relations. Using a qualitative contentanalysis approach, the study examines the film's symbolic elements, metaphoricalsignificance, and key dialogues and interactions. The findings reveal how thevertical prison structure symbolizes social hierarchy, with opulent banquets for theupper levels and scraps for the lower levels representing wealth disparity. Therandom assignment of prisoners each month illustrates the arbitrary nature of socialmobility in capitalist societies. Additional symbols, such as Miharu’s search for herchild and the act of sending the child back to the top, highlight themes ofexploitation and the potential for revolutionary change. The study also explores themetaphorical significance of the vertical prison, critiquing the illusion ofmeritocracy and the systemic barriers to social advancement. Key dialoguesemphasize social tensions, power dynamics, and ethical dilemmas faced byindividuals within an exploitative system. This detailed examination extendsprevious research by providing a nuanced understanding of how “The Platform”critiques capitalist ideologies and highlights systemic social inequalities. The studyunderscores the film's significance as a critique of capitalist social structures and itspotential to inspire discourse on social justice and equity. Future research couldexplore the film’s impact on audiences and compare it with other dystopiannarratives.