Peter Larkin

University of Wolverhampton, Film Studies, Graduate Student

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I recently completed my MA in Film Studies. I write a blog https://peterlarkin.wordpress.com
Supervisors: Dr. Eleanor Andrews

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Aaron Gerow

Yale University

Murat Akser

University of Ulster

Martin Lefebvre

Concordia University (Canada)

Lydia Papadimitriou

Liverpool John Moores University

The Open University

Harvard University

Macquarie University

University of British Columbia

Belén Vidal

King's College London

Adrian Martin

Monash University

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Papers by Peter Larkin

Any Life But His Own, Charlie Bubbles (Finney, 1968, UK)

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‘Where Am I Going Now?’ Bodily Gesture in the Films of Nicolas Roeg

This thesis analyses the function of gesture in film through three films directed by Nicolas Roeg... more This thesis analyses the function of gesture in film through three films directed by Nicolas Roeg. The thesis has the following three corresponding aims; first to define gesture and discuss gesture types and categories; second to combine gestural studies with semiotics and psychoanalysis; and third to apply these theories to Performance (Cammell and Roeg, 1970) The Man Who Fell to Earth (Roeg, 1976) and Bad Timing (Roeg, 1980) to show how gesture can be related to film studies as a way to highlight and analyse themes, character types and feelings. Semiotics is applied to study gestures as signs that can be decoded to reach new levels of meaning. Psychoanalytic theory is used to study how a character’s psyche might have led them to choose a certain gesture, or vice versa how a gesture might hint at a person’s emotions, intentions or inner desires. The three selected films are analysed with one chapter each, the structure based on binary oppositions between themes and characters. Within these contrasts significant gestures are analysed, mainly by categorising them in accordance to functions and categories proposed by the two linguistic scholars Adam Kendon and David McNeill. The function of specific gestures and the importance of studying them as carriers of meaning are illustrated with examples and images from the films.

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The Complexity of Parenthood: A Study of Representation in Kramer vs. Kramer, Ordinary People, Paris, Texas, and In the Bedroom

This is a detailed examination of father and mother representations in the films Kramer vs. Krame... more This is a detailed examination of father and mother representations in the films Kramer vs. Kramer (Benton, 1979), Ordinary People (Redford, 1980), Paris, Texas, (Wenders, 1984) and In the Bedroom (Field, 2001). It focuses on representation theory, whilst devoting a chapter each on fathers and mothers using textual analysis for key scenes in these films, the traits of the characters are found. Whether they are archetypical characters is questioned. These films give their characters space to be individuals and not the archetypes for which they have unfairly interpreted. However the mothers are arguably seen as less sane than the fathers in how they deal with certain situations. The purpose of this dissertation is to give a statement of importance towards character driven films. Subtle emotion plays a huge part for the characters; the angst is what defines them. The breadwinner fathers and monstrous mothers are given great depth in these films.

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The Critical and Audience Reception of David Cronenberg's Crash

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Any Life But His Own, Charlie Bubbles (Finney, 1968, UK)

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‘Where Am I Going Now?’ Bodily Gesture in the Films of Nicolas Roeg

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The Complexity of Parenthood: A Study of Representation in Kramer vs. Kramer, Ordinary People, Paris, Texas, and In the Bedroom

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The Critical and Audience Reception of David Cronenberg's Crash

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Peter Larkin

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