Conventions of a Social Realism Film (PAULINE KATE BALUYUT)

Conventions of social realism films

Pauline Kate Baluyut

In this 'post' I will highlight the conventions of social realism films through existing movies aimed specifically for the UK market. These are: Shifty, This is England, Sweet Sixteen and Fish Tank.


Shifty

UK release: 2008
Directed by: Eran Creevy.
Budget: £100 000

1. The film uses fast paced music
2. Created with a low budget - This is an attribute that social realism films have
3. Set in a rundown area - As social realism films are generally independent films, they are set in rundown, budget areas
4. Aimed for the UK audience, as it is an independent film released in the UK 
5. One well known actor 
6. Drugs - Again this typical theme is associated with social realism films as problematic characters are shown to surrender into taking drugs, when life gets harder for them
7. Wide shots - The wide shot allows people to see the setting of the film
8. Deals with friendship/loyalty - Often social realism films focus on gangs/subcultures

This is England

UK release: April 27, 2007
Directed by: Shane Meadows Budget: £1, 472 500

1. Set in an urban, rundown area
2. Uses slow music 
3. Race/ religion
4. Broken family 

Sweet Sixteen

UK release: May 21, 2002
Directed by: Ken Loach 
Budget: N/A unknown low budget

1. Medium shots are used mainly  
2. Quick editing
3. Handheld camera style in order for the spectators to feel as if they are 'in the film'.
4. Film made with a low budget
5. Unknown actors are used
6. Strong Scottish accents
7.  Film consists of  Strong language - Most social realism films are certificated 15/18. And what distinguishes them from lower aged certification, is the arrival of using stronger bad language. 
8. Set in urban and rural area   

Fish Tank

UK release: 2009
Directed by: Andrea Arnold 
Budget: $3, 000 000 / £1, 805 163

1. Fast paced music - Keeps the audience keen - wanting more. Fast paced music is associated with an energetic scene, in contrast with slow paced music which is associated with a more muted down scenes.
2. Broken family - Social realism films are mostly aimed at middle income households. Middle class people are often publicised as having a broken family.
3. Youth - teenagers shown as hanging in subculture groups
4. Teenager - Shown as problematic and disrespectful
5. Coming of age
6. One well known character - This is used so that any fans of the actor/actress will be more eager/attracted to the movie
7. Medium shots - This gives audiences a sense of the actor's profile, this typical shot also gives view to the film's setting. 
8. Located in a dreary urban area

Conventions/themes that I will need to incorporate in my film are:

1. Fast paced music
2. A broken family
3. One rising actor
4. Handheld camera
5. Location of an urban area
6. deals with subculture