This document discusses what it means to be British and how British identity is represented in films. It identifies several aspects of British culture including food, drink, sports, landmarks, and history. It then asks questions about what audiences expect from British films and how they might differ from American films. The document outlines some common British film genres like social realism films that explore social issues and romantic comedies featuring urban fairytales. It analyzes how two example films, Four Lions and Love Actually, fit within the genres of social realism and romantic comedy respectively. Students are then instructed to analyze one of the films in more depth for homework.

1. ‘Britishness in our film
How is Britain represented and how
do these film reflect their British
context

2. What does it mean to be British?
• Food, Drink, Sports, Culture (TV, Films, Music, Art, writers, etc), Beliefs,
Values and Attitudes, Landmarks, fashion, Language and Phrases, History,
Inventions, Famous people

3. What does it mean to be British
• Pictogram

4. What does it mean to be British?
1. What would you expect from a British film?
2. What narrative, storylines would appeal to a
British audience?
3. What themes, message and values might we
find in British film?
4. What makes a British film different to a US
film?

5. British Genres
• Documentary/ Horror/ Science Fiction
• Social Realism and Social Commentary - Social
issues explored in complex fashion but often
shocking and depressing. Social realism in film is
typifies the struggles of the working classes
toward social change. It depicts the realities of
everyday British life
• Romance Comedy/ Urban Fairy Tale - Romantic
comedy films are films with light-hearted,
humorous plotlines, cantered on romantic ideals
such as that true love is able to overcome
obstacles and should end happily!

6. How does this apply to our film?
• Social Realism and Social Commentary – Four
Lions
• Romantic Comedy/ Urban Fairytale – Love
Actually

7. How does this apply to our films?
• Task Instructions – You can work as an
individual or with a pair but we need to make
sure that both films are covered.

8. Homework
• Choose one of the essay questions on the
bottom of the sheet and prepare an essay
plan for it. I expect to see the sheet full of
information!