In the popular Disney film, Iron Will, the sports journalist, Harry Kingsley, played by Kevin Spacey, depicts a close relationship with Will Stoneman, the young competitor who seeks to win the Red River-St. Paul Sports Carnival Derby dogsledding race. Through application of Semiotics Theory, Kingsley’s actions of support and his overall role in the movie signify the intangible, personal values of hope, affirmation, and perseverance. Kingsley impels Stoneman to move forward when discouraged by the many trials he faces throughout the film. The foundational basis of semiotics briefly explains specific elements of this theory with relevance to film and other media content in a contemporary capacity. A historical foundation with this real-life story also explains some minor differences between what genuinely happened versus the fictional parts of the film. Many symbolic similarities exist between the film and the historical happenings of this tale. Similar past research studies demonstrate the utilization of Semiotics Theory to other films and media depictions with character roles, character relationships, and movie narratives. These practical insights lead to the actual evaluation of signs in the relationship represented throughout Iron Will between Kingsley and Stoneman. The symbolism of actions and conversations between the characters in narrative form becomes pivotal in the comprehension of the values illustrated. The paper then further suggests future research directions and practical concluding insights in relevance to a viewing audience for inspirational films like Iron Will.

To access the complete article, please go the following:

https://assets.uscannenberg.org/journals/ijpc/IJPC-3-Cartee-Film.pdf