Scousers on Screen: Perceptions of Liverpool’s identity as presented through locations in films

Della Corte, Phebe Antonia (2024) Scousers on Screen: Perceptions of Liverpool’s identity as presented through locations in films. MRes thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This dissertation details the multidisciplinary approach taken to understand the role of locations in films in influencing audience perceptions of Liverpool. A sample of 21 films, set in Liverpool, were mapped onto Geographic Information System Google Maps. The map displays two layers: one containing pinpoints of the films’ filming locations; the other pinpointing the films’ settings. Data extrapolated from the map is considered alongside textual analysis of the films which draws on literature from the field of Urban Studies with reference to Jullia Hallam and Les Roberts’ ‘Mapping the City in Film’ project. Geocriticism of the films’ locations encompasses how they affect audiences’ cognitive mapping of place, nuanced by their positionality as an insider or outsider to Liverpool. This geocriticism is enhanced by contextualising the locations and setting by placing them within the wider socio-economic history of the city. This includes the role of Liverpool Film Office in growing the city’s presence in the film industry. Comparing the films and their geovisual data establishes a relationship between space and narrative. This relationship varies depending on the film, and analysis considers its effect on audiences’ cognitive mapping. Locations featured in the films have the ability to orientate and disorientate depending on how they are presented coupled with the audience’s insider/outsider knowledge. There is particular focus on filming ‘hotspots’, which includes the use of Liverpool’s landmarks as a signposting tool. Overall, Liverpool is found to be presented in many ways on film. This suggests that the city is multifaceted, although no single film depicts it as such.

• Item Type: Thesis (MRes)
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Neely, Professor Sarah and Jenkins, Dr. Abigail
• Date of Award: 2024
• Depositing User: Theses Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:2024-84818
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 16 Jan 2025 12:03
• Last Modified: 16 Jan 2025 12:03
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.84818
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/84818