Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen

A Critical Analysis of Five Recent Films

By Jamie Stuart | Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

About the book

Film audiences have grown used to seeing female characters in \"performance roles,\" singing or dancing on stages in nightclubs, musical arenas, or theaters--performing their \"femaleness\" for the fictional audience as well as the film viewing audience. But queer women in film perform on yet another level. In addition to performing their gender for the world, they also perform their sexuality for either a general or an \"insider\" audience, in ways that can be read to establish a queer visibility, to establish a sense of community, or to show romantic lesbian interest. This work examines \"performance spaces\" for lesbian identities in films, evaluating how queer femaleness is signified in contemporary cinema. It studies five films in particular: When Night Is Falling, Better Than Chocolate, Tipping the Velvet, Slaves to the Underground, and Prey for Rock and Roll. Through close textual analysis, evaluations of the conditions under which each film was produced and received, and dozens of audience surveys, it reveals much about both the story worlds of the films and the ways that queer women react to and feel about them.

Editions of Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen

Paperback
ISBN 9780786439713
PDF
ISBN 9781476611389

Read an Excerpt

Film audiences have grown used to seeing female characters in \"performance roles,\" singing or dancing on stages in nightclubs, musical arenas, or theaters--performing their \"femaleness\" for the fictional audience as well as the film viewing audience. But queer women in film perform on yet another level. In addition to performing their gender for the world, they also perform their sexuality for either a general or an \"insider\" audience, in ways that can be read to establish a queer visibility, to establish a sense of community, or to show romantic lesbian interest. This work examines \"performance spaces\" for lesbian identities in films, evaluating how queer femaleness is signified in contemporary cinema. It studies five films in particular: When Night Is Falling, Better Than Chocolate, Tipping the Velvet, Slaves to the Underground, and Prey for Rock and Roll. Through close textual analysis, evaluations of the conditions under which each film was produced and received, and dozens of audience surveys, it reveals much about both the story worlds of the films and the ways that queer women react to and feel about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen about?

Film audiences have grown used to seeing female characters in \"performance roles,\" singing or dancing on stages in nightclubs, musical arenas, or theaters--performing their \"femaleness\" for the fictional audience as well as the film viewing audience. But queer women in film perform on yet another level. In addition to performing their gender for the world, they also perform their sexuality for either a general or an \"insider\" audience, in ways that can be read to establish a queer visibility, to establish a sense of community, or to show romantic lesbian interest. This work examines \"performance spaces\" for lesbian identities in films, evaluating how queer femaleness is signified in contemporary cinema. It studies five films in particular: When Night Is Falling, Better Than Chocolate, Tipping the Velvet, Slaves to the Underground, and Prey for Rock and Roll. Through close textual analysis, evaluations of the conditions under which each film was produced and received, and dozens of audience surveys, it reveals much about both the story worlds of the films and the ways that queer women react to and feel about them.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen?

The Arts > Performing arts > Films, cinema

Where can I read a sample of Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780786439713

How long is Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen and how many pages does it have?

Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen has 235 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen?

Jamie Stuart

Who is the Publisher of the book Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen?

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen is available as paperback(ISBN 9780786439713) and pdf(ISBN 9781476611389)

Where can I buy Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy Performing Queer Female Identity on Screen?