Usenko IMAGES OF ANCIENT EGYPT IN MODERN MASS CULTURE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE FILM “GODS OF EGYPT”)

IMAGES OF ANCIENT EGYPT IN MODERN MASS CULTURE (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE FILM “GODS OF EGYPT”)

I. V. Usenko

Student V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University 4, Svobody Sq., Kharkiv, 61022, Ukraine usenkingo@gmail.com

This article with the help of semiotic and hermeneutic methods highlights the representation of Ancient Egypt images in mass modern culture on the example of the film “Gods of Egypt”. Nowadays the interest in ancient Egyptian art culture and history is presented not only in scientific perspective but also in mass culture. Each of these works includes a unique vision and interpretation of myths and history created by the author. However not all of them include representation of history and culture of Egypt that may be called authentic. This work with the help of analysis depicts the way of interpretation of mythological material in the film, namely the interpretation of Osiris myth, myths about the Solar vessel and the afterlife. The images of Egyptian gods are examined and compared with their representation in the film, particularly it is made with the help of colour symbolism in Egyptian culture. It also turns out, that film as a product of modern mass media includes techniques, that belong to mass culture such as citation technique (depiction of Sauron’s tower – Barad Dur from the thrilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien, filmed by the director Peter Jackson), standardization, usage of basic plots (conflict between good and evil). Mass culture is a phenomenon which is based on the generalization and availability, but in many cases it leads to simplification that violates the logic of authentic meanings. Therefore, despite the fact that “Gods of Egypt” include the reflection of Egyptian culture and mythology, the analysis showed that the film lost its authenticity and logic of perception (binary that is represented in the ancient Egyptian culture by terms “Isfet and Maat”) due to standardization. Also the accent in the film was made on the conflict between good and evil, presented by figures of Seth and Horus.

Keywords: mass modern culture, “The Gods of Egypt”, Osirian Myth, Osiris, Egyptian culture, Egyptian mythology

Preislamic Near East 2021, (2):181-187

https://doi.org/10.15407/preislamic2021.02.181

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