British Social Realism Films

1. British Social Realism Films Max Ardron

2. The ‘New Wave’ Movement • The British New Wave was the films trend in the late 1950’s and 1960’s, with the rise of directors such as Ken Loach, Lindsay Anderson, Tony Richardson and Ken Russell. • These new films focussed on the ordinary lives of the working class, especially in the North. • These films also focussed on younger characters with very real themes such as abortion, homosexuality and alienation.

3. Social Realism today • The themes of Social realism are still very alive today with many modern directors inspired by those of the British New Wave Movement such as actor turned director Paddy Considine who recently directed the critically acclaimed Tyrannosaur. • But there are directors with long spanning careers that were around in the NWM that are still making Social Realism films today such as Ken Loach. One of his very first films was ‘Kes’ back in 1969, but only recently he made ‘The Angels’ Share’ about a group of criminals that are given a second chance in life.

4. Social Realism films example: ‘Dirty Pretty Things’ • ‘Dirty Pretty things’ is a social realism film about an illegal immigrant who used to be a doctor that works in a hotel at night and drives a cab. He lives with another Turkish immigrant and the two form a complicated relationship that only gets more complicated as immigration officers begin to close in. • This film is a perfect example of Social Realism because it deals with very real situations with very realistic characters. • The main characters are represented positively and the Immigration officers are presented as the antagonists. • As the viewer we really understand the troubles our protagonist faces of constantly having to be careful not to let his guard down.