Definition and examples of social realism

2. Social Realism is a film genre which focuses on giving the audience a
true indication of what life is like. Filmmakers such as Ken Loach,
Shane Meadows and Mike Leigh are well known for their role in
directing social realism films and tv series’.

3. RAYMOND WILLIAMS DEFINITION OF SOCIAL REALISM
-That it is grounded in the contemporary scene in terms of setting,
characters and socialissues.
-Social realist directors try to portray life at that time
-That it contains an element of social extension by which
previously under-representedgroups in society become
represented
-There is the intent of the artist which is mostly a political one
-These films are secular- they are about logic and reasons, not
mystical or religious

4. Social realistic films portray attitudes and life factors
occurring at that period in time. They often represent
working class characters living through a struggle and
generally exhibit them as a protagonist. Often, the
directors of social realistic films want to depict a type
of social injustice, such as: economic hardship,
discrimination or political injustice. In Saturday night,
Sunday morning (1960)the director, Karel Reisz,
choose to display the unethical life story of a factory
worker and how he lived through deception, affairs
and abortions, but was still displayed by Reisz as a
heroic character

5. KEN LOACH:
Is a British filmmaker who is known for naturalistic social realist
directing. He is well known for his role as a director in ‘My Name is
Joe’ (1998) a film about a unemployed former alcoholic Joe and
community health worker Sarah, start a romantic relationship in the
one of the toughest Glasgow neighbourhoods.