ENGLISH STANDARD: MODULE C

Into the World: Billy Elliot – Director Interview

Interviewer: Thanks for coming to speak with us for today, Stephen. Now let me begin by asking you what was the main purpose behind the making of Billy Elliot?

Stephen Daldry: Well for me, Billy Elliot is intended to capture the world of struggle and confusion individuals go through as part of their growing up process and transitioning into the world. I’m sure many of you would agree that Billy’s character had immense pressure laid upon him whether it stemmed from external influences such as the miner’s strike and the burden of social expectations or internal influences ranging from Billy’s familial relationships to his cognitive development process.

Interviewer: Now I understand that the film was set in the context of the miner’s strike as a backdrop in which Billy matures into an adult. Is there any particular reason for this?

S.D.: Oh absolutely. The miner’s strike serves its purpose very well in that it amplifies the external pressure laid upon Billy creating a very tense and violent atmosphere and further acts as an extended metaphor for the harsh reality of the world. In addition to that, the theme of violence juxtaposes the world of brutality Billy currently resides in as opposed to the world of glamour and dancing he desires to enter.

Interviewer: Can you give an example of a scene that shows this idea?

S.D.: Sure, a dramatic scene that demonstrates this so well is when Billy witnesses the police chasing his brother which subsequently resulted in a brutal arrest. The hyperbole of violence is brought to the foreground by the use of the slow motion film technique capturing Billy’s reaction of disappointment and despondency. This is one of the driving factors that have compelled Billy to seek a new world to enter.

Interviewer: Now I understand that you’ve come to read the novel ‘Looking for Alibrandi’, written by Melina Marchetta, as you were preparing to direct Billy Elliot. Do you believe both pieces are similar in a sense?

S.D.: Most certainly do. Although both pieces are set in a different context and setting, I still believe Billy’s character shares many similarities with the protagonist Josephine Alibrandi in that they are both caught between two contrasting worlds. Josephine is seemingly discontent with her lack of social status which has impelled her to seek a new world. This however was not a smooth transition; rather it was one that entailed a matrix of obstacles ranging from social expectations to stereotypical preconceptions that she had to overcome. Josephine’s desire to transition into a new world was most evident through the use of first person narrative in the line: “the world of sleek haircuts and upper-class privileges. / A world where I can be accepted.” Like Josephine, Billy too is caught between two worlds that are arguably on the opposite side of the scale. Billy is forced to challenge the social expectations of what a man should do before he wins the rite of passage of transitioning into a world of his choice; the world of ballet. This was reinforced through the use of dialogue where Jackie stresses: “Lads do boxing and wrestling. Not bloody ballet.”

Interviewer: Relationships as a theme were also explored in both texts. What are some of the parallels both texts share in that area?

S.D.: In the case of ‘Looking for Alibrandi’, the author had placed great emphasis on familial relationships and their role in formulating a transition into the world. One of the hurdles Josephine faces is her father’s absence to help her through such a phase in her life which is similar to Billy’s lack of fatherly support. It is only when Josephine experiences the satisfaction of walking alongside her father that she realises the significance of developing a positive relationship with him. If I recall correctly, this was revealed in the line “I walked past my classmates with Michael Andretti beside me and for a few minutes I knew how it felt walking alongside one’s father. It was a great feeling”. This was conveyed effectively through the reflection of first person context allowing a profound view of the character’s emotions as she transitions into the world.

Interviewer: What about Billy’s relationship with his father?

S.D.: As a young character Billy is largely influenced by the relationships he had nurtured or even destroyed in the case of Debbie. Billy’s relationship with his father was an interesting one because it didn’t start at all favourable due to the father’s stereotypical preconceptions of ballet dancers. Initially, Billy’s transition into a new world was marked by the lack of motherly support for obvious reasons. Billy also receives much criticism from his father for participating in a less than macho sport. Their relationship however, is marked by a key transformation triggered when Billy dances defiantly before his father in the gym. This scene is highlighted through the use of the follow shot technique which trails Billy as he executes the dance sequence. This is essentially a turning point for Billy as it provides him with the support he greatly needed for a smoother transition into the world.

Interviewer: Billy is not the only character that enters a new world now, is he?

S.D.: No he is not. In fact, Mrs Wilkinson’s character also undergoes a significant mental and psychological change although she doesn’t transition in a geographical sense. Her transition was best explored through her interactions and relationship with Billy. Billy’s lack of motherly and fatherly support is what differentiated Mrs Wilkinson’s Catalyst Character the most. She had essentially fulfilled her timeworn desire to transition into the world of ballet dancing by assisting Billy to do so on her behalf. In doing so, she had straddled both gender roles by offering a confused Billy at times with a tough somewhat unfeminine figure and at other times with a more affectionate maternal figure. This is evident in her choice of costumes at different occasions, depending on whether she’s at home or at the gym coaching Billy. This type of relationship had stirred up confusion within Billy although it advantaged him the most by providing him with greatly needed support as he metamorphoses into a new world. Billy’s confusion towards the motives of Mrs Wilkinson as he ventures into a new world can be seen in his dialogue with her: “Miss, you don’t fancy me, do you? / No Billy. Funnily enough, I don’t”.

Interviewer: I agree with you. Now, the movie appeared to also assume a musical theme throughout which seemed to have a great effect on the story, giving Billy’s transition greater meaning. Tell me about it.

S.D.: Indeed it has. Music was the most critical aspect of the movie highlighting the ups and downs of Billy’s journey. It simply needed to be perfect, and I believe this was achieved. The mainly rock and punk rock numbers as well as the occasional softer music genre in the sound track is so to juxtapose the two worlds Billy is torn between by projecting contrasting genres of music. For instance, the opening sequence of the record ‘Cosmic Dancer’ by T-Rex; a rather soft track, foreshadows the positive impact music will have in developing Billy’s character.

Interviewer: That’s true. Besides, the most memorable scene in the movie code-named ‘The Angry Dance’ was also marked by a hit, Jam’s ‘A Town Called Malice’.

S.D.: That was also one of my favourite scenes. It was during a critical phase in the transformation of Billy’s character. Billy unleashes his frustration in quite an artistic form as a timeout from an obstructive environment. The music in it captures the urgency of resistance and the upheaval of struggle as a hurdle that must be overcome as Billy ventures into a new world. Images of Billy dancing inside the wall of an outdoor toilet is by extension a metaphor for his confinement and the restrictions imposed upon him. As he continues to dance uphill with the open sea and horizon behind him an atmosphere of optimism unravels whilst he ascents to dancing greatness. The scene abruptly comes to an end as he crashes into the barrier of rusted galvanise, symbolic for the harsh reality of financial and cultural limitations. All these suggest the different aspects of Billy’s struggle as he comes to self-assertion and self-realisation.

Interviewer: Melina Marchetta had also done a great job in incorporating a theme of impeding trials that individuals stumble upon as part of the process of entering a new world. Do you think these encounters were similar to that of Billy’s?

S.D.: Yes, definitely. Josephine had to navigate through a number of obstacles mainly revolving around cultural differences. The cultural identity and expectations of Josephine had significantly influenced her decision making and as a consequence restricted her actions and conventions. This is similar to Billy’s character in that his desire to pursue a career in dancing was considered less than customary due to cultural limitations as mentioned previously and as such had formed a hurdle that he had to overcome in order to venture into a world of his choice. Josephine acknowledges this factor although she strictly adheres to the unwritten rules that her culture imposes upon her in order to avoid disgracing her family and herself. This however was deemed incompatible with the world she longs to enter and therefore deprived her of the satisfaction of associating with it. If my memory serves me well, this was most evident in the line “You live with such freedom Jacob. You live without religion and culture. All you have to do is abide by the law.” The author’s use of first person narration had offered an intimate view of Josephine’s cognitive process and further allowed the reader to relate to her character which is what made the novel so successful. This is similar to Billy Elliot in that the movie follows one main character (being Billy) through the use of camera techniques capturing his cognitive development process effectively.

Interviewer: I’m afraid time is upon us. Any final words that you’d like to add?

S.D.: Well, Billy Elliot’s transition was on a rather bumpy road with a number of obstacles that he had to navigate through which is expected. The difficulties he had encountered had only added to an increased understanding of his surroundings and furthermore of his self, contributing to a more distinguished and meaningful entry into a new world. Thanks for having me and have a good day.