This is England, Documentary realism or Stylised set-ups?

This is England is undoubtedly a Social Realist film. The issues addressed, places filmed in and even actors used all contribute to that gritty truthful representation of this era in working class Britain. However, that does not mean that the film isn't stylised. In fact, there are a few examples within this film in which stylisation is used.

The film is set over the course of the 6 week summer holiday, given that 6 weeks can not truly be shown within a 95 minute slot - Shane Meadows used montages to show audiences that time is passing. For example, just after Shaun gets his make over and is welcomed into his new mod lifestyle, a montage is used to show the group of friends doing various activities together like going to the swimming pool, walking down the streets and generally having fun. This is used not only to let audiences know that time is passing and that the story is moving along, but also to show us the characters getting closer and forming a bond therefore by the end of the montage it is perfectly acceptable for the characters to be close and feel comfortable around each other because they have spent this time together.

Another use of stylisation is when Shaun chooses to stay with Combo. A slow motion shot is used in which Combo, Shaun and their accomplices walk towards the camera looking very moody and tough. This is one of the first shots in which we see Shaun has truly grown to be maturer and has been influenced by Combo. Slow motion is obviously quite a stylised shot however it works in this film because it contrasts with the fast happy go montage in which Shaun was with his good friends, and the slow intimidating shot in which Shaun is with combo. Showing audiences that Shaun could be choosing the wrong friends.

There is a scene within the film when Shaun and Combo are having a conversation, shot reverse shot is used where the camera is going back and forth between Combo and Shaun during the conversation and it is used to really show the connection developing between the two characters. Combo sees Shaun as himself 20 years ago and Shaun sees Combo as a father figure. This is very effective in showing audiences the special bond between the characters.

Finally at the end of the film we find that Shaun is back where he began, at the beach on his own missing his father. Going back to this scene alone with Shaun gives audiences the idea that the choices Shaun made towards the end of the summer perhaps were not the right ones to make. And sometimes people you believe are good for you are not and you are better off alone. When Shaun walks to the very end of the beach, he looks straight into the camera - breaking the 4th wall. This is unusual typically of a social realist film as it brings audiences to realise that is in fact just a film. However again this stylisation works as the face Shaun makes when connecting directly with audiences almost makes you reflect on the journey he has just been on and the lessons he has learned.