Social Realism: A Very English Genre!

WHAT IS IT ?

Social Realism is a film genre which focuses on giving the audience a true indication of what life is like. Filmmakers such as Ken Loach, Shane Meadows and Mike Leigh are well known for their role in directing social realism films and tv series.

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.

DIRECTORS WHO WORK WITHIN THE GENRE...

Ken Loach is one of the most well known directors 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.

STYLE...

social realism films typically consist of...

- handheld shots

- Semi improvisation

- Both humour and seriousness

- The presence of regional identities

- Wide social issues such as dug abuse

- Social or political agenda

- 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

COMMON THEMES/IDEOLOGIES...

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