Forms of Stereotypical Resistance to the Main Character against Women in Independent Movie Characters

Background The representation of women in the movie is still just a supporting character. Maria and Sugiharti Halim fight the stereotype because they acted as the main character and second in Sleep Tight Movie which is directed by women. Objective This study aims to analyse the identity of women and also find out how the relationships created are narrated by women directors in the independent movie, Sleep Tight Maria and Sugiharti Halim. Method This study used Christian Metz's semiotic analysis method with qualitative research type. This study observed the signs in the movie seen from the syntagm and paradigm in the movie, then is associated with the grammar of movie to find the identity of women in the movie. Result This study showed that the identities of women in the two movies are displayed differently. Maria V, the main character in the movie Sleep Tight Maria, tries to do actions that are not in accordance with the norms and contrary to patriarchal culture while still regulating the authority of her body. Sugiharti as the main female character in the movie Sugiharti Halim, tries to escape from the discrimination. She could get through the protests she made to the men before her related to the long historical context of Chinese ethnic identity and status as women. Conclusion Both movies still cause paradox by not openly resisting forms of discrimination and patriarchal culture.