The Interstate Logic: How Networks Change the Cinematic Representation of Time and Space

Taylor, John (2019) The Interstate Logic: How Networks Change the Cinematic Representation of Time and Space. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This dissertation examines the impact of material infrastructure, particularly the United State Interstate Highway System, on the representation of space in U.S. film and media during the 20th century. It is structured by a concept called the “Interstate Logic,” a set of values that emerged in popular media alongside the U.S. Interstate Highway System as construction on it began in 1956. These values included mobility, security, futurity, and this dissertation shows how pervasive these values were in popular media through an examination of government and corporate sponsored films, mainstream commercial film and television, and films produced by filmmakers working in spaces marginalized by Interstate construction. The first part of the dissertation provides historical context for the Interstate Highway System and the Interstate Logic, and sketches the theoretical contours of the latter. The second part consists of case studies of the unique impact of the system on rural, urban, and suburban spaces. Ultimately, this dissertation provides a framework that other scholars may take up in examining the impact of material infrastructure on media representation, and stresses the ethical peril of considering represented space in isolation from the material spaces of film and media production.

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Details

Item Type:	University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status:	Unpublished
Creators/Authors:	Creators Email Pitt Username ORCID Taylor, John jpt30@pitt.edu jpt30
ETD Committee:	Title Member Email Address Pitt Username ORCID Committee Chair Fischer, Lucy lfischer@pitt.edu lfischer Committee Member Halle, Randall rhalle@pitt.edu rhalle Committee Member Anderson, Mark Lynn andersml@pitt.edu andersml Committee Member Majumdar, Neepa nmajumda@pitt.edu nmajumda
Date:	27 September 2019
Date Type:	Publication
Defense Date:	5 June 2019
Approval Date:	27 September 2019
Submission Date:	23 July 2019
Access Restriction:	5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years.
Number of Pages:	348
Institution:	University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs:	Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > Film Studies
Degree:	PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type:	Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed:	Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:	film, highways, interstate, television, infrastructure
Date Deposited:	27 Sep 2019 17:47
Last Modified:	27 Sep 2019 17:47
URI:	http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/37162

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