Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Communication
Committee Chair
Jae-Hwa Shin
Committee Chair School
Communication
Committee Member 2
Amonia Tolofari
Committee Member 2 School
Communication
Committee Member 3
Ed Simpson
Committee Member 3 School
Communication
Committee Member 4
David Davies
Committee Member 4 School
Communication
Committee Member 5
Fei Xue
Committee Member 5 School
Communication
Abstract
The dissertation employs a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA) approach, incorporating modes of communication throughout the analysis, which explores LGBTQIA+ portrayals and stereotypes in films. Multimodality systematically provides concepts for collecting and analyzing social interpretation, highlighting film elements such as linguistics, visuals, colors, facial expressions, body language, aural, spatial aspects, and power dynamics, which investigate interactions between means of communication through an experience of ideas in the discourse process. The four films explored in this study are: Victim (1961), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Philadelphia (1993), and Moonlight (2016).
These films showcase specific decades, namely the 1950s, 1960s, 1990s, and 2000s, which reflect the evolution of LGBTQIA+ representation and stereotypes from more implicit to more explicit and layered portrayals. Narrative and character depictions in films were categorized into six themes: (1) Invisibility and Subtextual Representation, (2) Discriminatory, Stigmatization, and Prejudices, (3) Multi-Faceted Identities, (4) Coming Out Stories and Struggles, (5) Relationship and Romance Storylines, and (6) Progressive and Supportive Climates. These themes illustrate how LGBTQIA+ characters and narratives have evolved through periods, of decades, from external oppression to internal struggle, resolution, and acceptance, showcasing increased complexity in queer narratives. This illustration demonstrates the historical development in characterization and narrative focus, revealing how portrayals and stereotypes of LGBTQIA+ individuals have become more nuanced, multidimensional, and socially integrated through historical processes, societal understanding, and expression of LGBTQIA+ identity, highlighting greater visibility.
Copyright
Whitney Howard, 2025
Recommended Citation
Howard, Whitney, "From Invisibility to Extraordinary: Tracing the Evolution of Portrayals and Stereotypes in Films" (2025). Dissertations. 2395.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2395