Graduate Student, School of Humanities
Thesis Title: Spatial Relations in Song Sequences in Film Musicals
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Dr Kevin Donnelly
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About
My research seeks to analyse the uses of space and time in musical numbers from film musicals. I am particularly interested in sonic and visual spaces, and the subsequent negotiation of their audiovisual relationship.
I am keen to promote close analysis of musical sequences, hopefully in new and interesting ways. I wish to develop modes of analysis that challenges narrative and its status as a primary mode of signification.
My MA research looked closely at the RKO Astaire-Rogers films and incorporated different theories in the analysis of space, such as the haptic, movement, music, the audience-performer dynamic and proxemics. Proxemic theory is something I am keen to adapt and further.
I am now expanding my research to consider a range of different musicals, including the operetta and the dance musical.
Outside of my main PhD research I am becoming increasingly interested in stardom and star theory, particularly with regards to actresses: their representation, construction and the way in which these are employed. More casually, I am interested in Surrealism, avant garde cinema and French cinema.
