Hanan Omary

Abstract

This research examines depictions of Israeli characters in Hollywood films over a span of 60 years starting with Israel’s early years of statehood until present day. The films selected for this research are Exodus (1960) for early statehood and Munich (2005) and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008) for present day depictions. People have always been fascinated by Hollywood films since the inception of filmmaking. Movie-going audiences have flocked to movie theaters to watch the latest productions and see their stars in action. Therefore, it is important to understand what these characters represent and the messages they communicate to the audience. This research applies discourse analysis as its methodology, and framing and film theory as its theoretical framework. The research shows that the three main Israeli characters in these three Hollywood films are depicted as being consistent with American society values and ideologies.

Department

Journalism & Mass Communication Department

Degree Name

MA in Journalism & Mass Communication

Graduation Date

6-1-2016

Submission Date

May 2016

First Advisor

Close, Ronnie

Committee Member 1

Amin, Hussein

Committee Member 2

El-Khalili, Sara

Extent

90 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

Comments

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to my advisor Professor Ronnie Close for his useful guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the whole process of my thesis — and for giving me one last chance. I would also like to thank Dean Adham Ramadan and Professor Amani Ismail for their support, patience and encouragement in my time of need. To my friend and esteemed colleague Dalia Al Nimr, words can express my gratitude for your help and assistance during this whole year. Your never-ending faith and support was one of my motivations to stay focused and committed to completing my thesis. I thank you for all that you have done and I hope one day I can pay back this huge favor. I would also like to thank Vice President Dina Abulfotuh for your adamant conviction of my ability to complete my degree, as well as your support — emotionally and professionally — which gave me the serenity and strength to actually complete it. Beyond any doubt you have been my constant example of will and determination, which was inspiring for me and helped me pursue my degree. Furthermore, I would like to thank my thesis readers Professor Hussein Amin and Professor Sara El Khalili, as well as all my JRMC professors who have taught me well, specifically Professor Rasha Abdallah and Professor Mervat Abou Oaf. Your teachings and knowledge have benefitted me, not only for my thesis, but also throughout the years of my master’s degree. To my loving family — Dad, Mom, Iman, Mohamed, and the little princesses — Thank you! Thank your for your patience and understanding, support and prayers, love and affection. I would not have been able to do any of this without you. To my friends, My Shilla all over the world, your words of encouragement were always appreciated and helped me through my years of study: Ruby, Irene, Ranya, Amira, Reham, Ghalia, May, Khouloud, May and Munire. A special thanks to Katharyn Gadient, Regie Mauricio and Shadi Afifi for your valuable participation. To my JRMC besties, Aline Bahari, Hala Touta, and Yousra El Sayed, had it not been for our shared journey and your endless moral support and encouragement, I would not have been this excited to graduate and be with you at commencement. It is a joy and pleasure to have you by my side in such a memorial occasion. Not only did I earn my master’s degree, but I gained your lovely friendship as well. Thank you all!

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