Summary notes Billy elliot
Director: Stephen Daldry
Release date: 2000
Context
Prejudice against individuals for their gender, career path or sexuality, which still continues in modern Western societies.
Time set during miner’s strike of North England, early 1980’s
Entire town participating in the strike violently continued presence of riot police against strikers affects Billy into cultivating his pursuit of passion to become a ballet dancer.
Audience
Not intended for a young audience regardless of an eleven year old protagonist
Contains themes of identity, homophobia and family relationships
Purpose
Present viewers with the realities of being different
Changing pre-conceptions towards themes of gender and sexuality through a story of a young boy dealing with these issues
Encourages acceptance and breaking free from stereotypes
Links to ‘Into the World’
Young people have ability to rise against prejudice and overcome obstacles to become a success as they move into adulthood
E.g. Billy reluctantly participating in boxing to please his father (obstacles) naturally drawn to ballet which is contrasted to Tony’s violent, defiant character (e.g. riot scene where Tony attempts to evade the police and is captured and beaten) with Billy’s quiet and gentle persona to demonstrate different ways in which young people transition into adulthood.
Billy does not fit the male stereotype expected from the working class
Love of music and dancing that separates him from other boys his age
His dream is to possibly escape the angry, motherless family through Mrs Wilkinson’s suggestion for the Royal Ballet School.
He responds to the loss of his mother with grief, opposing the angry, silent responses of Tony and Jackie.
He experiences difficult situations for an eleven year old though responds with courage, passion and determination. This affirms Mrs Wilkinson’s advice that:
“It’s not about what you know… It’s about how you move, how you express yourself,”
Aftermath of
Release date: 2000
Context
Prejudice against individuals for their gender, career path or sexuality, which still continues in modern Western societies.
Time set during miner’s strike of North England, early 1980’s
Entire town participating in the strike violently continued presence of riot police against strikers affects Billy into cultivating his pursuit of passion to become a ballet dancer.
Audience
Not intended for a young audience regardless of an eleven year old protagonist
Contains themes of identity, homophobia and family relationships
Purpose
Present viewers with the realities of being different
Changing pre-conceptions towards themes of gender and sexuality through a story of a young boy dealing with these issues
Encourages acceptance and breaking free from stereotypes
Links to ‘Into the World’
Young people have ability to rise against prejudice and overcome obstacles to become a success as they move into adulthood
E.g. Billy reluctantly participating in boxing to please his father (obstacles) naturally drawn to ballet which is contrasted to Tony’s violent, defiant character (e.g. riot scene where Tony attempts to evade the police and is captured and beaten) with Billy’s quiet and gentle persona to demonstrate different ways in which young people transition into adulthood.
Billy does not fit the male stereotype expected from the working class
Love of music and dancing that separates him from other boys his age
His dream is to possibly escape the angry, motherless family through Mrs Wilkinson’s suggestion for the Royal Ballet School.
He responds to the loss of his mother with grief, opposing the angry, silent responses of Tony and Jackie.
He experiences difficult situations for an eleven year old though responds with courage, passion and determination. This affirms Mrs Wilkinson’s advice that:
“It’s not about what you know… It’s about how you move, how you express yourself,”
Aftermath of