Billy Elliot Critical Analysis

Category: Billy Elliot
Last Updated: 21 Mar 2023
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‘Billy Elliot’ directed by Stephen Daldry outlines the transition of Billy Elliot, from a constrained society with limited expectations and restrictive gender roles, out into the broad horizons of the larger world. Daldry effectively used a range of filming techniques such as camera angles, camera shots, and dialogue to develop the theme of moving into the world. This process is seen by the hardships Billy encounters within his society, his perseverance and the support he later receives to successfully move into the world.

While venturing new experiences, Billy encounters various obstacles and hardships; he is inhibited and distressed from the restrictions of male gender roles in his society. Namely, a male doing ballet is considered inappropriate and this culture is reinforced by Billy’s father, “Lads do football or boxing or wrestling. Not friggin ballet. ” Consequently, Billy’s frustration is expressed through a scene showing his dance that follows an argument about his future between Mrs. Wilkinson and his brother, Tony.

Cut ins of his feet furiously dancing illustrate his passion, while the panning of the endless brick walls of the village symbolize the obstruction that he suffers. This suggests that although Billy’s transition into the world is hindered, his commitment to dance as an emotional release allows him to explore his thwarted ambitions. Furthermore, Billy’s perseverance is a significant factor for him to move into the world. Once again, the brick walls in the streets symbolise the physical barrier of Billy who is forbidden to dance. Nevertheless, Billy conveys his perseverance and commitment towards dancing in many situations to keep his hopes up.

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There is a scene where Billy repeatedly fails to land pirouette during one of the private lessons with Mrs. Wilkinson. He feels reluctant to continue learning ballet in aggravation, but he brings himself together and carries on practicing, reinforcing his persistence. This is shown through a very wide shot consisting of both Billy and Mrs. Wilkinson, to show the tight relationship of Mrs. Wilkinson coaching and supporting Billy’s pirouette. Although it may not be favoured, assistance from nearby people definitely helps one to overcome the obstacles in order to move into the world.

Billy receives a lot of support from Mrs. Wilkinson who sees the potential in Billy. After the eventual acceptance from his family, his father, Jackie, tries to assist Billy in every way to help him move into the new world of ballet. A powerful scene is when Billy’s father crosses the picket line during the miners’ strike to earn money and pay for his son’s fees at the Royal Ballet School. A high angle shot was used to make Jackie appear small and powerless and his anguished emotions were evoked through an over the shoulder shot from Tony’s side.

It conveys an idea that sacrifice is only motivated by the power of love and Jackie is willing to give up the strike in order to assist his son into the world. All these scenes in ‘Billy Elliot’ help create diverse aspects that develop the theme of moving into the world. Despite the fact Billy is inhibited from reaching out to grab his dream, in the beginning, his perseverance and support from his close by people help him overcome the limited gender roles of society and achieve his ultimate dream of becoming a ballet dancer.

Related Questions

on Billy Elliot Critical Analysis

Who did Tom Holland play in Billy Elliot?
Tom Holland played the role of Michael in the 2000 film Billy Elliot. He was the best friend of the main character, Billy, and helped him to pursue his dream of becoming a ballet dancer.
Is Billy Elliot based off a true story?
No, Billy Elliot is not based off a true story. It is a fictional story about a young boy from a working-class family in Northern England who discovers a passion for ballet. The film was inspired by the true story of a young boy who was a ballet dancer, but the film is not based on his life.
When did Tom Holland stop Billy Elliot?
Tom Holland stopped Billy Elliot in 2005 after the show had been running for five years. It had been a successful production, with over 4,000 performances and over 4 million people having seen it.
What did Tom Holland do in Billy Elliot?
Tom Holland played the role of Michael, Billy's best friend, in the 2000 film Billy Elliot. He provided comic relief and support to Billy as he pursued his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. Holland's performance was praised by critics and earned him a nomination for the British Independent Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.

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Billy Elliot Critical Analysis. (2016, Sep 28). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/billy-elliot/

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