Billy Elliot Discovery Essay

ESL HSC Task 1 discovery essay
The human urge to discover one self and the truth about one’s life can lead to liberation in some cases, and to entrapment in others. The process of discovery is often painful even if the eventual outcome is positive. This concept can be seen in Stephen Daldry’s 2000 film Billy Elliot and Alice Munro’s 2006 short story Gravel. In the film Billy Elliot, the responder is able to experience Billy’s difficult identity seeking journey through the use of cinematography that aligns them with the eponym. Similarly, this concept of discovery being difficult can be seen in Gravel, as the persona fails in her attempt to relinquish the guilt associated with her sister’s tragic death. Daldry’s film explores Billy’s freedom as a result of his painful journey, however, Munro’s story conveys a continued sense of entrapment as the discovery process has no resolution.

The painful process of self-discovery can often result in freedom as a positive outcome despite the things that an individual must relinquish. In the scene “The Chance to Dance” Ms Wilkinson confronts Billy’s family about their refusal to allow Billy to dance. The responder is able to see that Billy is torn between the two sides. The constant change of direction used through Point of view shots from his teacher to his father and brother demonstrates the juxtaposing ideas of two parties. Ms Wilkinson suggests that he should chase his dream: “He won’t grow to race whippets, grow leeks or piss his wage up the wall” however, Billy’s family feel that he should be following the family’s mining tradition, instead of being over ambitious: “you are not taking him away, he is just eleven” The shifting Point of view shot coupled with the raised dialogues, swearing and high tension in the scene demonstrate the painful nature of Billy’s position. However, as the scene progresses the responder is able to see that Billy has understood that he is unable to achieve his goals without giving up any of...