Analyzing Realism In British Cinema Through The Representations Of Working Class: focusing work of Mike Leigh

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This research explains the concept of realism and how social realism is connected with the British Cinema. Furthermore, it covers the concept fo social realism being adopted by British Cinema. Realism in British Cinema is depicted through true representation of working class, which explains how the society is running in Britain and how it treats the working class in real. The research, through the work produced by mike Leigh, has identified how the British Cinema has been displaying social realism in their movies. Social Realism is observed as the movies of mike Leigh shows how the working class has been living and maintaining their identity.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Research1

Research Aim and Objectives1

Research Questions2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Realism in British Arts3

Realism in British Films4

Social Realism in British Cinema7

Mike Leigh9

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY11

Research Methodology11

Research Approach11

Data Collection Procedure12

Search Technique12

Literature Search13

Ethical Considerations14

Limitations of Research15

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS16

Social Realism in British Cinema16

Realism and Representation of Working through the Works of mike Leigh17

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION22

REFERENCES24

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Research

For better, the history of British cinema has been a history of realism. Directors of British films, who have been winning international acclamation, tend to be die-hard ad their work can carry the proud tag-line of Hollywood: “Torn from today's headlines” (Street, 2009, 156). The success of British films has been the depiction of realism and representation of working class in films made by British Directors. Social realism has truly contributed towards the achievements of British cinema, having renowned directors like Mike Leigh, Ken Loach, Stephen Frears and Michael Apted (Street, 2000, 59). Social realism has been very influential for the British modern cinema. Social realism in movies is a representation of real life, depicting all the difficulties and challenges faced by normal human beings. The people and stories portrayed in the movies are based on everyday characters, generally people having background of working class. Films and movies within the norms of realism are usually rough, urban dramas showing the struggles to the survival from daily grinds (Higson, 2000, 150).

This research covers the realism and representation of working class in British cinema. It will discuss how British cinema depicts a realistic lifestyle through the movies and films. The cinematographers, filmmakers and directors present the problems and struggles faced by the working class in their daily life.

Research Aim and Objectives

The main of the research is to analyze the realism in British cinema through the representation of working class in the movies presented ...