Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 11-16-2022

Abstract

My presentation explores the relation between American masculinity and film musicals. I demonstrate how the dominance of the musical at the box office in the middle of the 20th century reflects historical events and technological change. Drawing on both scholarly and popular criticism, I show how the images of masculinity that Americans once encountered on the silver screen have transformed as musicals became marginal to popular culture in the United States. My research considers both classic 20th century musicals, such as Wizard of Oz (1939) and 42nd Street (1933), and more recent experiments with the genre, including adaptations of Broadway shows like Into the Woods (2014), as well as art-house cinema with a surprisingly broad appeal, such as La La Land (2016).

Comments

Faculty sponsor Dr. Sean Barry

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