Spectator desire and narrative closure: The Reagan 18‐minute political film

This essay investigates the various narrative “logics” in the 18‐minute film that preceded Ronald Reagan's acceptance speech at the 1984 Republican National Convention. A close‐reading unravels the narrative and meta‐narrative structures of the film activated through ceremony and history. Viewers are invited to view the film as the story of the Reagan presidency (a personal narrative) and the story of a Western/American hero (a cultural narrative). These stories create an emotional experience that invites the audience to participate as celebrants and “everyday” heroes betstowing their blessing upon Ronald Reagan's bid for the presidency.