Billy Elliot Module C 'Into the World'

Billy Elliot – “Into the World” Module C Speech By Stipan Jezercic

Good morning/afternoon fellow class mates. Today I will be talking to you about growing up and the transition of the film ‘Billy Elliot’ and my related text, a song by Christina Aguilera. ‘Billy Elliot’ relates to the elective ‘Into the World’ as the film is about new possibilities opening up, determination, family support and individual growth. One related text that shows other kinds of transitions into new worlds is a song performed by Christina Aguilera called ‘soar’. With Christina Aguilera’s powerful vocals and emotionally charged lyrics that make you really think, ‘Soar’ is a wonderfully inspirational song full of meaning.

The film Billy Elliot is a social drama as it deals with a variety of social issues such as poverty. 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 a passion in ballet dancing. Contrast is then used by the camera panning past many pairs of delicate 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 emphasise his strength of character and the frustration he feels when people try to stop him making his transition. The use of doors is a reoccurring symbol representing new worlds or barriers between worlds and used throughout the film. Billy’s initial sight of the ballet class through the door, and the way he enters the class cautiously symbolises a new world opening up to Billy. Billy’s determination is one the key elements...