Classification of Illocutionary Acts and CooperativePrinciple in Marc Forster’s Movie, A Man Called Otto

Abstract

This paper investigates how language functions as action within the film A Man
Called Otto, directed by Marc Forster, by examining characters’ utterances through
a pragmatic lens. Specifically, the study analyzes the use of illocutionary acts, as
classified by Searle—representative, directive, commissive, expressive, and
declarative—as well as the application (and occasional violation) of Grice’s
conversational maxims: quantity, quality, relation, and manner. Using a descriptive
qualitative approach, the research draws on selected dialogues spoken by the main
characters. The findings point to 30 instances of illocutionary acts, with directive and
expressive types being the most prevalent. Additionally, 16 utterances demonstrate the
relevance of cooperative principles in shaping the flow and tone of conversations.
These results suggest that the film employs pragmatic strategies not only to deliver
meaning but also to reflect character development and emotional depth—often
through deliberate adherence to or flouting of Gricean norms