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Plurality
Article . 2026 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY NC SA
Data sources: Crossref
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Frances Ha, Denaturalisation, and Queering the Bildungsroman

Narrative, Cinematography, and Choreography
Authors: Ellie Sutherland;

Frances Ha, Denaturalisation, and Queering the Bildungsroman

Abstract

This essay examines how Noah Baumbach’s Frances Ha denaturalises and queers the literary coming-of-age genre by rejecting chrononormative models of adulthood in favour of non-linear, affective, and relational modes of living. Utilising queer theory – particularly Elizabeth Freeman’s concept of chrononormativity and Jack Halberstam’s continuation of queer time – the essay argues that Frances Ha subverts the conventions of the Bildungsroman, a genre historically invested in linear progression, heterosexual coupling, and economic productivity as markers of maturity. To come to this conclusion, this essay conducts an interrelated close reading of the film’s narrative, cinematography, and choreography. Together, they evidence that meaning is not defined by chrononormativity, but rather can emerge through typically underrepresented bonds, improvisation, and temporal moments of joy. The film ultimately reimagines the natural not as a fixed destination governed by institutional milestones, but as an ongoing, improvisational process shaped by intimacy, affect, and alternative temporalities.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average