The Representation of Intersex Characters in English Feature Films

This is the first-ever academic doctoral study that brings together theoretical readings of representation of intersex with professional practice in Film, TV and Media research by making a feature film. This study questions the issues of identity, discrimination, psychological and physical abuse, love and feelings of intersex as human beings, never being talked about in British feature films. I selected publicly available all extant English language feature films, with a lead intersex character, from the US, UK, and Australia. It investigates how filmmakers have represented intersex and their issues in their films to gain critical and commercial success. It provides a close textual analysis of the selected films and argues that intersex has been underrepresented and misrepresented in the feature films. It also argues that intersex subject is still a taboo subject not only for the society but also for the financiers, producers and directors which leads to an underrepresentation of intersex in films.