2. Social realism as a whole
Social realism is an artistic movement, expressed in the
visual and or realistic arts (e.g. media), which depicts
social and racial injustice, economic hardship, through
unvarnished picture’s of life struggles. It often depicts
working class activities as heroic.
3. Social realism as a genre
Social realism is a genre of film which focuses on
portraying to the audience a true indication of what life is
like, and the different aspects of it.
It is the most typically ‘British’ of all genres, because it
gives an accurate depiction of British society.
Social realistic films portray attitudes and life factors of
events occurring in a certain period of time.
The releatable topics means the audience are more likely
to make a deeper connection to the characters and
situation.
4. Social realism conventions
Realistic settings
Realistic events and situations
Believe-able film technique/ wide shots
Working class heroes
Gritty style
Semi-improvised
Non-professional actors
5. Locations
Social realism films are normally filmed on actual real life
locations, like real-life house, parks and estates to give a
more valid picture of real life.
This draws the audience into the film more, and makes
them feel more empathy not only for the characters, but
the story and the events going on as well.
6. Non-professional actors
Social realistic films normally use unprofessional actors in
order to add the more realistic atmosphere of the film.
Some British social realism films also cannot afford
professional actors, as the work is normally on a low
budget scale. For example, in Fish Tank, the main actress
is a girl called Katie Jarvis, who has never had any acting
experience before.
7. Semi-improvised scripts
A lot of improvisation is used in the scripts of social
realism films in order to achieve the authenticity of life-like
conversations. For example, in the film ‘Kes’, the director
Ken Loach used semi-improvised scripts to make the film
seem more realistic.
9. Trainspotting
Trainspotting was produced by Danny Boyle in 1996, and
is one of the most well known and popular social realism
films of all time. Trainspotting is an accurate and
frightening realistic view of young drug addicts, and the
stuggles and troubles they face as a consequence. It also
focuses on portraying the middle class who struggle with
money, and does so extremely well; so well that the
audience feels as if they are in their position themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RC5zRvqnRm8
