The human experience involves inconsistencies in human behavior and motivation, encompassing a wide range of concepts about struggling through adversity and finding an identity as individuals and as collective society. This allows interviewees to explore the world differently, challenge assumptions, spark new ideas or even have personal reflection. Stephen Daldry creates meaning through these concepts of human experience through his exploration of metaphysical challenges and their impact on human existence in his debut film, Billy Elliot, which recreates the holistic experience of a historical event in the north of England from 1984, "The Miners' Strike". . The film uses cinematic conventions to depict a personal experience that challenges the social and cultural assumptions behind traditional gender roles and the transition from adolescence to adulthood, conveying the value of human experiences through the concept of the Bildungsroman. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Adversity is an obstacle that comes with the progression of an individual's life, and when overcome, will help the individual develop a better understanding of themselves and desire for the world around them. In Billy's journey to become a dancer, Billy defies and challenges the discrimination of the stereotypical gender roles and expectations of his family and working-class society. This challenge is presented in the scene where Billy dances to the song called "Town Called Malice". A quick shot captures the reactions of the two supporting characters, Tony and Jackie, and depicts their disgust and shock as they discover Billy is learning to dance in private. In contrast, a close-up of Billy's facial expression is the exact opposite: it is one of joy and delight. Visual techniques using a fast shot and close-up capture the facial expressions of characters, displaying their inner emotions and feelings on a physical medium for the audience to see. Furthermore, the contrast that is created between the characters demonstrates the state of conflict that Billy experiences between wanting to pursue his passion for dance but not conforming to the expectations of others. This also highlights the human experience of inconsistencies in human behavior helping viewers have a personal reflection on what they might be like once in Billy's position. However, with perseverance and enthusiasm, Billy challenges society's expectations and rebels against the male stereotype by pursuing his passion. for ballet. This is demonstrated in the final scene where he prepares to perform on stage. The use of an extreme close-up of Billy's face depicts his anxiety which is further emphasized by his heavy breathing and shaking legs as he is finally able to perform for his father with his loving support. Additionally, when Billy enters the scene for his final leap, soft lighting, slow motion, and non-diegetic music are used. The slow pace and harsh sound of the orchestra in the classic piece, “Swan Lake,” creates suspense as the slow-motion, low-angle shot of Billy skilfully leaping depicts his ability to finally overcome his adversity. This act highlights Billy's sense of liberation and final moment of triumph when he overcame his adversity. It also reveals Billy's personal growth and transformation as he emerged into a rebellious and confident individual despite finding himself in the midst of family difficulties and a disrupted society caused by the miners' strike. Billy's personal transformation through opposition exemplifies the adverse aspectof human experience on an individual level when he encountered, experienced and overcame an obstacle that life had thrown at him. Furthermore, Daldry describes the struggle against adversity as a collective experience highlighted by the 1984 miners' strike in the north of England. It reflects the event in which Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher announced the closure of the Cortonwood colliery in Yorkshire, resulting in the loss of 20,000 jobs. This sparks protests and can be seen in the picket line scene, where Daldry uses the high angle shot to capture the anger and irritation of the miners shouting “Scabs! Scab!". The effect of diegetic sound and camera pans helps the audience to have an overview of the strike and the atmosphere of frustration and indignation that the crowd of miners feel towards their government. However, Daldry deals with the concept of struggling against adversity and how to completely overcome it in Billy Elliot as an individual and collective human experience that many can follow The search for identity is a personal human experience that is often found when an individual finds those he or she feels to have. can relate, connect and belong. is introduced through Billy's best friend, Michael, who encounters the barriers created by discovering his sexual identity strict, narrow-minded community with extremely clear and distinct gender roles It is living within this community that prevents Michael from learning and exploring his sexuality, which in turn hinders his ability to truly understand his place. in society. This is made evident in the scene where Michael disguises himself in the safety of his home. As Michael opens the door for Billy, the camera does not move, exemplifying the stern and stagnant community that is reluctant to change. Thus, this prevents Michael from expressing himself as he fears strong reactions from the aggressive male-dominated community. This is further emphasized through a medium shot of Billy looking around cautiously before entering to make sure no one has seen them as he knows society would not approve of what they are doing: "What are you doing?!" Billy stated. Through the absence of lighting in the room, both Michael and Billy's transition through their isolation from society to discovering Michael's sexuality is highlighted. It is clearly evident that the dress fits him perfectly, which reveals his sexual awakening and proves the fact that he truly belongs in this dress and that he should accept and embrace his new identity. Another defining identity journey occurs through Michael's determination to express himself freely, overcome social pressures and the conformity of defined gender roles. This is evident in the final scene when she attends Billy's ballet performance. The use of a medium shot highlights Michael's contentment and blue eyes, which symbolize that he is finally at peace with himself as he can dress and wear makeup freely, ignoring the opinions and judgment of others. When he says "Hey, it's me, Michael" it symbolizes how he is free to express himself towards Tony when they get together. The shot also emphasizes his interaction with another man, conveying that he has discovered his sexuality and is no longer afraid to hide it, ironically with the background music of "Swan Lake", which emphasizes how he is transitioning to his individual identity discovered. From this, it is evident that Michael's determination and courage through proceeding with an individual experience allowed him to transcend stereotyped boundaries and overcome.
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