Common Module Billy Elliot – Thesis/Introduction Ideas

Resource Description

Thesis: Texts & Human Experiences 

The representation of the human experience has allowed composers to: 

Inviting the responder to: 

• Challenge assumptions 
• Ignite new ideas 
• Reflect personally 
• Compel the audience to see the world differently 

Rubric Specific 

1. Individual and Collective Human Experiences

The complexity of the human condition challenges the audience to recognise the convoluted and intertwined relationship between collective and individual experience, thus elaborating on the fragility of individual actions in the face of the collective and vice versa. Stephen Daldry’s bildungsroman film Billy Elliot asserts this notion as it explores the paradoxical nature of human motivations that can emanate from the principles of collective identity which cause one to recognise the importance of expressing individuality. 

2. Human qualities, and emotions associated with or arising from collective/individual human experiences (E.g. Commitment)

Composers utilise their medium to allow the audience to gain new insight into the way in which defiance is inherent when one faces obstacles, especially when these obstacles clash with our personal ideals. Stephen Daldry’s bildungsroman film “Billy Elliot” set in a Thatcherist world asserts this notion as it explores the human experience of consolidating one’s truth through the anomalous protagonist Billy’s desire to assert his identity as a ballet dancer showcasing the power of commitment and defiance when challenging authority in order to succeed within a hypermasculine society.