Matthew Bruce

• MA by Research in French Studies (2019, University of Birmingham)
• BA Modern Languages (French and Spanish with Film Studies, 2017, University of Birmingham)

I moved to Birmingham in 2013 to undertake my Undergraduate degree at the University of Birmingham (BA Modern Languages (French and Spanish) with Film Studies). After graduating in 2017, I proceeded to undertake an MA by Research in French Studies degree at the University, under the principal supervision of Prof. Kate Ince, and co-supervision of Dr. Andrew Watts. After graduating in 2019, I took some time away from academia to build up my work experience, in both freelance language tutoring and Marketing and Communications. I have returned to the University as of September 2021 to undertake a Part-Time PhD in French Studies (with the same supervisory team) and, eventually, to pursue an academic career.

I am shortly to be initiated as a Postgraduate Tutor for the University of Birmingham Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS).

I am conducting research into the portrayal of so-called “anachronistic heroes” in French comedy cinema which ranges from the 1950s to the present day. I am investigating how the status of “anachronistic hero” is influenced by these characters’ occupational statuses, as well as their gender and sexuality, and their attitudes towards nationhood. The films in my corpus include: the Monsieur Hulot series (Jacques Tati); Amélie (Jean-Pierre Jeunet); the OSS 117 films (Michel Hazanavicius; Nicolas Bedos); Potiche (François Ozon); Populaire (Régis Roinsard); and the French-US co-production, The Artist (Michel Hazanavicius).

Memberships:

• Further to my doctoral research, I am an occasional film journalist, and a member of the Society for French Studies
• BAFTSS (British Association of Film, Television, and Screen Studies)
• Midlands Network of Popular Culture.

Academia.edu - Matthew Bruce