Social Realism

In this lesson we learnt about examples and techniques of Social Realism films in the British industry.


Social realism is the most 'typical British' genre of all their films.

• Social realism shows us to ourselves and gives a taste of what real British film culture is like.
  



• Realism carried high bow connotations of educations and seriousness.
  



• In 1950's the documentary movement held sway and in the 1960's, British new wave took over.
  



• New wave films tended to address issues around masculinity that would become common in British realism.
  



• Descendants of the realistic flowering at BBC in the 1960's, Ken Loach and Mike Leigh assessed the impact of social realism.
  

Social Realism Films

Here are some social realism films over the ages;

• Up The Junction
  



• KES
  



• The Full Monty
  



• This Is England
  



• Kidulthood/Adulthood
  

Techniques of Social Realism

• Use of authentic locations




• Actors with regional accents




• No Hollywood stars




• Lack of 'big' names - pool of actors well known foe appearances in T.V Dramas




• Narratives deal with social issues such as; unemployment, divorce, family breakdowns ect.




• Usually twist of British humour




• Gritty




• Naturalistic filming techniques - observational style




• Spontaneous naturalistic action (Loach)




• Non-professional actors




• Lead characters are 'ordinary' working class