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 lives. The film Billy Elliot composed by Stephen Daldry demonstrates
the journey of the eponymous character, Billy who attempts to challenge the socially non-
accepting and oppressive times which accompanied the Thatcher era of the miners 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 in the environment they are currently in. Billy Elliot is set in a
world during the financially stricken and economically weakened era of the miners 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 Billys failure: Youre a disgrace to them gloves, your father,
and the traditions of this boxing hall. Billy is willing to push and challenge the gender
barriers and expectations by exclaiming: I dont wanna do boxing, I wanna be a ballet
dancer! A close up of Billys 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 Billys family. Billys 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 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 shouldnt feel 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 Billys 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 Billys 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 Billys 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 theres 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
protagonists sheer determination is shown in 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 Billys talent. Knowing the world theyre 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 Billys
transitioning into a new world. Through this scene, the growth of Billy and Jacky has been
established despite their differences. Billys relationship with his father has also grown and
developed to one of acceptance, support and reconciliation. This clarity allows Jacky to
support Billys 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.