Social Realism: A Very English Genre

What is it?

Social realism is a film genre which typically focuses on topical issues of modern society. It tries to be a real representation of British society.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. Most films use young teenagers and realism with the main forms and conventions involving young adults from 13 – 20.

The genre, although always evolving, has been around for many years, with arguably the most notable Social Realist movie, Kes, being released in 1969.

Kesis a critically acclaimed British drama film, directed by Ken Loach. It follows the life of an abused young working class boy who forms a close bond with a falcon bird.

The movie won multiple awards including two BAFTAs in 1971.

Social Realism Directors & their work

Ken Loach is most probably the most notable directed of the social realism genre. He was born in 1936 and has been directing this genre of picture since the early 60s. His most notable works include "Kes", "I, Daniel Blake" and "The Angels' Share". "The Angels' Share" is a 2012, comedy drama film. It tells the story of a young Glaswegian father who narrowly avoids a prison sentence and is determined to turn over a new leaf.

Amma Asante, MBE is a screenwriter and director, known for her 2004 social realism movie, "A Way of Life". "A Way of Life" follows Leigh Anne Williams who has a six month old baby to look after, with only the help of three teenage squatters. In her late teens, Amma left the world of acting and eventually made the move to screenwriting with development deals from Chrysalis, Channel 4 and the BBC. Two series of the urban drama Brothers and Sisters followed, which Amma wrote and produced for BBC2.

Codes and Conventions

There are some key codes and conventions of British realism. These include:

- Age (teen/young adult stars)

- Non "star" actors

- Characters are usually working class

- Long, uninterrupted takes

- Location shooting as appose to in studio

- Wide angle shots

- POV, tracking, handheld shots

- Semi improvisation

- Both humour and seriousness

- The presence of regional identities

- Wide social issues such as dug abuse

- Social or political agenda

The story and plot line of social realism movies are usually based upon the protagonist wanting a better life and trying to achieve it.

Production Companies

There are multiple film companies associated with the production of Social Realism movies. In the earlier years of social realism, however, there wasn’t a main production company. The Crown Film Company was on organisation in World War II which made films for the public's enjoyment. It produced short documentary films, as well as long and short dramas. It was disbanded in 1952. Woodfall is arguably one of the most pivotal production companies in the rise of social realism and the change in British cinema. As well as Kes the company produced films such as Look Back In Anger (1959), Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960) and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner (1962). Film 4 is a British film and production company owned by Channel 4. The company is responsible for being involved in a large abound of British Films. The movie Walter was the company's first production.

As mentioned above, the British social realism genre endeavours to show what real life in Britain is like. In this short montage by the BBC, UK personalities and celebrities talk about what the genre means to them, with one describing a movie of this genre to have "taught [him] more about what it's like to live in Britain in 2 hour than I've learnt from watching the news and reading newspapers for the last 10 years."