My life through the lens.. 2000

21 years ago. The world didn’t end with Y2K, Big Brother was released and Craig David took a girl for a drink on Tuesday, but most importantly, some incredible films were released in 2000. One of my personal favourites, and a classic that will go down in history for its inspiring and progressive storyline, Billy Elliot.

Set against the background of the 1984 and 1985 miner’s strike and starring Jamie Bell in its titular role, Billy Elliot was a film that hid its powerful messages about the class system and government policies of the 80's in the middle of a battle for pride and tolerance centred around dance. Billy, unlike his Dad, doesn’t want to learn boxing or become a miner, instead he is fascinated with ballet and the dance world. With the help of progressive dance teacher played by Julie Walters, a beautiful relationship with his best friend and the perseverance from Billy himself, he finds that hard work and dedication makes any dreams come true, even those that don’t seem tangible.

What I think makes this film stand out is the representation and the commentary on the social politics at the time. The 80's, especially for the North East in particular, was a turbulent time. Dealing with the conservative government and Margaret Thatcher PM was something that many people still to this day have a hard time discussing and commenting on. Yet, this movie cleverly unpicks this explosive time in politics through the relationship between Billy and his father and his father and his work. Thatcher wanted to make Britain a self-reliant society, and to do this she focused on privatising state-owned industries—such as steel and coal—that relied heavily on government subsidies, as well as curbing the power of Britain’s trade unions. This had a knock on effect of the production of such materials such as steel and coal, and this effect saw the closure of 20+ pits, costing over 20'000 people their jobs. This resulted in tensions between the workers and police, causing many riots to break out. This horrific period of time for the North is told in such a delicate yet necessary story in Billy Elliot, and whilst, on the surface, many may think this is about a "boy who wants to dance", they couldn't be more wrong. This movie shows the life of a working class family who all have battles to fight and dreams to pursue that come in many different shapes and sizes.

Coming from the North East and having been a musical theatre performer myself, this film was very reflective of my own experiences. Whilst I didn’t have to convince my parents to allow me to dance instead of becoming a miner, the idea of “dreams” and “stardom” is still something that the North have yet to come to terms with. Teaching jobs, labourers, health workers were the only job titles that were ever given to me throughout my school life as possibilities for my own career. It wasn’t until I became a little older and discovered that performers and creators are absolutely jobs that I could have. The North, whilst is absolutely better now, still holds the mindset that Billy’s dad and his miners friends had. Stay in a small town, do the jobs that your parents had, and live an unsatisfactory life. I do believe that, with the help of movies and art, the North is changing, and movies like Billy Elliot only help to further push our amazing region to further greatness in terms of creation and art. I truly hope that the creators and all involved with this movie (and later West End and Broadway musical) knows how truly special this film is, and how proud I am to be a creative from the North East.

Here are three of my favourite moments from the film:

1. The first time Billy dances for his Dad.

This scene stunningly portrays the ideas of masculinity for a North Eastern man. We see Billy coming to terms with the fact that, even if his Father doesn't accept his love of dancing, Billy is going to pursue his dream. And whilst, it doesn't seem initially like Billy's father is going to accept him, the acting performances from both as they are walking down the street are perfection. Billy's dad realises his son has immense talent and passion for ballet, and knows that he must move away in order to make something of himself. The second he saw Billy dance, he knew he had to do everything he could to get his son where he deserved to be.

2. What it feels like when Billy is dancing.

One of the most amazing moments from the movie is Billy explaining why he loves dancing so much. The innocence and naivety is so beautifully captured, and all in front of his Father, who had never truly been accepting of Billy's dancing, is hearing his son profess his love for the art. What else makes this scene so special is the comment from one of the panelists - "Mr Elliot, good luck with the strike.” This man couldn’t be further from Billy’s dads upbringing/career/life/social standing, yet offers him a rare moment respect and goodwill. It is such an amazing moment from the movie.

3. Angry Dance

Need I say more. Iconic.

I also absolutely recommend the musical if you have yet to see it. It stunningly captures the story of Billy Elliot but with the added feature of songs and the exploration of a few minor characters as well.

What do you think about the movie/musical, Billy Elliot? Do you think it is perfectly political, or does it spend too much time talking about the politics of the 80's and we should see more dancing? Do you prefer the movie or the musical? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.