This thesis is a historical and filmic analysis of the Black Panther Party, using two documentari... more This thesis is a historical and filmic analysis of the Black Panther Party, using two documentaries, All Power to the People: The Black Panther Party and Beyond (1996) and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (2015). It is first stated what the documentary film should set out to achieve when framing a political narrative. The films will be looked at separately, in regard to the context of their production and release. Power to the People was a reaction to the Rodney King riots. Vanguard of the Revolution was filmed alongside the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The Black Panther origins as a movement are briefly considered to allow for a base understanding of the party’s precepts and aims. This includes the roles of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and an introduction to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The content analysis begins by looking at the main ideologies of the party and its operations. The empowerment of women but also hyper masculinity within the party is then discussed. This follows on to social and survival programs set up by the party. Primarily using two significant cases, the deaths of Bobby Hutton and Fred Hampton, there is an examination of concerted efforts by police and FBI to mobilise and neutralise the party. Comparisons and contrasts are then made between the style and content of the two films. It will be concluded that the films serve two purposes, to give the positive work of the Black Panthers a legitimate platform, but also to address the criticisms levelled at the party. The overarching conclusion will be that the Black Panthers were involved in a vicious cycle. Once they brought any semblance of solidarity to their communities, the FBI and Police would move against them leading to reactionary violence which caused the party’s eventual disbandment.
A Study into the meaning of the word post-modern in regard to genre in television, specifically e... more A Study into the meaning of the word post-modern in regard to genre in television, specifically examining The Sopranos
A paper discussing the role nationalism plays in Putin's Russia, with a focus on the different gr... more A paper discussing the role nationalism plays in Putin's Russia, with a focus on the different groups that represent this national identity and how much authority Putin has over them.
A discussion of the 'Auteur Theory' as laid out by Peter Wollen, and an analysis to the extent of... more A discussion of the 'Auteur Theory' as laid out by Peter Wollen, and an analysis to the extent of which The Coen Brothers, can be considered 'auteurs'.
A cultural analysis of the British satirical show 'The Thick of It' using Stuart Hall's model as ... more A cultural analysis of the British satirical show 'The Thick of It' using Stuart Hall's model as a basis for understanding the nature of satire and how the show presents a hegemonic, yet satirical reading of an object.
A discussion of gentrification in New York post 1990s and the way race and gender are represented... more A discussion of gentrification in New York post 1990s and the way race and gender are represented in Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Jungle Fever'.
A discussion of an essay by Peter Stanfield about the film the Jazz Singer, raising the question ... more A discussion of an essay by Peter Stanfield about the film the Jazz Singer, raising the question of what makes the Jazz Singer uniquely American.
A discussion on the extent of which Goose Green reflected a problem with the command structure of... more A discussion on the extent of which Goose Green reflected a problem with the command structure of the British Army during The Falklands War.
This thesis is a historical and filmic analysis of the Black Panther Party, using two documentari... more This thesis is a historical and filmic analysis of the Black Panther Party, using two documentaries, All Power to the People: The Black Panther Party and Beyond (1996) and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution (2015). It is first stated what the documentary film should set out to achieve when framing a political narrative. The films will be looked at separately, in regard to the context of their production and release. Power to the People was a reaction to the Rodney King riots. Vanguard of the Revolution was filmed alongside the rise of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The Black Panther origins as a movement are briefly considered to allow for a base understanding of the party’s precepts and aims. This includes the roles of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and an introduction to the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The content analysis begins by looking at the main ideologies of the party and its operations. The empowerment of women but also hyper masculinity within the party is then discussed. This follows on to social and survival programs set up by the party. Primarily using two significant cases, the deaths of Bobby Hutton and Fred Hampton, there is an examination of concerted efforts by police and FBI to mobilise and neutralise the party. Comparisons and contrasts are then made between the style and content of the two films. It will be concluded that the films serve two purposes, to give the positive work of the Black Panthers a legitimate platform, but also to address the criticisms levelled at the party. The overarching conclusion will be that the Black Panthers were involved in a vicious cycle. Once they brought any semblance of solidarity to their communities, the FBI and Police would move against them leading to reactionary violence which caused the party’s eventual disbandment.
A Study into the meaning of the word post-modern in regard to genre in television, specifically e... more A Study into the meaning of the word post-modern in regard to genre in television, specifically examining The Sopranos
A paper discussing the role nationalism plays in Putin's Russia, with a focus on the different gr... more A paper discussing the role nationalism plays in Putin's Russia, with a focus on the different groups that represent this national identity and how much authority Putin has over them.
A discussion of the 'Auteur Theory' as laid out by Peter Wollen, and an analysis to the extent of... more A discussion of the 'Auteur Theory' as laid out by Peter Wollen, and an analysis to the extent of which The Coen Brothers, can be considered 'auteurs'.
A cultural analysis of the British satirical show 'The Thick of It' using Stuart Hall's model as ... more A cultural analysis of the British satirical show 'The Thick of It' using Stuart Hall's model as a basis for understanding the nature of satire and how the show presents a hegemonic, yet satirical reading of an object.
A discussion of gentrification in New York post 1990s and the way race and gender are represented... more A discussion of gentrification in New York post 1990s and the way race and gender are represented in Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing' and 'Jungle Fever'.
A discussion of an essay by Peter Stanfield about the film the Jazz Singer, raising the question ... more A discussion of an essay by Peter Stanfield about the film the Jazz Singer, raising the question of what makes the Jazz Singer uniquely American.
A discussion on the extent of which Goose Green reflected a problem with the command structure of... more A discussion on the extent of which Goose Green reflected a problem with the command structure of the British Army during The Falklands War.
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Papers by James Wallis