Billy Elliot Into the World

Billy Elliot Into the World

There are a variety of pathways and elements, which enables individual transition into a New World. ‘Into the World’ is about people choosing the next pathway into their life by their own determination, experiences and support which enables them to go beyond their original location and narrow view of the world. ‘Billy Elliot’ relates to the elective ‘Into the World’ as the film is about new possibilities opening up, determination, family support and individual growth. Two related texts that show other kinds of transitions into new worlds include an article on the Queensland School of Excellence titled ‘Pas de deux’ from the ‘Australian Educator’ on the 03/05/04 and a documentary by a Youth Program called ‘Typo Station’ from Sunday Sunrise. To demonstrate different pathways into a new world, these three texts use different types of techniques.

The film Billy Elliot is a social drama as it deals with a variety of social issues such as poverty and class. It is about a young boy who has grown up in a poor community and a world of rules and traditions. During Billy’s boxing lesson, he discovers that he has talent in ballet dancing. Contrast is then used by the camera panning past many pairs of dainty ballet slippered feet before settling on Billy wearing his boxing boots. This shot reinforces the idea that Billy is different, and highlights his preparedness to take risks and to stand out. In order for Billy to pursue his journey in dancing, he has to go against his fathers rules and deal with all the rage and frustration he is facing in his current world. Billy realises that dancing will open up his world.

To show Billy’s determination to succeed, Daldry uses a variety of film techniques to emphasis...

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...heir families and community which allows them to take the next step into the wider world.

A close study of ‘Billy Elliot’ and the related texts ‘Pas de deux’ and ‘Typo Station’ shows us that there are many key elements involved in making a successful transition into a new unfamiliar or adult world. It is through using techniques such as symbolism, contrast, imagery and descriptive language that we are able to get a clear indication of the issues and themes of individual growth, determination and support. There must be an opportunity to move into the world, but an individual needs determination and family support to be able to take advantage of that opportunity. These texts all give a strong representation of ‘Into the World’ by showing how young dancers and boy’s have achieved their dreams and moved into a different world through their own determination and support.