Year 13 OCR Media Studies

Britishness and Film

Learning Objectives 1. To be able to analyse and discuss the representation of Britishness in film

Britishness?
In your group discuss the question you are given Make notes of key points raised in your discussion

Feedback to the rest of the class

Made in Dagenham (2010)

Film synopsis
Made in Dagenham stars Sally Hawkins as Rita OGrady who is the catalyst for the 1968 Ford Dagenham strike by women sewing machinists that led to the advent of the Equal Pay Act. Working in extremely impoverished conditions and for long arduous hours, the women at the Ford Dagenham plant finally lay down their tools when they are reclassified as unskilled.

Image Analysis
Depending on genre, British films may follow certain conventions of mise en scne, character types, situations, rituals, and icons. They may also present British social norms, values and institutions in a similar way. Arguably, it is these elements of British cinema that help to create an idea of what Britishness means, that is, if you believe Britishness exists?!
Task: Look at the questions provided, chose one to focus an essay on. You have 45 minutes to write it. You should show a plan for your essay.

BBC News 10.08.2005

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4137990.stm