Is This England?

Can you see what I did there?


This is what Thommo thinks of it all. He can't even see the film because of the absurd R18 rating...


A film that explores one of the most pressing social issues this country faces and we can't even get to see it in our local multiplex. What a joke!
Released today and neither Ipswich or Bury are showing 'This Is England'.

But don't worry, you can still see brilliant works of cinema like Mr. Bean's Holiday, Music & Lyrics, and Wild Hogs. Of course, these films tell us much more about what is to be British....*sarcastic and resigned sigh*

Timesonline review here

Click here and send Cineworld an email telling them what you think...Sick of the same tedious Hollywood drek at the Multiplex? Then do something about it.... customer.services@cineworld.co.uk
Comments??

Shane Meadows - This Is England tasks

Research tasks - This Is England.

Using the headings below, conduct synoptic research for This Is England:

• Institutions - producers, production companies, distribution & marketing, funding, budget, box office takings, dvd sales.





• Critical acclaim - awards, reviews (read at least two separate reviews from a range of sources e.g. established newspapers or magazines)





• Forms and conventions - genre, style, tone. (look at the poster and tagline as well as close textual detail)





• Representations - Britain (1980's and today), youth, gender, family, ethnicity.





• Director - Who is Shane Meadows? Upbringing and education, influences, previous and current work, subject matter & style.

Below is video of Mark Kermode interviewing Shane Meadows on The Culture Show. Mainly about his new film 'This is England' but some good stuff about his filmmaking style.

"What I did in the holidays"

Easy task for your Easter break. Go and see (or rent) a contemporary British film. Find out a bit more about it (synoptic research). Post a comment here on what you thought about it (any aspect). Comment on your peers' comments. Comment on comments of comments. You get the idea; it's an issues and debates paper, so get some debate going!

Current 'British' films on at the cinema or soon to be released include: Mr. Bean's Holiday, Outlaw, Becoming Jane, Sunshine, Catch a Fire, I Want Candy, Notes on a Scandal, Gone, Goal 2: Living the Dream.

Elizabeth tasks

Conduct some internet research into Elizabeth. Include the following:

• Who is Shekhar Kapur? Education, previous and current work. Filmic style.


• Critical success - reviews, awards, box office takings (Britain and overseas)


• Institutions - production companies, funding, distribution (who are they and where are they from?)


• Is it a 'British' film - consider subject matter, cast and crew (especially writer/ director /producer, locations (details)
• The sequel - details including cast, producers, locations. Why would working title green light 'The Golden Age'?

Type up in word - no cut and paste. Cite your sources. One page minimum.

Essay title:
Discuss the representations of Britain and Britishness in Elizabeth (Shekhar Kapur, 1998). Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your points.

Include an introduction, six to eight main paragraphs and a conclusion.

Owww, that hurts...

Who is the secret santa?
He taught them everything they (Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg) know.
Well, he was certainly a big inspiration.

Hot Fuzz - as good as Shaun of the Dead? Or more pop-culture drivel rotting the minds of the youth of today with gratuitous violence and bad language...your comments.

Posting comments to the blog

As much as I love your cool alias' and pseudonyms that you post with could you please add your real name at the end of your comments.
That way I know who to address in both the virtual and real worlds.
Thanks.
Mr. M

Read this review...

...of Sexy Beast from Eye Weekly and compare it to this review from Film 4.

Essay question: "To what extent is Sexy Beast a successful British film?"

Consider the following: genre, characters and themes, style (including camerawork, editing and sound), box office/DVD sales, awards and criticism/reviews, representations (gender & class).

Use notes taken in class and personal research work to inform your answer. Use quotes where appropriate.