Billy Eliot - Gender Roles

 

 https://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-a-Movie

 

Here are 10 study questions for Billy Elliot that cover themes, characters, and plot points:

1. Character Development: How does Billy’s relationship with his father change throughout the film? What events contribute to this evolution?

2. Themes of Identity: In what ways does Billy struggle with his identity, and how does ballet serve as a means of self-expression for him?

3. Socioeconomic Context: How does the backdrop of the miners' strike influence the characters and events in the film?

4. Gender Roles: How does Billy Elliot challenge traditional notions of masculinity? Provide specific examples from the film.

5. Influence of Mentorship: Discuss the role of Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy’s journey. How does she help him pursue his dreams?

6. Family Dynamics: Analyze the impact of Billy’s mother’s absence on his life and aspirations. How does her memory shape his decisions?

7. Symbolism: What is the significance of the dance sequences in the film? How do they reflect Billy’s internal struggles and aspirations?

8. Conflict: Identify the main conflicts in the story. How do these conflicts drive the narrative forward?

9. Cultural Representation: How does the film depict the working-class culture of Northern England in the 1980s? What insights does it offer into the struggles of that time?

10. Resolution and Growth: In the end, what does Billy learn about himself and his dreams? How does his journey reflect broader themes of perseverance and self-acceptance?

These questions should help facilitate discussion and deeper understanding of the film's core messages and characters.

 

Imagine the following situation: Movie Night at University

 

Individual Long Turn                                                                                                4-5 min

 

You study at the University of Natural Resources and Life Science, Vienna (BOKU) and you organise a movie night because you want to get to know other students. For your international colleagues you introduce the film before you show it.

 

• Make a short introduction to lead in the movie
• Give reasons why it is worth watching/ discussing it
• Try to give a short interpretation of this famous movie

 

Paired Activity                                                                                                           8-10 min.

After the film you take some drinks with your colleagues. There you converse about:

• several aspects of the movie, like conformism vs. individualism; etc.
• gender roles in Austria and discrimination against certain groups
• discrimination because of sexual orientation,
• chances and risks of migration to Austria
• the concept of Carpe Diem/ to seize the day