Abstract

"From Hyannisport to Hollywood: A Critical Theory Approach to the Development of the Candidate Bio Film in Modern Politics" is the first historical analysis that reveals the scope and depth of the contribution that the Kennedy family, staff and outside collaborators made in creating the Presidential image. ;In twentieth century politics, John F. Kennedy fused the public and private spheres of his life, as a war hero, Pulitzer Prize winning author, and a scion of a wealthy and famous family in his Presidential biographical campaign film, The New Frontier. As a public political figure and a man in the world of letters, Kennedy helped to fuse some of the boundaries that have previously been viewed as distinct and separate. ;Throughout the centuries, leaders have responded to the public demand for personal information by cultivating an active articulation of a public persona in presenting themselves before the people. It is not surprising, then, that modern-day presidential candidates also play a critical role in shaping their own public image. While the task of orchestrating their campaign films is delegated to campaign staffers and consultants, the candidate is the main actor and, consequently, the central participant in any filmmatic production. ;The collapse of the strict distinction between the public and private sphere as we go into the post-modern era creates a new precedent for public discourse and campaigning. This sets up a world with no strict ontological distinctions between public and private. The restructured public sphere that incorporates private is much more useful for analysis. With older distinctions no longer working, newer strategies are in place. Jurgen Habermas clearly articulates the struggle taking place between critical publicity and orchestrated propaganda. ;The major theoretical claim of this dissertation is that The New Frontier set the standard for campaign and convention documentaries to follow by virtually creating a new genre, the biodocumentary campaign film, and by establishing a format for manipulating visual images in order to build a public image. In merging Kennedy's public and private lives towards a persuasive end, a new precedent was so successful it was emulated by successive Presidential candidates in producing their films