You look normal to me: the social construction of disability in Australian national cinema in the 1990s
Year: 2004
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This thesis examines the social construction of disability in Australian national cinema throughout the 1990s.During that decade, disability was an issue that remained in the background of many film narratives and is (still) under-theorised in academic scholarship.Disability continues to be tangential to many social critiques, particularly in relation to cultural diversity and national identity.When it is foregrounded, as in Liz Ferrier's (2001) work, its theoretical premise is chiefly located in a damaged body, rather than examined through the lens of cultural construction.The growing number of culturally diverse filmmakers in the Australian film industry during the 1990s initiated a critical focus on diversity, multiculturalism and minority group interests.However, an examination of the social construction of disability is conspicuously absent.I argue that a disability identity that focuses attention away from the body and onto society should be incorporated into notions of diversity concerning Australian national cinema.In this thesis I investigate both thematic and stylistic representations of disability with reference to socio-political contexts and influences.A disability identityas it is included or excluded from Australian national identity -is explored through a variety of close readings of local films.I examine the methods filmmakers employ to problematise diversity in relation to the limitations of dominant representations of disability.This thesis recognises the historical lack of scholarship in relation to disability as a diversity issue in Australian national cinema of the 1990s and is an attempt to open up this field to new modes of criticism.Contents year ⎯ all three of us experienced neurological 'incidents' differently, in part due to social constructions.I appreciated the time I got to spend with you and the practical relevance for all of this theoretical stuff ⎯ this thesis is dedicated to you both.I can't overstate my gratitude to my supervisor Mick Broderick, whose humour, theoretical rigor, and his fantastic ability to explain things clearly and simply, enabled me to finish this thesis.I would have been lost without him.I also extend my appreciation to Martin Mhando whose supervised the initial stage of my candidature.His enthusiasm for cinema was inspirational.Thanks also to Garry Gillard who always entertained my odd 'oz' trivia questions.Huge thanks to the inmates in TP3 and TP2 for providing a stimulating and fun environment in which to learn and grow.I am especially grateful to Gail, Joe, and Sharifa who proved it really could be done.Reg you only just beat me.To Fay, those coffees and muffins at 10:30 were so helpful, you've been a really
Author: Kathleen Ellis
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1900354043