Date of Award
Spring 6-2015
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Media and Cinema Studies
First Advisor
Dr. Michael DeAngelis
Second Advisor
Dr. Luisela Alvaray
Abstract
This thesis examines how depictions of femininity in both neo-noir and contemporary noir cinema challenge feminist activism, conform to post-feminist ideology and perpetuate problematic depictions of sex and violence in the figure of the femme fatale. In order to understand the textual and ideological function of sex, violence, and victims characterized by women in contemporary noir cinema, this research draws on existing discourse in film and cultural studies and analyzes depictions of violent and sexualized women across genres of film and throughout popular culture. The post-modern culture represented in Hollywood films emphasizes post-feminist notions of female empowerment through individualism, subjectivity, and new ideas of sexual difference. This research is concerned with how women’s rights are depicted through post-feminist characters masquerading as victims and subverting feminist efforts to eradicate social injustice.
Recommended Citation
Bonovich, Alexx, "Masked Victims: Examining the Violence of Femme Fatales in Contemporary Film Noir Cinema" (2015). College of Communication Master of Arts Theses. 28.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/cmnt/28