More than a place to fly over : examining representations of the American Midwest in film

This thesis will analyze contemporary cinematic representations of the American Midwest, in terms of both landscape and residents. Using textual evidence, I will create descriptive typologies of recurring regional stereotypes. I will conclude my analysis by theorizing about why modern filmmakers utilize the Midwest in film narratives. Specifically, this thesis will aim to address the proliferation of these stereotypes as a mode of narrative and cognitive economy, as well as a socio-political effect of conflicting political ideologies based on national conceptions of a traditional America.