Social, Historical and Political context/Auteur - How are social, historical and political themes explored in the films of Shane Meadows?
'This Is England'
- Set in the Summer of 1983.
- Skinhead, Mod and new romantic sub-cultures for the youth: Displayed by Woody, Milky, Smell ect.
- Thatcher's Britain: Rise in unemployment, mentioned by Combo
- Meadows based the events on his childhood and upbringing.
- Nationalist movement: National Front, English Nationalism: Expressed by Combo.
- Reagge/Ska and other 80's aritist included in soundtrack, referencing the skinhead cultures and music released at the time.
- http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480025/soundtrack Complete soundtrack listing.
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2007/apr/21/culture.features Director Shane Meadows reflecting on growing up in the 1980's.
'Somers Town'
- Based on the social activity in the Somers Town area of London.
- St. Pancras railway being re-developed, Marek's farther finds work with this.
- http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article4469780.ece Times Online feature, with Meadows sharing his concerns while filming and actors Perry Benson and Thomas Turgoose giving their thoughts on their characters and the location of Somers Town.
- http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/aug/22/drama.somerstown Review from The Gaurdian around the release of the film.
'Once Upon A Time in the Midlands'
- Western Romantic references made, along with traditional Western music, but in a British setting (East Midlands).
- Stereo-typical British features including the bingo hall for entertainment, a 'Bagbie-esque Scottish psycho' (Robert Carlyle) a cocky, insult firing Cockney (Kathy Burke) and Rhys Ifans working in a garage, referencing the high number of motoring jobs in the Midlands.
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2002/08/21/once_upon_a_time_in_the_midlands_2002_review.shtml
Short interview with Meadows around the release of the film.
- "Given that Midlands is, like its predecessors, populated by losers, low-lives and semi-detached dreamers, one wonders whether Meadows isn't in danger of making the same film over and over again, a feeling not helped by the appearance of a knockabout fight scene recycled from an early short, ' Where's the Money Ronnie?' In fact, Midlands marks a clear shift onwards from the claustrophobic 'TwentyFourSeven' and the dark-hued 'Romeo Brass' into more colourful, comedic territory."
Extract from an interview with meadows about the film, taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2002/aug/25/features.review
This will work well.
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