Hegemonic Masculinity And Emotional Suppression In Calum’s Character Of Aftersun
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29303/kopula.v8i3.11726Keywords:
Aftersun; Boy Code; Calum; Maskulinitas Hegemonik; Supresi EmosionalAbstract
This study examines the representation of hegemonic masculinity and emotional suppression in the character of Calum in Charlotte Wells’ film Aftersun (2022). The background stems from social pressure that systematically pushes men to hide emotional vulnerability, a pattern contributing to the often-overlooked mental health crisis among men. This study aims to identify representations of hegemonic masculinity in Calum, describe how emotional suppression manifests in his behaviour and dialogue, and analyse the impact of hegemonic masculinity on his emotional state throughout the film. The method used is qualitative descriptive that employs in-depth documentation and observation of scenes, dialogue, body language, and visual cues. Primary data was obtained from the film via Amazon Prime Video, while secondary data drew on Raewyn Connell's (2005) theory of hegemonic masculinity and William Pollack's (1998) concept of the Boy Code. Results indicate that hegemonic masculinity in Calum is manifested through his role as provider, reflexive bodily practices, and image management in social spaces. Emotional suppression manifests through verbal deflection, nonverbal regulation such as tai chi practice, and gender-based constraints rooted in childhood experiences. These masculinity norms deepen emotional isolation and accumulate psychological pressure that eventually exceeds Calum's capacity to withstand it. The study concludes that Calum's emotional suppression is not a personal failure, but a direct consequence of hegemonic masculinity norms that systematically deny men space to express emotional vulnerability.
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