Down Darkened Corridors: A Comparative Study of Jacobean Theatre and Film Noir

Abstract: The worlds of Jacobean Drama and film noir are separated by three and a half centuries, however, both forms are similarly imbued with images of darkness and heightened tensions to such an extent that a comparative criticism has the potential to enhance our understanding and appreciation of each form. Senses of dislocation, alienation and disorientations are common to plays and films of the respective periods. Language fails as an adequate means of articulating a pervading brooding malevolence and there is a common lack of resolution in plays and films of the darkness that emerges from the texts. The shared shadowed world of the Night with a darkness ,something more than night, pertains to each of the environments. In this thesis it is my intention to explore the points of connection (and of difference) between selected Jacobean plays and films of the noir period. My main focus will be on how each form deals with questions of madness/sanity, how individuals are named with regards to gender, race and reputation, and concluding with an examination of how corruption in City and Court intersects with and is characterized by sexual deviancy.

Submission note: A thesis submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy to the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Communication, Arts and Critical Enquiry, La Trobe University, Bundoora.