Narrative of "individualism" in north American superhero films
Jing Li
Xi'an Fanyi University
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/pmcs.v8i2.14543
Keywords: superhero films; individualism; cultural psychology; identity anxiety; relational individualism
Abstract
This paper examines the changing narrative logic of individualism in North American superhero films from the classical period to the streaming media era. Instead of treating superhero films only as products of the entertainment industry, it focuses on how cinematic texts imagine the relationship between the self and the community. Through close reading of representative works, this paper argues that superhero narratives have moved through three major forms: Vertical salvation, identity anxiety, and relational individualism. This change does not mean that individualism has disappeared. Rather, superhero films have gradually shifted from celebrating the isolated savior to exploring responsibility, social identity, trauma, and emotional connection.
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