Gemma Edney
College: College of Humanities
Discipline: Film Studies
Department: English and Film Studies
I began studying at Exeter as an undergraduate in English and French in 2009, before moving on to an MA in English Literary Studies (Film Studies Pathway), and now finally a PhD in Film.
My PhD project examines the representation of girlhood in contemporary French films, asking how the sensations and feelings of girlhood adolescence can be heard, as well as seen, on film. Through an examination of music usage in a range of contemporary girlhood narratives, my thesis argues that music can allow an additional means of communication with the spectator, and can open avenues of identification between characters and audience members.
I have a wide range of other interests, including feminist and postfeminist film theory, which both form a major influence in my current research, and affect theory, especially affective spectator responses to film sound and music. Other research interests include teen film and television, online video culture and the creation of online communities, and also early film aesthetics, particularly those of the local films of the late 19th Century.
Outside of my academic interests, I am also a keen musician (and occasional conductor), and enjoy baking, the theatre, reading, and the odd fantasy-action movie.
I can be found on Academia or Twitter, and also have a blog on which I post various musings regarding my research and other areas of academia.
