Billy Elliot Essay PDF

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Billy elliot essay for year 12 students to study...

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Billy Elliot Essay – Daniya Hasan As individuals progress through life, they often need to successfully navigate their way from one challenge to another. This progression not only develops the individual but also pushes individuals towards reconsideration of themselves and others, which develops into growth of the individual. The film, ‘Billy Elliott’ (2000), composed by Stephen Daldry is a successful example of utilising the themes of transition to share experiences and beliefs both personal and societal. Stephan Daldry uses an array of literary and visual techniques coupled with a variety of cinematographic techniques. Similarly, the poem “Father and child”, by Gwen Harwood also highlights the transition of one’s perspective through the use of various literary elements. This application allows for a greater understanding of the world of the protagonist and the transition of father and son through the key ideas of masculinity and maturity of the characters. The transition into new worlds may be shaped by both familial and societal expectations. In Stephen Daldry’s, ‘Billy Elliot’, Billy is subjected to the hyper-masculine expectations that are held by the society. These ideas are further reinforced by the dominating presence of both his father Jackie and his brother. A symbol of these expectations is repeated throughout the film in the form of motif. Billy’s boxing gloves represent a long held family tradition, shown through Jackie dialogue, ‘Those were by father’s gloves’. This adds to the pressures faced by Billy in an attempt to begin his transition, as he feels he needs to live up to his father’s expectations. The gloves around Billy’s neck are symbolic of the continual influence that his familial expectations have over him. Daldry reinforces the influence of society through the mining strikes that punctuate Billy’s transition into his new world. The combination of close up shots and diegetic sound demonstrates the aggression and unity of the men in the society. Billy is notably absent despite his brother and father being there. This symbolises his exclusion from his society and his inability to fit in and comply with the masculine culture. Venturing into new experiences can be a strenuous process as individuals may encounter challenges and barriers, however with perseverance one can reap many significant rewards which are effectively beneficial. In addition the series of rapid cuts between both the world of ballet and the violence of the strikers is displayed through the striking scene as it serves to reinforce the gulf between the two worlds. The aerial shot of the picket line is contrasted with the power and grace of Billy’s dance moves. The use of Jackie's dialogue, “You! Out! Now!” highlights his anger at his son for not fulfilling a masculine role. This shows that the ideas Jackie consumes are holding him back from transitioning and accepting his son for what he loves. Additionally the deep breathing and close-up shot of Jackie's anxious face as he decides to go back to the mines portrays how much the decision of going back to the mines has cost this strongly principled character and further portrays his gradual transition to accepting his son. “He is only a little boy, he could be a genius for all we know”, through Jackie's dialogue and facial expressions we see his journey to overcome his own misconceptions and established principles. Besides the obstacles that had held Jackie back from making a full transition it is the final phase that allows him to complete his journey and accept his son. A mid shot showcases the emotion the character feels signifying his final transition into this new world of ballet and his understanding of male masculinity. The character Jackie, represents a gradual transition as he contemplates the hardships of entering a new world that would be worthwhile for both the father and son.

Billy Elliot Essay – Daniya Hasan Human relationships can be a crucial catalyst in encouraging changes in an individual’s process of gaining emotional maturity. It is through Billy’s perseverance and boundless enthusiasm, that he challenges society’s expectations and pursues his passion for ballet. This is depicted in the final scene where he prepares to perform on stage. The use of an extreme close up shot of the protagonists face, emphasises his anxious feelings which are expressed as he is finally able to perform for his father. As Billy enters the stage for his final leap, non-diegetic music and low key lighting further enhance the aura of Billy’s transition, overcoming the societal expectations of masculinity and fulfilling his dream. The slowing tempo and harsh sounding of the orchestra in the classical piece, ‘Swan Lake’, creates suspense, and the slow motion, low angle shot of Billy leaping skilfully into a new world of possibility, highlights Billy’s sense of liberation. Daldry uses the white costume to symbolise Billy’s new beginning as a dancer, which exemplifies his transition in his final moment of triumph. Transition is an inevitable part of human experience as personal experiences shape how individuals perceive things from one part of life to another. The poem ‘Father and child’ by Gwen Harwood explores an individual who proceeds into a new experience, which leads to the transition of the individual. The persona is faced with barriers that obstruct them from disclosing the reality of life but curiosity influences the persona to persevere. In stanza one, it is evident that the persona will proceed into a new experience through the allusion to nature in, “I rose blessed by the sun. A horny fiend,” foreshadowing that the persona will grow and mature from a meaningful experience. However, the persona’s father is a notable barrier that hinders the transition into adulthood. This is depicted in the phrase, “old no sayer”, which conveys the authoritarian role of the father. The use of colloquial language highlights the lack of respect that the persona has for the father. The gun held by the persona symbolizes the sense of power the persona feels, which is evident in the metaphor, “master of life and death.” Consequently, the persona’s understanding of death is shattered as their initial belief was that death is quick and painless. This is further conveyed through the use of dissonance of the word, ‘struck’, which eradicates the rhythm of the poem, thus exemplifying the harsh and abrupt gunshot that kills the owl as well as the child's youth and innocence. As a result, the persona is exposed to the shocking nature of death, which evokes the transition from childhood to adulthood. The juxtaposition of “old no sayer” with “Old king”, accentuates the child’s transformed attitude towards the father in which they have gained respect and gratitude. As well as this, the rhetorical question, “who can be what you were?” further conveys that the persona’s perception of the father changes as they believe that the father is irreplaceable and appreciate the father’s sacrifices. Ultimately, the film “Billy Elliot” (2000), composed by Stephen Daldry explores transition of a father and son dealing with familial and societal expectations of masculinity and gender expectations. Daldry uses an array of techniques to reconstruct the feelings Billy went through within his transition from boxing to ballet. As well as the poem “Father and child” by Gwen Harwood, the transition of an individual’s perspective on life and death are depicted through the use of various language elements. Daldry and Harwood showcase how transitions can result in new knowledge and ideals, shifts in attitude and beliefs and allow a deepened understanding of one’s self and the world around them....