Thesis: as we grow up and move into a new phase of life, obstacles and challenges must be overcome.
In the life of an individual various obstacles and challenges must be conquered during the transitions of growing up and moving into a new world. When moving into the world, an individual may feel the need to venture into this new path and deviate from the customary path, which may lead to personal experiences and influences that have impacted the alternation of their their lives. The film “Billy Elliot” Elliot” composed composed by Stephen Daldry demonstrates the journey of the eponymous character, Billy who attempts to challenge the socially nonaccepting and oppressive times which accompanied the Thatcher era of the miner’s strike during 1984-85 to forge a life in the gender stereotyped world of ballet. Similarly, the poem “The Door” by Miroslav Holub explores aspects of taking risks and embracing the results of change despite the uncertainties when we open the door. Venturing into the world is the result of a need to break free from the old world where an individual feels restricted restricted in the environment they are currently in. ‘Billy Elliot’ is set in a world during the financially stricken and economically weakened era of the miner’s strike . The film is set in the fictional town of Everington where the social issues of poverty and class are highlighted. Billy lives in a world where gender stereotypes played a role in shaping societal boundaries of what is socially expected from a ‘male’. Daldry uses the masculine sport of ‘boxing’ to represent Billy’s failure: “You’re a disgrace to them gloves, y our father, and the traditions of this boxing hall.” Billy is willing to push and challenge the gender barriers and expectations expectations by exclaiming: “I don’t wanna do boxing, I wanna I wanna be a ballet dancer!” A close up of Billy’s face along with an uplifting use of lighting captures his passion and his secret longing to express it. Consequently, a ripple effect is caused due to his attempt to challenge society. This creates conflict within Billy’s family. Billy’s Billy’ s dad, Jacky shows his discontent when he yells: “Boys do boxing, football, wrestling, not bloody ballet!” the use of the explicit profanities mirror, as well as accentuate societies ferocity at Billy challenging the gender-based stereotypes which were clear and defined. Correspondingly, the poem, “The Door” by Holub, challenges the view that people are afraid of something new and unknown. Holub presents an alternative viewpoint: the door can be an agent of change. The poem p oem encourages risk taking and exploration along with the breaking down of barriers. The door can be seen as a dual metaphor for what restricts our thinking as well as a gateway for change. Holub uses the combination of repetition and imperative language illustrated in the first lines of each stanza “Go and open the door” which creates an emphatic tone that engages the reader to physically leave their comfort zone. Furthermore Holub emphasises that as an individual you shouldn’t feel restricted restricted but
should take a chance even if there is “absolutely nothing” it is the fact that an individual has attempted to take action; hence transitioning and moving on. Progression into the world is fraught with complications and consequences and equally rewards. It is evident that the amount of light and space increases representing the two worlds that Billy is stuck in between. In the ‘Chance to Dance’ scene, Mrs Wilkinson visits Billy and enters the house, with the prime symbol of the light in the kitchen window symbolising a bright positive path, but this is undermined by the barrier of Tony who obstructs the light; hence a barrier that stops Billy from transitioning into the world of dance. We see an aspect of gender conflict as Tony strongly disagrees with the idea of Billy becoming a ballet dancer describing it as being for “poofs”. The argument between Tony and Mrs Wilkinson adds to the tension through the fast paced camera action along with Billy who is caught in the middle. The argument is drowned out by the non-diegetic sounds of a “Town Called Malice” by The Jam which mirrors the rebellious nature of the working class as well as promoting Billy’s frustration. The scene transforms into a dancing sequence which not only allows Billy to release his emotions through dance but it also enhances the feeling of freedom he has while he dances. The narrow toilet represents the world Billy is trapped in along with dancing moves to show his desire to escape. The room is claustrophobic and constricting much like Billy’s world. To overcome this barrier, Billy eventually kicks the blue toilet door down suggesting that barriers can be transcended. The opportunity to move into a wider world is portrayed through the scene of Billy running up the hill in chiaroscuro lighting with the sea in the background. The obstacles are further emphasised when Billy reaches the iron fence; another motif of a barrier. The continuum of Billy’s eagerness to escape this collapsed world has many challenges and obstacles to overcome. The recurring motif of the door represents what restricts Billy but it also acts as a doorway for new prospects aided by his strong determination. In ‘The Door’, the same sense of hesitation and unpredictability arises when an individual decides to ‘open the door’; hence the repetition of the word “perhaps”. What lies beyond the door will perhaps be different for everyone and the poem offers different possibilities and results of change. The change may be subtle like “the hollow wind”, or unexpected like the “magic city”, or a new perspective through “the picture of a picture”. But all encompass the notion of change: that which may alter us, our world or give us a new perspective. The tone of the poem is optimistic and change is presented as a positive force. Even “if there’s a fog” when we open the door, we may face an obstacle and things at first lack clarity, the poem reassures the reader that “it will clear”. This positive perspective is reinforced in ‘Billy Elliot’ in the ‘Dance of Defiance’ scene the protagonist’s sheer determination is shown i n the tracking shot of Billy expressing himself freely through dance. When Jacky inadvertently witnesses this as evidenced by a shot of his expression, he has an epiphany realising Billy’s talent. Knowing the world they’re living in is
collapsing, the ‘fog clears’ and he realises that Billy has a chance for a brighter future. The barrier of gender conflict has been broken and a major step has been made in Billy’s transitioning into a new world. Through this scene, the growth of Billy and Jacky has been established despite their differences. Billy’s relationship with his father has also grown and developed to one of acceptance, support and reconciliation. This ‘clarity’ allows Jacky to support Billy’s growth and movement into the world. Both texts have effectively portrayed worlds where obstacles and challenges must be overcome by taking risks in order to take the step into new phases of life. ‘Billy Elliot’ and ‘The Door’ highlight the positive outcomes that result from determination and overcoming stereotypes and a collapsing environment to venture successfully into the world.
