EXPLORING THE CONCEPT OF INTO THE WORLD WITHIN BILLY ELLIOT

Introductory Phase
(Opening sequence)
Transition
(Billys group lessons)
Evidence of Successful Movement
Into The World
(Closing scene)
Billys potential to be a dancer his freedom of
movement/expression and accompanying joy as
showcased in the opening credits. Potential as
yet unharnessed - > jumping into shot as camera
remains static. Film speed (slow motion) to
capture the feeling of Billy being in the
moment. Extreme close ups on various body
parts, but especially on Billys feet (establishment
of a motif that is sustained throughout the film.)
- Editing to create a montage of Billy preparing to pirouette -> mastery of
skill. Close up on Billys face -> highlights concentration, focus and
determination. Repetition of Mrs Wilkinsons instruction: Prepare.
- Billy uses dance as a means of expression when overcome by emotion
and/or the situation prevents him from speaking consider esp. Mrs
Wilkinsons visit to the Elliot home when Billy has missed the audition in
Newcastle. Low angle shot as Tony places Billy up on table->camera tracking,
POV and close-up as Billy looks at each of the people around the table ->
highlights his lack of power in this situation -> metaphorical dance through
which Billy rebel s against his feelings of entrapment and helplessness.
Mirroring of some of the shots from opening
sequence esp. extreme close-ups on feet.
Undershot to highlight Billys prowess and power
as a ballet dancer. Lighting spotlight to signify
Billys prominence. Camera movement to
accommodate Billys actions (tracking as he
moves towards stage). Film speed (slow motion)
and sustain, plus fade, to leave viewers with a
lasting impression of Billys accomplishment.
Billy is faced with many adversities/barriers:
low socio-economic conditions; miners strike
and its impact; violent home situation; lack of
mother; responsibility for his dementia-affected
grandmother; gender stereotyping ; initial family
refusal to support him in his ambitions to become
a dancer.
The film systematically shows Billy fighting against the elements/situations
that constrain him:
-continuing with ballet lessons against his fathers explicit instructions.
-secret lessons with Mrs Wilkinson in order to prepare for the audition.
-Billy dancing whenever/wherever possible.
-teaching Michael how to dance and then, when this is discovered, dancing
defiantly in front of Jackie.

Jackie relenting and recognising that Billy could be a genius for all we
know-> taking Billy to the audition and finding the money to ensure his
application to the Royal Ballet School in London.
Tony and Jackie in audience for Billys
performance/ Michael and partner also present
mid-shot to present relationships of those
instrumental to Billys success. Close-ups on
Jackie and Michael to capture their reactions of
awe and pride as Billy performs in Matt Bournes
production of Swan Lake. The entire final
sequence highlights Billys successful transition
into the world and that he is now an
accomplished and respected ballet dancer.
Billys world is closed and narrow > reflected in
the mise-en-scene of the film. (Cramped living
conditions of the Elliot home, esp. kitchen in
opening sequence; narrow laneways and housing
commission of the mining town of Everington.)
Tight framing further accentuates this
claustrophobic feeling.
Through dance, Billys world begins to broaden -> sea and sky (on horizon
and in background) become visual metaphors of Billys world opening up.
Audition scene -> wide angles, space and broader framing further
accentuate this notion of the constraints being lifted. Symbolism of
doorways indicates that Billy is on the thresh-hold of entering a new phase
of his life.
Billy leaping onto the stage, and around the
performance space, reminiscent of the opening
where he is jumping on his bed, captures the
freedom that he now experiences.