Normalizing Surveillance: A Study of Cinematic Representation of Camera Surveillance

This thesis examines how Hollywood films facilitate the normalization of surveillance within society. In particular, this thesis delves into the realm of Hollywood cinema to lend understanding into messages that scenes with camera surveillance images may impress upon its audience. This thesis adds to the surveillance studies literature and contributes to criminology by examining scenes with camera surveillance images from 30 Hollywood films using both a content analysis and a critical discourse analysis. The results indicate that Hollywood facilitates the normalization of surveillance through various ways. While some aspects of cinema appear to be critical of camera surveillance ultimately cinema actually displays the necessity of camera surveillance to society.