In contemporary society, films address a wide range of topics and often serve as a primary
source for understanding various social phenomena. This master's thesis explores how
individuals with physical disabilities are portrayed in American feature films. Given the
influence of film on shaping public attitudes, it is essential to critically examine such
representations. The aim of this research was to determine whether these characters are
portrayed stereotypically, to identify the most common types of stereotypes, and to examine
how the challenges they face are depicted. The study analyzes ten films produced between 1992
and 2019, each featuring at least one character with a physical disability. Data was collected
through film viewing and analyzed using a qualitative observational method. The findings of
the master's thesis indicate that the least frequently depicted aspect in films is the interaction of
persons with physical disabilities with their environment and their contribution to society. Most
commonly, films portray their emotional adjustment to their condition and their coping with
various emotions. The analysis also reveals that stereotypical representations of persons with
physical disabilities are strongly present in the selected sample of films. Additionally, themes
related to sexuality and the expression of sexual needs frequently appear.
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