How useful has an ideological critical approach been in analysing the films you have studied? Refer in detail to one or more sequences from each film. Autumn 2021 Plan: Introduction An ideological critical approach is often a highly insightful lens through which a film can be evaluated. In essence, considering ideological implications can enrich the meanings that are able to be extracted from a film’s thematic tapestry. Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) is a highly frenetic film showcasing the Edinburgh drug culture throughout the 1990s in a nonlinear fashion. The film moves at a blistering p ..read more

Explore how the narratives of the films you have studied influence your response to key characters. Sample Assessment Materials Plan: Introduction Both Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) and This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) are films that aptly demonstrate how narrative can be utilised in a variety of means to influence the audience’s response to key characters. Trainspotting employs a frenetic, nonlinear narrative that serves to immerse and engross the viewer within the hedonic world of the five main characters. Alongside this, the audience is also predominantly encouraged to empathise w ..read more

Overview The closing sequence of This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) serves as an epilogue, tying up loose ends and giving closure to the film’s characters. It also has a wider social commentary on nationalism and the effects it can have on working-class communities. The sequence includes montages of images depicting life in England, newsreel footage of the Falklands War, and the return of soldiers from the war. The final shot displays Shaun throwing a British flag into the water, symbolising his rejection of a nationalist ideology. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Nationalist The closing sequenc ..read more

Overview The ‘Racist Bother Montage’ sequence is a pivotal moment in This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007). The sequence takes place after one of the members of the group, Combo, returns from prison with newfound racist beliefs. The scene depicts the group’s descent into racism, as they begin to target immigrants and other minority groups. The scene is significant as it highlights the danger of groupthink and indoctrination, and its impact on impressionable young people. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Nationalist The sequence primary serves as the ultimate indictment of nationalism, racism, and t ..read more

Overview The ‘Combo’s story’ sequence in This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) introduces us to Combo, a repugnant nationalist that serves as the film’s primary antagonist. He gatecrashes Woody’s party after being released from prison and tells the gang a story, during which his racist disposition is revealed. The sequence is a turning point in the film’s narrative, as Combo’s actions and beliefs have a significant impact on the story’s direction. The sequence also highlights the film’s anti-nationalist ideology and exemplifies its narrative structure. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Nationalist T ..read more

Overview The “fun with friends montage” sequence in This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) is a pivotal moment in the film’s narrative structure. We follows our protagonist, Shaun, as he becomes accepted into a surrogate family of skinheads, who take him under their wing. This sequence marks a turning point for Shaun, who has now found acceptance within the group of skinheads. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Nationalist The sequence’s choice of music is significant as it reinforces the anti-nationalist ideology of the film. The music is similar to the opening sequence, featuring a non-diegetic regg ..read more

Overview The closing sequence of Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) is a powerful and thought-provoking scene that brings the story and characters to a satisfying conclusion. It follows the character of Renton as he makes the decision to steal the money that he and his friends had intended to split evenly. Renton’s final monologue mirrors the opening “choose life” monologue, but Renton instead rejects hedonism and embraces capitalism. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Capitalist The closing sequence of Trainspotting serves to showcase Renton’s rejection of nihilism. Renton’s decision to steal the mon ..read more

Overview The ‘London Montage’ sequence in Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) comes at a pivotal moment in the story. The montage is a rapid-cutting sequence that signals a change in time and location, signalling Renton’s move from his hometown of Edinburgh to London. This sequence serves as a visual embodiment of the film’s central themes, particularly its criticism of capitalist society. It also marks a significant turning point in the narrative, as Renton has left his old lifestyle behind and is forced to confront the realities of a new world. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Capitalist The ‘Londo ..read more

Overview Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) opens with a fast paced frenetic sequence, beginning in medias res. We follow our main protagonist, Mark Renton, running through the streets of Edinburgh as he and Spud are pursued by the authorities. Alongside the pair, the sequence also serves to introduce the viewer to the five main characters and establish the blistering fast pace and spirited, playful tone that pervades the film. Ideological Analysis: Anti-Capitalist The opening sequence of Trainspotting exemplifies the anti-capitalist ideology that the film adheres to. The non-diegetic compiled ..read more

Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) Narrative The narrative structure of Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996) is highly unconventional, reflecting the fragmented lives of the characters and the chaos of their drug-fueled existence. The viewer is immediately thrown into the chaos of the story, with the film beginning in medias res with a cold open. This nonlinear immersion places the viewer halfway through the story, immediately engaging them within the action. The film opens with an iconic song from the 1970s: “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop, which captures the frenetic atmosphere of the scene. The son ..read more