Social realism is a genre of film that focuses on topical issues alive in a modern society which is represented by different ideologies. Themes such as money, drugs, prostitution and sex are quite usual in modern contemporary social realism films as well as class, religion and political views. They normally represent true-to-life characters and locations, it refers to films with serious representation and exploration of political and social issues. The lighting is normally 'naturalistic', which means no lenses or soft lighting are often used.
The films are shot in real-life locations such as parks and council estates, not studios like big
Hollywood films. The use of this makes the films closer to real life or gives it a documentary effect, emphasising the realistic atmosphere. A lot of wide shot camera angles are used to give the audience a good understanding of the setting and of what's going on.
Actors featured in these films are unknown or non-professional actors, helping to create more of a realistic look - the actors could literally be anyone. Katie Jarvis, featured in Fish Tank and Eastenders, was spotted at the train station arguing with her boyfriend.
Common themes of social realism include; Social Injustice; Racial Injustice; Economic Hardship; Working class as heroes. Social realist films are keen to show the effects on society and depict the problems endured by the working class and ‘underclass’ including homelessness (Kathy Come Home), unemployment and ambition (Billy Liar) and the inequalities of social class (Room at the Top).
There seem to be many production companies that produce social realism films, in the early years of social realism there wasn't a main company. Companies that do produce these films are: Film4; The Crown Film Unit; and Woodfall.
Billy Elliot (2000) was written by Lee Hall and directed by Stephen Daldry. It is set around the time of the UK miners strike in mid 1980s and is the story about a young boxer who takes up his dream of ballet. The films shows his struggles with his family, especially his father and brother who fear he is homosexual.
Trainspotting (1996) was directed by Danny Boyle, who also directed '28 Days Later' and 'Slum Dog Millionaire' and written by John Hodge. The film also falls under the genres: Comedy; Crime; and Drama. Renton (Ewan McGregor), deeply immersed in the Edinburgh drug scene, tries to clean up and get out, despite the allure of drugs and influence by his friends.
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