Thesis
Red screens : the cinematographic production of the Italian Communist Party
- Creator
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2013
- Thesis identifier
- T13613
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- The thesis concerns the production of propaganda films and documentaries by the Italian Communist Party (PCI) between 1946 and 1979. The thesis addresses this topic from various perspectives. Firstly, it offers an overview of the production history of Communist cinema in Italy, and especially of Unitelefilm, the film production company established by the PCI in 1964. Secondly, it chronicles the history of the PCI in the post-war period as reflected in the films produced by party itself. Thirdly, it analyses the principal issues of Communist propaganda between 1946 and 1979 by showing what political messages were conveyed through cinematic propaganda by the cadres of the Sezione Stampa e Propaganda (the propaganda division of the party).The thesis accounts for how these political messages were conveyed by focusing on the use of symbols, the construction of historical myths and the cinematic representation of rituals. The thesis also discusses the evolution of PCI films with respect to narrative structure, shooting style and editing techniques by highlighting the influence of contemporary cinema and television on PCI cinematography. Additionally, the analysis of the cinematic texts produced by the PCI sheds light on a range of issues widely addressed by the historiography of the PCI, such as the relationship between the party and Italian intellectuals, the Stalinist imprint of the Italian Communist Party and the historical significance of the Salerno Turn (Svolta di Salerno).The complexity of historical and cultural phenomena and the consequent need for a multi-faceted approach to research inform this investigation throughout. The ultimate purpose of the thesis is to integrate historical and film studies and to develop an original approach to understanding cinematic texts in the context of cultural studies.
- Resource Type
- Note
- This thesis was previously held under moratorium from 23 December 2013 until 23 December 2018
- DOI
- Date Created
- 2013
- Former identifier
- 9910022003402996
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