Gustavo Nery

Email: gd39@illinois.edu

Research Interests

A storyteller and published author from Fortaleza, Brazil, Gustavo Nery is a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Communications Research. He holds a BA in journalism from the University of Fortaleza and an MA in theatre studies from Illinois State University. Prior to his journey as a graduate student, Gustavo had professional experience as a film critic, reporter, and editor for books, magazines, and newspapers.

His main area of research is television, film, theatre, and media studies. Interests include:

Coming-of-age and teen cinema
Queer cinema
Brazilian cinema
Film theory and criticism
Popular music
Theater professional recordings
Film Biopics
Narrative theory

Recent Publications/Presentations

Musical Theater Pro-Shots: Questioning An Entertainment Industry Trend. Presented at the 2024 University Research Symposium at Illinois State University (Spring 2024).

The “female biopic” conventions and portrayal of Princess Diana in Pablo Larraín’s film “Spencer” (2021). Presented at the 14th RAW: Research, Art, & Writing Graduate Student Conference, University of Texas at Dallas (virtual session; Winter 2023).

Billie Eilish’s “Happier Than Ever” as a concept album and the usage of “old Hollywood” to promote its themes. Presented at the 2023 University Research Symposium at Illinois State University (Spring 2023).

Courses Taught

MACS 100: Intro to Popular TV & Movies

Awards and Honors

Mask & Hammer Award, 2024 - Outstanding Dramaturgy (ISU)
Ada Belle Clark Welsh Scholarship, 2023
Best Book Editing - Expocom Nacional, 2018 (Brazil)

What Most People Don’t Know about Me