Social realism is the term used for work produced by painters, printmakers, photographers, writers and filmmakers that aims to draw attention to the real socio-political conditions of the working class as a means to critique the power structures behind these conditions. Britain has seemed to have produced some of the most memorable films in this genre. There are many British directors who work within the genre such as Danny Boyle his work include the likes of Trainspotting which is about a drug addict who tries to mend his ways by moving to London and starting life afresh. He, however, is pulled back into the world of addiction by his friends and trainspotting 2 a spin-off from the first film. Its clear to see that although the films have been over a decade apart Danny Boyle's ideologies have stayed the same.
Social realism had a very distinct style which normally represent true-to-life characters and locations. It also refers to films with the serious representation and exploration of political and social issues. An example of a visual style that is often used is the lighting is normally naturalistic, which means it does not use lenses or soft lighting. This style offered a opportunity for greater realism.
Common themes and ideologies that are often used in these types of film include topical issues alive in a modern society and 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. These all reflect poverty in England, so many can relate and feel a special connection to these types of films.
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