Rubric Lingo
This term refers to an experience shared by a whole group or community, like the Miners' Strike.
What is a Collective Experience?
This type of shot is used to show a character's facial expression and emotion in detail.
What is a Close-up?
He is the protagonist who discovers a passion for dance.
Who is Billy Elliot?
The film challenges the idea that "boys don't cry" or "boys fight." This theme is known as...
What are Gender Stereotypes (or Masculinity)?
The opening scene shows Billy doing this on his bed, establishing the motif of movement.
What is Jumping?
"Lads do football... or boxing... or wrestling. Not friggin' ballet."
Who is Jackie Elliot?
This term describes a person or event that stands out as weird, irregular, or different from the norm (e.g., a miner's son doing ballet).
What is an Anomaly?
This technique involves sound that the characters in the film can hear (e.g., the record player, the tapping).
What is Diegetic Sound?
This character represents traditional masculinity and initially opposes Billy's dancing.
Who is Jackie Elliot (The Father)?
The strike highlights the struggle between the working class and the government. This is the theme of...
What is Class Struggle (or Poverty)?
In the "Town Called Malice" scene, Billy dances aggressively to release his frustration. This is often called...
What is the Angry Dance?
"I don't want a childhood. I want to be a ballet dancer."
Who is Billy?
**Daily Double**
This term describes a statement or situation that seems contradictory but reveals a deeper truth (e.g., Jackie crossing the picket line to save his son, betraying the union to support his family).
What is a Paradox?
The recurring images of Gloves and Ballet Shoes are examples of this technique.
What is a Symbol (or Motif)?
She is the mentor figure who provides Billy with an escape from his domestic life.
Who is Mrs. Wilkinson?
Billy's dancing allows him to escape his grim reality. This explores the human experience of...
What is Self-Expression (or Escapism)?
When Jackie chops up the piano for firewood, it symbolizes the sacrifice of...
What is Art/Mother's Memory for Survival?
**Daily Double**
"Go on. I dare ya."
(Encouraging Billy to dance).
Who is Mrs. Wilkinson?
This term refers to human behaviors that change or don't stay the same, such as Jackie’s shifting attitude toward the arts.
What is an Inconsistency?
This editing technique cuts back and forth between two scenes (e.g., Billy dancing vs. Miners clashing) to show contrast.
What is Cross-cutting (or Parallel Editing)?
Billy’s best friend who explores his own identity by cross-dressing.
Who is Michael?
The family dealing with the loss of the mother highlights this emotional human experience.
What is Grief (or Loss)?
The scene where Billy and Michael dance in the gym in tutus challenges...
What are Gender Norms?
"It's for Billy."
(When crossing the picket line).
Who is Jackie Elliot?
The module asks you to consider how texts invite you to "see the world" in this way.
What is Differently?
In the "Angry Dance," the camera is placed at a low angle looking up at the riot police. What does this emphasize?
What is Power/Authority/Intimidation?
**Daily Double**
This character is Billy's brother, whose anger creates conflict within the family.
Who is Tony?
The conflict between what Billy wants to do and what his town expects him to do is a clash between...
What is Individual vs. Collective identity?
**Daily Double**
The visual contrast of the "Cage" scene shows Jackie and Tony on opposite sides of a fence. This represents...
What is Ideological Division (or Separation)?
"Just because I like ballet doesn't mean I'm a poof, you know."
Who is Billy?
The rubric requires you to analyse how language forms and features shape this.
What is Meaning?
**Daily Double**
This term refers to the arrangement of everything within the frame (walls, wallpaper, furniture) often used to show Billy feeling "boxed in."
What is Mise-en-scène?
She suffers from dementia but provides a link to the family's artistic past.
Who is Grandma?
The film suggests that this quality is necessary to overcome adversity.
What is Resilience?
The shot of the bus leaving Everington shows Billy looking out the window while his family stays behind. This represents a transition from...
What is Childhood to Adulthood (or Local to Global)?
"I sort of disappear. Like there's a fire in my whole body. I'm just there... flyin' like a bird. Like electricity."
What is Billy describing the sensation of dancing?
This phrase from the rubric refers to the potential for texts to ignite new ideas or urge us to reflect personally.
What is "To Challenge Assumptions"?
The use of the song "London Calling" by The Clash during the riot scene highlights this type of mood or atmosphere.
What is Rebellion/Political Unrest?
The specific moment Jackie’s character arc shifts from opposition to support occurs when he sees Billy do this.
What is Dance for him in the boxing hall?
The ending suggests that success requires sacrifice. Who makes the biggest sacrifice for Billy?
Who is The Community/His Father (The miners going back to work)?
The final freeze-frame of Billy as the Swan represents his ultimate...
What is Self-Actualisation (or Transcendence)?
"You're a disgrace to them gloves, your father, and the traditions of this boxing hall."
Who is the Boxing Coach?