How does your chosen text attract their audience?

This is England is a very challenging movie that may appeal to those who want to watch a film that actually makes you think. As a film that touches many audacious issues it is easy to argue that this could in fact make audiences take the oppositional reading however ultimately the target audience take the preferred reading and take it as a gritty, hard hitting and emotional film that asks many questions about society back in the 80s as well as society in the present day. 

There are two main target audiences for this film one being those who were the same age as the characters in that era the movie is set in. This is england would appeal to an audience like this from a nostalgic point of view as many of the issues that it touches may have been issues that effected their lives back in that era and taking the uses and gratifications theory, this could therefore allow the audience to personally identify with characters. The other key audience that Meadows discussed targeting are people who are now the same age as the characters in the film to raise issues such as racism and adolescence. This appeal is met through the character of Combo who delivers a speech in a racist way however despite that, the audience understand that this is not path that they should choose and when combo says 'Make a decision' this may appeal to audience as they along with the characters are making a decision and might feel a sense of reward when they choose the right path (anti-racism).

The theme of youth and childhood may also be something an audience of this type can relate. All in all personal identification is key for both of these audiences This is england evokes this in various ways throughout the film. 

The themes that are conveyed throughout this film may also appeal to an audience. For instance the theme of community may appeal to mainstreamers. As their main ned os the need of security they may feel like this theme will fulfil that and as this film caused a stir over social network it may appeal to this audience as it is something they can join in and the 'we rather than me' idea then becomes active. However some of the more hard hitting themes and issues such as racism and politics may appeal to other audiences such as the explorer as these themes are something which is hard to tackle, something that is different.

The fact that this film doesn't contain many major stars or actors might appeal to the audience (and explorers) as the focus to detail and attention is more placed on the film rather than the stars themselves and creates a sense of authenticity. It agains allows both target audiences to personally identify with the characters as they feel as though they could just be be anybody. This could be said for the director. Although those who love film may know Shane Meadows those who are not film fanatics may not necessarily know of many other of his works which may appeal to those who want to try something new. However those who do know of Shane Meadows may find this film appealing as it reminds them of his previous works and can then compare other themes and over all film itself to his other films or if they are they are fans of his other films the audience will want to watch this is england.