Billy Elliott
What is the name of Billy's best friend in the film?
Michael
Identify one visual technique you could use to analysis the purpose of an image.
Identify an example of a human experience in Billy Elliot?
Correct responses could include: pursuit of dreams, resilience, loss, grief, identity exploration, family dynamics, friendship, coping with adversity etc.
What is the purpose of a close up shot?
Close-up shots are used to show detail and convey the emotions of characters.
What is the only country that is also a continent?
Australia
Describe the setting of the film Billy Elliot?
The film is set in a coal mining town in Northern England during the 1984 miners' strike.
How can colour influence the perception of a visual text?
Colour can evoke emotions and convey messages. For example, red can indicate passion or urgency, while blue might convey calmness or trust. The choice of colour can significantly affect how an audience perceives and responds to a visual text.
How does Billy's relationship with his father evolve throughout the film in response to their shared experiences?
Initially, Billy's father is resistant to Billy's passion for dance due to traditional views on masculinity. However, as the film progresses and he witnesses Billy's dedication and talent, their relationship evolves into one of understanding and support, culminating in a moment of acceptance.
What is the difference between diegetic and non-diegetic sound in "Billy Elliot," and how do these sound types enhance the film's storytelling?
Diegetic sound refers to sounds that originate from the world of the film, such as characters talking or the sound of dancing, while non-diegetic sound includes background music and narration that the characters cannot hear. In "Billy Elliot," diegetic sound enhances the realism of Billy's experience, while non-diegetic sound underscores emotional moments and highlights key themes.
Which iconic Australian band wrote the song "Highway to Hell"?
ACDC
Which character says ""Ballet is for girls, not lads, lads do boxing, football or wrestling, not friggin' ballet,"
Jackie Elliot, Billy's father.
What is meant by symbolism?
Symbols represent an object, action, idea or concept.
In what ways does Billy's working-class background influence his perception of pursuing a career in dance?
Billy's working-class background instils in him a sense of duty and loyalty to his family, making his pursuit of ballet feel like a conflict with societal expectations and the traditional roles assigned to men in his community.
What effect does the use of low-angle shots have on the perception of a character?
Low-angle shots make a character appear larger, more powerful, or more dominant, influencing how the audience perceives their strength or authority.
Solve this riddle: What gets wetter the more it dries?
A towel
How does Billy describe the way dancing makes him feel?
Correct answers include any of the following:
"like electricity"
"like fire in my body"
"like Im flying like a bird"
Explain vector lines
Vectors are lines that leads our eyes from one element to another. It is the line that our eyes take when looking at an image. Composers deliberately direct our reading path through the vectors. For example a tree lined road/path.
Discuss how the theme of financial trauma is represented in "Billy Elliot" and its effect on the characters' lives.
The financial trauma of the miners' strike and its impact on the family creates emotional turmoil, particularly for Billy's father, who struggles with loss and change. This trauma influences their dynamics and Billy's determination to find solace in dance as a means of coping.
What does the term "mise-en-scène" refer to in film?
Mise-en-scène refers to the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including setting, lighting, props, costumes, and the actors' performances.
What is the largest planet in the solar system?
Jupiter
What pivotal event occurs at the end of the film regarding Billy's future in dance, and how does it symbolize his journey?
At the end of the film, Billy auditions for the Royal Ballet School in London, which symbolizes his triumph over adversity, his commitment to his dream, and his rejection of societal and familial constraints regarding masculinity and career choices.
Define salience
Salience is the part that your eyes are first drawn to in an image. What elements stand out and attract the viewer’s attention. Colour, image and layout determine what the salient image is.
In what ways does the character of Mrs. Wilkinson represent the theme of mentorship in human experiences?
Mrs. Wilkinson serves as a mentor to Billy, providing guidance, encouragement, and belief in his talent. Her supportive role represents the positive impact that mentorship can have on an individual's journey, helping them to navigate challenges and pursue their goals.
Describe the mise-en-scène of the opening scene of Billy Elliot, including its impact/purpose.
In the opening scene of "Billy Elliot," the mise-en-scène establishes the film's tone and context, effectively setting up themes of class struggle, identity, and the conflict between personal dreams and societal expectations. The scene features Billy jumping on his bed, a long shot highlighting the unrealistically vast backdrop of his wallpaper, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. This contrasts with the overcrowded kitchen, a traditionally female space, which emphasizes the realities of Billy's working-class life and his responsibilities of caring for his Grandma.
What is the hardest natural substance on earth?
Diamond