this image shows the violence portrayed in the film...it also represents the child skinhead which ironic as he is white and the subculture of skinheads originated from the blacks....
Tuesday 25 September 2007
article....
This Is England is a 2007 film written and directed by Shane Meadows, director of other films such as A Room for Romeo Brass and Once Upon a Time in the Midlands.
The film is set in a drama centred on young skinheads in early-1980s England. Much of the film was shot in The St Ann's area of Nottingham with one section involving some abandoned houses being filmed at the former airbase RAF Newton just outside of Bingham, Nottinghamshire. Additional scenes were filmed in Grimsby, Thomas Turgoose's home town.
The film was shown at various international film festivals, including London, and special permission was granted to Meniscus for it to be shown at Grimsby's Whitgift Film Theatre. The film was given an 18 certificate by the BBFC due to its racist language and incidence of violence. However, some councils such as Bristol, Camden and Westminster have chosen to overturn this, feeling the film should reach its target audience of teenagers. The film won in the Best Film category at the British Independent Film Awards, with Thomas Turgoose winning the Most Promising Newcomer award.
Turgoose has appeared on TV and radio shows such as Soccer A.M., South Bank Show and GMTV, and has been interviewed by Edith Bowman on her BBC Radio One slot.[1] Turgoose had never acted before, had been banned from his school play for bad behaviour, and demanded £5 to turn up for the film's auditions. [2] The film was dedicated to Turgoose's mother, Sharon, who died on December 29, 2005; before she had a chance to see the film.
[edit] Themes
The film highlights the irony that although the skinhead subculture was partly based on elements of black culture, (especially Jamaican ska and reggae music), a large faction of the subculture was hijacked by white power groups such as the National Front. The story focuses on young Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), who, following bullying at school, falls in with a bunch of likeable skinheads. The new-found freedom and social acceptance he finds is short-lived, and takes a much darker turn when National Front member Combo returns from jail and reasserts his leadership, which splits the group in two. What follows is an often disturbing view of 1980s England offset by the ramifications of the Falklands War and the rise of white nationalism.
Chief among these is newcomer Thomas Turgoose as Sean, a put-upon 12-year old who finds unexpected friendship with a group of local skinheads led by the sweet natured Woody (Joseph Gilgun, another stand-out performance). These skins are a far cry from the image of racist thuggery that the movement became known for in the 80s. It's all about the music, and of course the clothes - although Sean is too small for Doc Marten boots, he still gets the haircut, the plaid shirt and the braces. For a while, everything is sweet in Sean's world. He even shares his first kiss with a Boy George lookalike with the charming name of Smell.
"A FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING PORTRAIT"
But soon, conflict arrives in the form of Combo (Stephen Graham, also superb), an old mate of the gang whose time in prison has left him with a strong sympathy for the National Front. Combo's racist agenda splits the gang and Sean, tragically, finds himself turning to Combo as a substitute for the father he lost in the Falklands. Meadows is an exhilarating filmmaker and This Is England is his best film to date - an honest, emotional, funny and deeply moving portrait of growing up. Don't miss it.
interview with shane meadows...http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/filmmaking.asp?ID=203
The film is set in a drama centred on young skinheads in early-1980s England. Much of the film was shot in The St Ann's area of Nottingham with one section involving some abandoned houses being filmed at the former airbase RAF Newton just outside of Bingham, Nottinghamshire. Additional scenes were filmed in Grimsby, Thomas Turgoose's home town.
The film was shown at various international film festivals, including London, and special permission was granted to Meniscus for it to be shown at Grimsby's Whitgift Film Theatre. The film was given an 18 certificate by the BBFC due to its racist language and incidence of violence. However, some councils such as Bristol, Camden and Westminster have chosen to overturn this, feeling the film should reach its target audience of teenagers. The film won in the Best Film category at the British Independent Film Awards, with Thomas Turgoose winning the Most Promising Newcomer award.
Turgoose has appeared on TV and radio shows such as Soccer A.M., South Bank Show and GMTV, and has been interviewed by Edith Bowman on her BBC Radio One slot.[1] Turgoose had never acted before, had been banned from his school play for bad behaviour, and demanded £5 to turn up for the film's auditions. [2] The film was dedicated to Turgoose's mother, Sharon, who died on December 29, 2005; before she had a chance to see the film.
[edit] Themes
The film highlights the irony that although the skinhead subculture was partly based on elements of black culture, (especially Jamaican ska and reggae music), a large faction of the subculture was hijacked by white power groups such as the National Front. The story focuses on young Shaun (Thomas Turgoose), who, following bullying at school, falls in with a bunch of likeable skinheads. The new-found freedom and social acceptance he finds is short-lived, and takes a much darker turn when National Front member Combo returns from jail and reasserts his leadership, which splits the group in two. What follows is an often disturbing view of 1980s England offset by the ramifications of the Falklands War and the rise of white nationalism.
Chief among these is newcomer Thomas Turgoose as Sean, a put-upon 12-year old who finds unexpected friendship with a group of local skinheads led by the sweet natured Woody (Joseph Gilgun, another stand-out performance). These skins are a far cry from the image of racist thuggery that the movement became known for in the 80s. It's all about the music, and of course the clothes - although Sean is too small for Doc Marten boots, he still gets the haircut, the plaid shirt and the braces. For a while, everything is sweet in Sean's world. He even shares his first kiss with a Boy George lookalike with the charming name of Smell.
"A FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING PORTRAIT"
But soon, conflict arrives in the form of Combo (Stephen Graham, also superb), an old mate of the gang whose time in prison has left him with a strong sympathy for the National Front. Combo's racist agenda splits the gang and Sean, tragically, finds himself turning to Combo as a substitute for the father he lost in the Falklands. Meadows is an exhilarating filmmaker and This Is England is his best film to date - an honest, emotional, funny and deeply moving portrait of growing up. Don't miss it.
interview with shane meadows...http://www.futuremovies.co.uk/filmmaking.asp?ID=203
Media representation
In this text the male protagonist is being represented as an influenced child he is only 12 years old, which shows he is vulnerable as easlily influenced by issues which he can relate to. males together are being represented as two types, one= the skinheads, who are shown to be violent agressive and RACISTS. this is one of the main themes which is continuous througout the film. the other type of men is those who stand down, men who will not stand up for what is right. women are also presented as being sex objects in need of a man, as shown in the film when a teenage girl tries to have sexual relationships with the 12 year old boy. women are also presented as being inferior to men but at the same time superior there is a swtich in the film of women (one in particular) roles. Children are also presented as growing up to fast, and being forced into commitments far from there reach at thier age.
The representation of minorities in this film would have been accurate for the time which it is representing (the 80's) were racism was huge, making the films representation of those days accurate to some extent. the film has been shot with low budget and shows the gritty ends of Nottinghamshire to give the effect of living in the 80's in that time. the issue of racism is shown to be a undercover but an out there subject everyone is aware that racism exist however it is nenevr brought to the attnetion of the police or stood up for by other people.
Media Languages and Forms
Narrative
the narritive structure follows elemants of and equilibrium at the start where bullying is present, a resolution when the young boy makes freinds, hight of the film is when the young boy is influenced and follows the racists, resolution is when a black man is killed infront of the childs eyes.
the audience are lead into shock due to the issues raised in the film as they are not present in todays day and age. the film is there to also educate the audience of the issues of the 80's and how they affected the direction of racism in the UK from the 80's onwards.
Genre
the genre belongs to a british violent/racist film
it follows the trend of violoence and rasicm, the characters follow thier given roles, however the young boy fulfills a role of change in character at the end of the film where he finds his influencers to be wrong and that racism is wrong. the audience can sympathise for his vulnerability due to his young age, they however label his influencer into being the villain and the young boys first friend into being the hero...
Media Audiences
this text is directed to teenagers who should be aware of the issues this country has had in the past about racism, it is applicable to youthsw as they deal with the same issues of acceptance at school, the cases of bullying and getting into a bad crowd...the text also relates to an older genration as the film was not set too long ago, the year i was born infact, which makes it relevant to people aged 20 + who would have been growing up in that particualr time. the text would appeal to both white and other ethnicities as it deals with issues which can affect any ethnicity...
In this text the male protagonist is being represented as an influenced child he is only 12 years old, which shows he is vulnerable as easlily influenced by issues which he can relate to. males together are being represented as two types, one= the skinheads, who are shown to be violent agressive and RACISTS. this is one of the main themes which is continuous througout the film. the other type of men is those who stand down, men who will not stand up for what is right. women are also presented as being sex objects in need of a man, as shown in the film when a teenage girl tries to have sexual relationships with the 12 year old boy. women are also presented as being inferior to men but at the same time superior there is a swtich in the film of women (one in particular) roles. Children are also presented as growing up to fast, and being forced into commitments far from there reach at thier age.
The representation of minorities in this film would have been accurate for the time which it is representing (the 80's) were racism was huge, making the films representation of those days accurate to some extent. the film has been shot with low budget and shows the gritty ends of Nottinghamshire to give the effect of living in the 80's in that time. the issue of racism is shown to be a undercover but an out there subject everyone is aware that racism exist however it is nenevr brought to the attnetion of the police or stood up for by other people.
Media Languages and Forms
There are black white and asian people presented in the film, they represent the differences people shared in the 80's when racism was present. sex drugs and violence are also shown in the film they denote what they are, but connote the wrong ways they are abused, the sex drugs and violence are shown to a young boy who does not have the capability to understand what they all mean, but instead is taught to abuse drugs and the topic of sex, and use violence towards what he is taught to be right, which is fight against the minorities and become a racist.
the soundtrack is ironic as there is a raggae soundtrack throughout the film, even though it originates from the blacks, it is used to create a sense of unfairness where certain aspects of the blacks culture can be used and enjoyed blacks as a whole were ruled out and faught against because of thier colour.
clothing apprecaites the 80's cultures and trends, the youngt boy is dressed up in what today would be reffered as a "chav" ben sherman shirt and Dr Martins...however then it would have been what people were wearing. there are several images of the young boy swearing with an angry face, this connotes the result opf influencing a child about violence.
there are several close up shots when moods change, the scene at the end when violence is present there are close ups of the dead body. this shows the significance of violence in the film
Narrative
the narritive structure follows elemants of and equilibrium at the start where bullying is present, a resolution when the young boy makes freinds, hight of the film is when the young boy is influenced and follows the racists, resolution is when a black man is killed infront of the childs eyes.
the audience are lead into shock due to the issues raised in the film as they are not present in todays day and age. the film is there to also educate the audience of the issues of the 80's and how they affected the direction of racism in the UK from the 80's onwards.
Genre
the genre belongs to a british violent/racist film
it follows the trend of violoence and rasicm, the characters follow thier given roles, however the young boy fulfills a role of change in character at the end of the film where he finds his influencers to be wrong and that racism is wrong. the audience can sympathise for his vulnerability due to his young age, they however label his influencer into being the villain and the young boys first friend into being the hero...
Media Audiences
this text is directed to teenagers who should be aware of the issues this country has had in the past about racism, it is applicable to youthsw as they deal with the same issues of acceptance at school, the cases of bullying and getting into a bad crowd...the text also relates to an older genration as the film was not set too long ago, the year i was born infact, which makes it relevant to people aged 20 + who would have been growing up in that particualr time. the text would appeal to both white and other ethnicities as it deals with issues which can affect any ethnicity...
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Tuesday 11 September 2007
Migrain
M-the setting is 1983, area is Nottinghamshire, shows the not so priviledged sides of the area, but also what the 1980's where like, with fashion trends. characters, white male protagonist a 12 year old boy shaun, shows how image is important at school.
I-ideologies of white people as a whole (country/groups) also white people as individuals. racism very big issue. however the issue of skinheads which originated from black people later on taken over by the whites is brought up. which shows irony, as one character is complaining about other races taking over thier country. Males growing up without father figure. women minor roles in this film as the issues do not concern them.
G-British film (racism and violence)
R-of males growing up in england. coloured people living in England during the 1980's when racism was hugely present. parents attitudes. females. England. war.
A- this film is targeted to teenagers as it involse and raises issues that the BBFC thought teengaers should be aware of. it appeals to a young audience as the characters represent young rebels and are involved in binge drinking, smkoing and drugs which are a reflection of what teengaers are assosiated with.
I- the film was produced by Turgoose a new producer who won the best prize for newcomer. the film was rated 18 but after a review it was decided that younger teenagers hould be able to watch the film to be aware of racism and toerh issues raised in the film.
N-the text follows a 12 year old boy who after being bullied at school falls into a crowd of skinheads. he is liked by all, but becomes apart of the uprising in white nationalism due to a personal heartache. the text explores racism as a main issue alongside nationalism for England. the soundtrack of the film is ironic as is the fact that the character leading the uprising against minorities is a skinhead a trademark black people brought to england.
Wider context
S-racism, nationalism towards England, white people have no place in their own country.
H-1983 set in the 80's when racism was a big issue as well as the uprising of white nationalist against margret thatcher..."do you consider yourself to be british or jamaican"
E-low budget film to show gritty streets of england, had to portray realism of life in 1983.
M-the setting is 1983, area is Nottinghamshire, shows the not so priviledged sides of the area, but also what the 1980's where like, with fashion trends. characters, white male protagonist a 12 year old boy shaun, shows how image is important at school.
I-ideologies of white people as a whole (country/groups) also white people as individuals. racism very big issue. however the issue of skinheads which originated from black people later on taken over by the whites is brought up. which shows irony, as one character is complaining about other races taking over thier country. Males growing up without father figure. women minor roles in this film as the issues do not concern them.
G-British film (racism and violence)
R-of males growing up in england. coloured people living in England during the 1980's when racism was hugely present. parents attitudes. females. England. war.
A- this film is targeted to teenagers as it involse and raises issues that the BBFC thought teengaers should be aware of. it appeals to a young audience as the characters represent young rebels and are involved in binge drinking, smkoing and drugs which are a reflection of what teengaers are assosiated with.
I- the film was produced by Turgoose a new producer who won the best prize for newcomer. the film was rated 18 but after a review it was decided that younger teenagers hould be able to watch the film to be aware of racism and toerh issues raised in the film.
N-the text follows a 12 year old boy who after being bullied at school falls into a crowd of skinheads. he is liked by all, but becomes apart of the uprising in white nationalism due to a personal heartache. the text explores racism as a main issue alongside nationalism for England. the soundtrack of the film is ironic as is the fact that the character leading the uprising against minorities is a skinhead a trademark black people brought to england.
Wider context
S-racism, nationalism towards England, white people have no place in their own country.
H-1983 set in the 80's when racism was a big issue as well as the uprising of white nationalist against margret thatcher..."do you consider yourself to be british or jamaican"
E-low budget film to show gritty streets of england, had to portray realism of life in 1983.
Proposal
To what extent can films, with particaular reference to This Is England, convey actual truth about White British males involvement in violence and racism.
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