Billy Elliot: Overview The opening frame establishes Durham, 1984 as an impoverished coal mining town where drastic economic reform measures have resulted in a dispute between the government (Margaret Thatcher) and mining unions. This is ushered in a wave of protracted confrontation between the two. Daldry interweaves the community plagued by entrenched cultural attributes of sexism, alcoholism and violence.

Setting: The death of Billys mother rocks the family in different fashions. Their grief is not sentimental, however, it is indicated by fleeting images of photographs, gravestones, hallucinations and a sobbing father in front of a Christmas fire that incinerates the shattered remnants of her piano. Conducive to this, Billy is left to care for his senile and doddering grandmother who he reveres. She frequently muses that she could have been a professional dancer and this recurring motif of missed opportunity reinforces Billys chance to realise his dreams. Dance becomes a symbol of endurance and perseverance.

Gender conflict: Male parochialism is prominent in regard to upholding socially endorsed gender expectations stringently. Billys passion of dance is grossly inconsistent with Durhams coal mining community where rigid gender roles restrict the society. Durham is a patriarchal community where gender roles are firmly entrenched. Sexuality is explored extensively Masculinity becomes a constituent of Jackie Elliots personal identity crisis as he struggles to adapt to rapid social reform.

Characterisation: Billy The impetus for Billys fortuitous love for ballet is spurred by his observation of the ballet class following his disinterested display of boxing. His natural rhythm, focus and energy soon highlight him from the others. He earns the responders admiration by attempting to cope with social expectations as well with pressures of life. Billys relationship with Mrs. Wilkinson (dance instructor) is at times tumultuous, however, she is rejuvenated by her relationship with Billy, for in playing a pivotal role in his life, she has rediscovered an obsolete part of herself. Jackie Elliot: Billys father undergoes substantial transformation and growth He is perceived by the audience to be insolent and callous, however, as the film progresses his attitude towards Billys ambitions becomes his solace. Both sons Tony and Billy espouse a domineering parental relationship with their father as they are involved in several confronting altercations.

Mrs Wilkinson: She is portrayed as sardonic and domineering, but her blunt honesty is what Billy discovers to be his sense of direction and hope. Her intentions are merely altruistic in facilitating Billys passion for ballet; she experiences a self-discovery and is rejuvenated by the momentous euphoria.

Tony: Tony is a belligerent, aggressive and insensitive character for the majority of the film. However, this is contrasted as viewers realise his bravado is a faade and conceals a more compassionate and empathetic character or personality. Themes that are prevalent in this film: Ambition Determination and perseverance are qualities that are embedded and demonstrated by Billy. It represents the maxim or dictum of the film. Albeit Billy suffers immense grief, poverty and isolation, these difficulties are surmounted by the redemptive power of family unity. In portraying these experiences, Daldry depicts the changing filial relationship between father and son at different srages of the film. How individualism is articulated through identity Extent of sacrifice The stereotypical issues and concerns associated with masculinity