Abstract
This research project explores the politics of cinematic representation in relation to Northern Irish unionists and focusses on feature-length fiction films released between 1981-2020. Prior to this contemporary period, only a handful of mainstream cinema releases featured identifiable unionist characters and their culture. The thesis examines this curious ‘cinematic deficit’ in fiction films that deal with the conflict in – or about – Northern Ireland, and assesses why unionists and unionism have traditionally been depicted in a much more negative light than Irish nationalism, and nationalists. The research adopts a methodology consisting of close analysis of how film language and narrative forms have been typically deployed within this context, combined with a detailed consideration of relevant socio-historical and film production and distribution issues.Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.
| Date of Award | Jul 2022 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Sponsors | Northern Ireland Department for the Economy |
| Supervisor | Cahal McLaughlin (Supervisor), Sian Barber (Supervisor) & Dominic Bryan (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Unionism
- loyalism
- protestantism
- representation
- Northern Ireland
- The Troubles
- Irish studies
- media studies
- film studies