Theory of Representation: Hall states media does not simply reflect reality, but actively constructs it through a system of sign and language.
An extract from Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (2018)
The purpose of this scene is to show Miles’ world and how he struggles to fit his school and home life. The central idea is that Miles is caught between two identities (who he is expected to be vs. who he truly wants to be), this sets up his journey into becoming his own version of Spiderman later on. The filmmakers use appropriated representation by reusing familiar concepts/ideas (A superhero coming of age movie) but with a more diverse character, Miles who represents/shows Black and Latino cultural makers, street art and a more diverse family dynamic. It introduces the concept that anyone can wear the mask. Then they counter typical representations of the ‘superhero’ genre by showing Miles as artistic and unsure, not the confident/perfect heros we typically see/expect. It makes him more “human” and relatable to the audience and it also counters the “chosen one” trope. The filmmakers also deconstruct representation by showing that identity is not simple or fixed. Miles struggles between two environments but neither one fully define him. This is evident by how the film mixes comic art styles, bright colors and graffiti textures to show his mix of influences. It also explains that adults, like his father and uncle, aren’t just either good or bad, they represent two sides of life. That being order vs. freedom, which miles is caught inbetween. Altogether, the use of different representations is to reveal that Miles’ path to becoming Spider-man will be about finding his own identity, not anyone else’s. 
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