Framing women : a view on film, history and New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in English at Massey University

Abstract

Framing Women takes a culturalist approach in examining the history of gender politics in film and discusses the impact of feminist film theories, with particular reference to the work of New Zealand women filmmakers. Chapter 1 examines the production process and the difficulties faced by independent filmmakers. It explores the dynamics of the classic Hollywood film and the implications for women of its traditional narrative codes. Chapter 2 traces the artistic roots of film, revealing the origin of the cultural myths and stereotypes which are still prevalent today, while chapter 3 looks at modern film theory and its influence on feminist film criticism. Chapter 4 focuses on New Zealand film and the position of women in its development, with particular attention to the work of Melanie Read, Gaylene Preston, Jane Campion and Alison Maclean. Inferences are drawn as to the future of feminist film criticism and the effect of the changing roles of women in society on their representation in the media.