In Netflix’s “Squid Game,” the enigmatic VIPs observe the deadly competitions from behind opulent golden animal masks. These masks serve not only to conceal their identities but also symbolize the dehumanizing perspective they hold toward the contestants. Each mask, representing a different animal, may offer insights into the VIPs’ societal roles and the overarching themes of the series.
The Role of the VIPs in “Squid Game”
The VIPs are affluent individuals who finance and spectate the lethal games, deriving entertainment from the participants’ struggles. Their immense wealth funds the 45.6 billion won prize, a life-changing sum for the players but trivial to these billionaires. Their presence underscores the series’ critique of economic disparity and the objectification of the less fortunate.
Purpose of the Masks
The golden masks serve a dual purpose: preserving the anonymity of the VIPs and symbolizing their elevated status. In the hierarchy of the game, masks are a common motif, with workers donning simpler masks and the Front Man wearing a distinctive black mask. The VIPs’ elaborate animal masks distinguish them further, highlighting their detachment and superiority.
Symbolism of Animal Faces
Each animal mask may reflect the characteristics or societal roles of the VIPs. For instance, the deer is often associated with divinity in Korean culture, possibly indicating a religious leader among the VIPs. The tiger, being South Korea’s national animal, could represent a political figure, while the bull, a common symbol in finance, might denote a stock trader or financier.
The Owl Mask and Oh Il-nam
Oh Il-nam, the clandestine mastermind behind the games, wears an owl-shaped mask. Owls are symbols of wisdom and secrecy, mirroring Il-nam’s cunning nature and his ability to conceal his true identity from the players. His participation in the games as Player 001 adds a layer of complexity to his character, blurring the lines between orchestrator and participant.
Masks as a Reflection of Dehumanization
The use of animal masks by the VIPs underscores their perception of the players as less than human, akin to animals in a spectacle. This dehumanization allows them to indulge in the brutality of the games without moral repercussions, highlighting the series’ commentary on the desensitization bred by extreme wealth and power.
Cultural Significance of Animal Symbols
In Korean culture, animals hold specific symbolic meanings. The deer is seen as a divine connector between earth and heaven, the tiger symbolizes courage and power, and the bull represents wealth and industriousness. These cultural connotations add depth to the choice of masks, suggesting deliberate alignment with the VIPs’ perceived identities.
The Horror Trope of Animal Masks
Animal masks are a common trope in horror media, evoking unease and fear. Their use in “Squid Game” aligns the series with other works that employ this motif to symbolize the primal and predatory nature of humanity, such as “Donnie Darko” and the “Saw” franchise.
Visual Distinction and Hierarchy
The design of the masks establishes a visual hierarchy among the characters. The workers’ masks are simplistic, the Front Man’s is more intricate, and the VIPs’ golden animal masks are the most elaborate, reflecting their top-tier status within the game’s structure. This visual stratification reinforces the themes of class disparity central to the series.
Anonymity and Power Dynamics
While the masks conceal identities, they also grant a sense of impunity to the VIPs, allowing them to act without accountability. This anonymity exacerbates the power imbalance, as the players remain exposed and vulnerable, subject to the whims of faceless spectators.
The Masks’ Material and Status Symbolism
The choice of gold for the VIPs’ masks signifies wealth and opulence. Gold, a universal symbol of luxury, reflects the VIPs’ economic status and their ability to commodify human life for entertainment. This material choice critiques the moral decay associated with excessive wealth.
Psychological Impact on Viewers
The surreal appearance of the animal masks creates a psychological dissonance, making viewers uncomfortable and prompting reflection on the inhumanity depicted. This discomfort serves to engage the audience critically with the show’s themes of exploitation and moral corruption.
Masks as a Narrative Device
The masks function as a narrative device to maintain mystery and tension. By concealing the VIPs’ identities, the series invites speculation and analysis, deepening engagement with the storyline and its underlying social commentary.
Potential Insights into VIPs’ Backgrounds
While the series provides limited information about the VIPs, their chosen animal masks may offer clues. For example, the bear is significant in Korean mythology, possibly indicating a VIP with royal or historical ties. These subtle hints encourage viewers to infer backgrounds and motivations.
Masks as a Mirror to Society
The animal masks worn by the VIPs in “Squid Game” are multifaceted symbols. They reflect the dehumanization of individuals in a capitalist society, the moral detachment of the elite, and the cultural significance of animal symbolism. Through these masks, the series critiques societal structures and the loss of humanity in the pursuit of wealth and power.
References:
Squid Game: Why The VIPs All Wear Animal Masks
‘Squid Game’ Masks Explained: What Do the Symbols Mean?
‘Squid Game’ Masks Explained : Each Shape On The Masks Has A Meaning
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