Fish Tank Trailer Analysis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf5VOvB5MHA

Link to trailer

- Donjeta

Research into Social Realist Films

What is social realism?

Social realism is a genre of film that focuses on typical issues alive in a modern society which is represented by different ideologies. Themes such as money, drugs, prostitution and sex are common issues dealt with in modern contemporary social realism films as well as class, religion and political views. These themes are very popular today but not all were involved in the early social realism storylines and films.

Conventions of social realism

Typically, the social realist genre follows a linear narrative dealing with gritty scenarios that can be hard for the viewer to watch. Social realist films also begin with a low budget, films such as Slumdog Millionaire and Fish Tank started at just $15 million and $3 million. However, recently social realism films have been submerged into Hollywood blockbuster movies, such as Love Actually which started on a budget of $45 million and has been finished with Hollywood varnish appealing to a wider audience.

Another common aspect of social realism is the location, most social realist films are shot in working class environments such as council estates and run down areas. This convention allows the audience to understand an insight to the background of the main characters and the plot line.

Throughout a social realist film the non-diegetic sound is minimal because due to a low budget, it's often that what you can hear is what you can see making all the sound diegetic. Again, the viewer understands the nature of the film because of this aspect; unlike Hollywood films there is no soundtrack to please the audience and this adds to the grittiness.

Alongside this, wider social issues are explored via emotional and dramatic stories of individuals lives. This gives the social realist films its plot, we often see the protagonist in a struggling attempt to pursue a passion; this is exampled in Fish Tank the character of Mia is trying to become a dancer to fulfil her dream.

Social Realist films often don't star big Hollywood actors either and therefore the characters are often played by non-professional people who aren't well-known. However, Slumdog Millionaire stars Dev Patal who has become a well-known actor of his time and this film was also directed by Danny Boyle- one of the leading directors of all time.

- Lauren Abbott