BRITISHNESS

6th February 2013

Lesson Objectives �  To know what constitutes a

British film

�  To understand different representations of Britishness

�  To consider what is meant by the term Britishness

Learning Outcomes �  I can explain what constitutes a

British film

�  I can identify different representations of Britishness

�  I can explain what is meant by the term Britishness

What does this symbol mean to you?

Is this different to what it meant in the: -  1980s -  1940s -  1890s

What is Britishness? Britishness is the state or quality of being British, or of embodying British characteristics, and is used to refer to that which binds and distinguishes the British people and forms the basis of their unity and identity, or else to explain expressions of British culture—such as habits, behaviours or symbols—that have a common, familiar or iconic quality readily identifiable with the United Kingdom.

What are some of these ‘habits, behaviours or symbols’ which unify British people today?

Representation “The media do not just offer us a transparent ‘window on the world’ but a mediated version of the world. They don’t just present reality, the re-present it.”

The production incorporates the biases of the institution.

The consumption incorporates the biases of the audience.

Can you think of any Media texts which, to you, offer an

accurate representation of Britain?

How do these subjects represent Britain?

With a partner, look at the images in front of you.

Write a short sentence for each, explaining how that image represents Britain and Britishness.

EDL PROTESTERS

DAVID CAMERON

LONDON RIOTERS

EASTENDERS

JLS

ANDY MURRAY

Classifying a British Film 1.  Made with British Money?

2.  Uses a British cast/crew?

3.  Offers a ‘realistic’ representation of Britain?

For this unit, we are concerned with films which mostly fit all three criteria.

New Wave – Gritty British Realism

�  1950s British New Wave films finally gave the working-class a voice and celebrated their common identity.

�  Previously the lower classes had been depicted on film as comic characters or as a nondescript and ancillary group.

�  Now their daily lives were considered relevant enough to be the very premise of a story and they were portrayed as individuals with personalities, opinions and emotions.

�  The nature of these films, which concerned the everyday events of ordinary people.

�  As Britain has changed so has the genre (Gritty British Realism) in accordance with its changing population, generations and contemporary issues.

Understanding British identity: Task 1

�  post 4 images of traditional Britishness and 4 images of ‘real’ Britishness on your blog.

�  Coment on each image stating how the image represents Britain today.

�  Explain 4 different peoples realities of Britishness.

�  Give a definition of Gritty British Realism and some examples of films that fall into that genre.

A Brief analysis of Britishness in film – Task 2 �  Find two examples of British films which fit at least one of the criteria

and are located in Britain (You should have seen both).

�  Try to find one example which offers a realistic representation of Britishness and one which is unrealistic.

�  For each film, using a range of detailed examples explain:

-  How the film represents British culture, people and places

-  How ‘realistic’ that representation is

-  What kind of British audience could identify with it

Conclude by comparing the two films, again with detailed examples.

Minimum 300 words

Include images and videos wherever possible