Billy Elliot
How is the concept of Into the World conveyed in the film Billy Elliot?
‘Into the World’ describes a concept of a growth and change experienced by an individual – whether the change is physically, emotionally or intellectually- from the transition between one stage to another. In this transition there are often barriers and obstacles which the individual faces and needs to overcome. The notion of ‘into the world’ is clearly displayed in the film Billy Elliot (2000) directed by Stephen Daldry.
The film Billy Elliot set in Durham, England during the context of the miners’ strike of 1984-1985, examines the story of one boy’s dream to become a professional dancer. The eponymous character Billy Elliot transitions as he develops from a stereotypical mining town status to a ballet dancer. Throughout the film, the exploration of Billy growing up and advancing into the wider world is shown, as he struggles against the gender expectations of his working class community and the socioeconomic situation that the miners’ strike has put his family in. It is not merely a physical journey but also an inner journey where Billy and his family and friend’s perspectives about themselves and their worlds shift.
An individual’s determination to pursue a dream can inspire them to challenge society’s expectations as they transition into a new world. Daldry portrays how barriers can prevent individuals to achieving their dream. In the opening scene, the slow motion shot of Billy jumping up and down on the bed with a close up shot of his ebullient face reveals his natural talent for dancing. It offers the reoccurring motif of dance and music, as the diegetic sounds of the T Rex song “Cosmic Dancer” plays and foreshadows what is to unfold: a story about a passion for dancing. The establishing shot shows that despite Billy’s awkward movements, there is a sense of harmony and freedom that dance provides for him. However, his lower-class status is revealed through high-angle shot in the
‘Into the World’ describes a concept of a growth and change experienced by an individual – whether the change is physically, emotionally or intellectually- from the transition between one stage to another. In this transition there are often barriers and obstacles which the individual faces and needs to overcome. The notion of ‘into the world’ is clearly displayed in the film Billy Elliot (2000) directed by Stephen Daldry.
The film Billy Elliot set in Durham, England during the context of the miners’ strike of 1984-1985, examines the story of one boy’s dream to become a professional dancer. The eponymous character Billy Elliot transitions as he develops from a stereotypical mining town status to a ballet dancer. Throughout the film, the exploration of Billy growing up and advancing into the wider world is shown, as he struggles against the gender expectations of his working class community and the socioeconomic situation that the miners’ strike has put his family in. It is not merely a physical journey but also an inner journey where Billy and his family and friend’s perspectives about themselves and their worlds shift.
An individual’s determination to pursue a dream can inspire them to challenge society’s expectations as they transition into a new world. Daldry portrays how barriers can prevent individuals to achieving their dream. In the opening scene, the slow motion shot of Billy jumping up and down on the bed with a close up shot of his ebullient face reveals his natural talent for dancing. It offers the reoccurring motif of dance and music, as the diegetic sounds of the T Rex song “Cosmic Dancer” plays and foreshadows what is to unfold: a story about a passion for dancing. The establishing shot shows that despite Billy’s awkward movements, there is a sense of harmony and freedom that dance provides for him. However, his lower-class status is revealed through high-angle shot in the