Absence and presence: investigating the cinematic representation of Northern Irish unionists (1981-2020)

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.<br/><i><br/>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2027.</i>

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Queen's University Belfast

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Gallagher, Richard

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Barber, Sian
• Bryan, Dominic

• Unionism
• loyalism
• protestantism
• representation
• Northern Ireland
• The Troubles
• Irish studies
• media studies
• film studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/79103297-373a-4800-bacf-755731ae62e1

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/79103297-373a-4800-bacf-755731ae62e1