Social Realism and Representations of the Working Class (This Is England)

Social Realism and Representations of the Working Class

This Is England

"Shane Meadow‟s film-making is as consistent as that of Loach, filmed on a 

low-budget, with the use of a mixture of professional actors and local people, 
and the use of a chronological shooting style." Local people add to the sense of realism throughout the film through the use of accent and dialect. It has been shot in chronological order to make it seem more realistic.

"On the other hand, when Shaun receives the flag, he without realization accepts the principles that Combo represents: the far right politics of the National Front and a hatred of immigrants."

"By ending the film in this way This Is England echoes an earlier sensational film on teenager lives, Quadrophrenia (Franc Roddam, 1979) when Jimmy (Phil Daniels) was disappointed and abandoned 
his mod‟s members, running along the seaside cliff on his scooter, and drops it off the cliff."

"The symbol of his youth, rebellion and friendship crushes on the ground, as Shaun‟s flag sinks in the water."

"last shot presents the strength he has gained through the whole summer experience. This contrast 
between the two scenes exquisitely depicts the personal growth of Shaun, from a boy; into a man."

"Meadows mentions that his first impressions of Thomas Turgoose and his family background where especially similar to those of Shaun; since Thomas‟s parents are separated and he is living with his mother."

"In This Is England, although the subject matter of racism and violence during the 1980s is quite bold, Meadows manages to capture a „contemplated‟ version of the story, through the eye of an eleven year old boy."

"The film places itself in 1983 through the use of media footage of the time."

"The film places itself in 1983 through the use of media footage of the time. In the opening scenes, Meadows shows iconic footage from the 80s such as a Rubik cube, Margaret Thatcher playing a computer game; the fashions of the 1980s and most importantly, Falkland‟s War footage."

"Throughout the film, Meadows uses the music that represent the 80s music scene, such as 
Toots & The Maytals, The Specials, and U.K. Subs, to further embed the film in 1983. This footage and music not only brings a certain reality to the film, it also creates a nostalgic tone which alongside the, lustrous colour and excellent editing by Chris Wyatt‟ amplify‟ the fantasy"

"Meadow‟s film-making style, embedded in the ordinary lives of the people of his locality, clearly aligns his works within the social realist tradition. "

"Finally, This is England depicts the socio-political condition of the 80s and skinhead culture, 
merging fantasy and reality by use of historic media references which are placed alongside the subjective viewpoint of its teenage protagonist."