Billy Elliot Essay

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How do pathways into new experiences extend a characters existing world? The theme of “Into the world” is evident in Stephen Daldry’s film Billy Elliot as the narrator of the film explores a variety of pathways as he makes his way out “into the world” through the use of the characters own determination, family support and by taking advantage of the opportunities given. Through this, pathways into new experiences have the ability to extend a characters existing world. In the opening scene, we see the main character Billy jumping up and down on his bed participating in a variety of dance moves and actions. The song lyrics accompanying his movement “I was dancing when I was twelve” gives a hint towards the audience that Billy has a desire to dance. From this, the audience can establish the world in which he is living is – one where he enjoys dancing and has some degree of passion for it. By his jumpy moves, we can feel Billy’s sense of freedom, his yellow top suggests happiness while his body language portrays the zest and energy he is using. The use of slow motion created a dreamy atmosphere as there were close-up camera shots directed towards Billy’s face showing his smile and enjoyment. Billy’s determination is clearly evident to the audience when he tries to make his way out “into the world” by escaping the pressures on his by not only his peers, but also his family members. His attraction to music and the piano is indicated in the scene where his is at this boxing lesson and he is watching the ballet girls dancing to the piano. Billy finds a connection with his mother as he sees the piano as that’s what his mother loved to do while she was still alive. This interaction suggests that when he lost his mother, he also lost the only family member who would have supported his musical and dancing interests. It is evident that Billy’s mother has a wider view

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