In Billy Elliot, the director uses media techniques to introduce Billy’s character. The use of camera shots, mise-en-scene and the film’s cinematography in the film provide room for the director to illustrate the themes, plot and development of Billy’s story. These film techniques change along the way as a means of transforming the boy from what he is to what he has set out to be.
Cinematography
In the opening scenes, viewers are able to see Billy put a record onto the record player, after which he starts to play the song. The camera shot in the opening scene is close-up, presenting a view of the boy’s hands through a steady cam to suggest secrecy. After this, a medium close up view is used, with the camera in a still position again. This shows the boy as he jumps up and down probably from his bed, into and out of the frame. The shot taken as this happens is in slow motion, creating a more interesting appeal to the viewers. It also creates an atmosphere of happiness and excitement with a general feeling of lightheartedness and positivity. The bouncing off activity is stationary, providing a very interesting way of capturing the audience at the start of the movie. It is imperative to note that most of the scenery in the bedroom is out of focus, making the viewers to pay attention on the boy and the record player.
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Mise-en-scene
The directors provides a vivid illustration of the kitchen and the characters in the argument that takes place between Mrs. Wilkinson and Tony. The audience is able to see the pots on the cooker, paintwork chopped and worn, dishes clustered on the bench, clothes handing, mismatched bowls in the open cupboard and utilitarian utensils in clutters, garnishes and mismatched colors and patterns. The lighting here is naturalistic and dim as it filters through the kitchen window to illuminate the characters and the background. When it comes to the sound, there is silence in the kitchen at the start until Billy is thrust onto the table. The boogie music then starts to play as a means of generating the atmosphere of anger between Mrs. Wilkinson and Tony. This film technique is used in other parts of the film to present a surreal development of the story until Bill becomes a professional ballet dancer against all odds.
