Second Film Opening Analysis

I have chosen to analyse the opening sequence of British socialist drama 'This is England' written and directed by Shane Meadows. The film looks at the joining of two races from the typical white British skinheads to the world of Asian and black culture. The narrative is set around the time of the British national front party who were believed to be a racist group during the 70's and 80's.

The opening sequence begins with British Prime minister Margaret Thatcher driving a truck whilst wearing a safety helmet trying to being a working class women of the British nation.

The opening holds many recognisable British historical events such as the marriage of Prince Charles and Diana and scenes of the Falklands war. It also shows a clip of British music show Top of the Pops which is an icon of British music. This is mise-en-scene which is typical to the genre, a British socialist drama. Other memorable icon images of Britain are used such as vandalised council estates and games such as the rubiks cube.

The non diegetic ska/reggae soundtrack contrasts with the fact that it is a British socialist drama and at this time there was a conflict between typical Brits and legal immigrants, this is shown in the opening of the film as an Asian family's house window has been bricked which reflects the racial issues during this time.

When it comes to camera work long shots are used. No fast, flashing images like in Hollywood films are used as this is made by a lower budget production company and they are trying to get the events to be portrayed realistically as if the audience were actually there when the events were happening. This allows the audience to have a greater connection and understanding of the film.

The character used in the opening are selected well such as Margaret Thatcher, British Prime minister wearing her navy blue dress suit, manly Brits wearing their Doc Martins and Ben Sherman shirts and fighting troops in their war gear.

Shane Meadows here has successfully created a memorable British socialist drama using iconic footage and images that makes Britain a memorable place today.


Link: to 'This is England' Opening scene
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqzFuJbGY2o