A Reading of the Film Pom Poko within the Framework of Greg Garrard’s Theory of Ecocriticism

Gökhan Topal

Article Details

A Reading of the Film Pom Poko within the Framework of Greg Garrard’s Theory of Ecocriticism

Authors:

Gökhan Topal

Publisher:

Ataturk University

Main Topics:

İletişim ve Medya Çalışmaları (Diğer)

Journal:

Communicata Issue 30, pp.32-44

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358435

pISSN:

2822-3713

Keywords:

Abstract:

 The interaction between humans and nature functions as a fundamental narrative motif across disciplines such as literature, art history, cultural studies, and cinema. This interaction often reflects environmental concerns and offers profound insights into the complex dynamics between humanity and the natural world. The animated film Pom Poko 1994, directed by Isao Takahata, addresses this theme in a unique and compelling manner. This study employs Greg Garrards ecocritical framework to conduct a qualitative descriptive analysis of the film. The primary aim of the research is to examine how the film portrays environmental themes outlined in Garrards theory of ecocriticism, such as pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, and animals. In this context, specific scenes from the film are closely analyzed to uncover the nuances of these themes and their significance within contemporary environmental discourse. This multilayered structure renders Pom Poko an exemplary case study for ecocritical analysis.

 The interaction between humans and nature functions as a fundamental narrative motif across disciplines such as literature, art history, cultural studies, and cinema. This interaction often reflects environmental concerns and offers profound insights into the complex dynamics between humanity and the natural world. The animated film Pom Poko 1994, directed by Isao Takahata, addresses this theme in a unique and compelling manner. This study employs Greg Garrards ecocritical framework to conduct a qualitative descriptive analysis of the film. The primary aim of the research is to examine how the film portrays environmental themes outlined in Garrards theory of ecocriticism, such as pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, and animals. In this context, specific scenes from the film are closely analyzed to uncover the nuances of these themes and their significance within contemporary environmental discourse. This multilayered structure renders Pom Poko an exemplary case study for ecocritical analysis.

 The interaction between humans and nature functions as a fundamental narrative motif across disciplines such as literature, art history, cultural studies, and cinema. This interaction often reflects environmental concerns and offers profound insights into the complex dynamics between humanity and the natural world. The animated film Pom Poko 1994, directed by Isao Takahata, addresses this theme in a unique and compelling manner. This study employs Greg Garrards ecocritical framework to conduct a qualitative descriptive analysis of the film. The primary aim of the research is to examine how the film portrays environmental themes outlined in Garrards theory of ecocriticism, such as pollution, wilderness, apocalypse, dwelling, and animals. In this context, specific scenes from the film are closely analyzed to uncover the nuances of these themes and their significance within contemporary environmental discourse. This multilayered structure renders Pom Poko an exemplary case study for ecocritical analysis.

 İnsan ve doğa arasındaki etkileşim, edebiyat, sanat tarihi, kültürel çalışmalar ve sinema gibi alanlarda temel bir anlatısal motif olarak işlev görmektedir. Bu etkileşim, sıklıkla çevresel kaygıları yansıtmakta ve insanlık ile doğal dünya arasındaki karmaşık dinamiklere dair derinlemesine içgörüler sunmaktadır. Isao Takahatanın yönettiği Pom Poko 1994 adlı animasyon filmi, bu temayı özgün ve etkileyici bir biçimde ele almaktadır. Bu çalışma, filmin nitel betimleyici analizini gerçekleştirmek amacıyla Greg Garrardın ekoeleştirel çerçevesini kullanmaktadır. Araştırmanın temel amacı, filmin Garrardın ekoeleştirel teorisinde ana hatlarıyla belirtilen kirlilik, yaban hayatı, kıyamet, mesken, hayvanlar, gibi çevresel temaları nasıl tasvir ettiğini incelemektir. Bu bağlamda, filmin sahneleri yakından analiz edilerek bu temaların nüansları ve çağdaş çevre söylemi açısından taşıdığı anlamlar ortaya çıkarılmaktadır. Bu çok katmanlı yapı, Pom Pokoyu ekoeleştirel bir analiz için ideal bir vaka çalışması haline getirmektedir.

Article Details

A Reading of the Film Pom Poko within the Framework of Greg Garrard’s Theory of Ecocriticism

Authors:

Gökhan Topal

Publisher:

Ataturk University

Main Topics:

İletişim ve Medya Çalışmaları (Diğer)

Journal:

Communicata Issue 30, pp.32-44

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358435

pISSN:

2822-3713

Greg Garrard

Ecocriticism

Ecocinema

Cinema

AnthropoceneGreg Garrard

Ekoeleştiri

Ekosinema

Sinema

Antroposen

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Gökhan Topal

Publisher: Ataturk University

Main Topics: İletişim ve Medya Çalışmaları (Diğer)

Journal: Communicata Issue 30, pp.32-44

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 9/2025

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001358435

pISSN: 2822-3713

Issues

Authors:

Gökhan Topal

Publisher:

Ataturk University

Main Topics:

İletişim ve Medya Çalışmaları (Diğer)

Journal:

Communicata Issue 30, pp.32-44

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

9/2025

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001358435

pISSN:

2822-3713