my hypothesis

A close study of the social and political commentary offered by British films representing transgressive ideologies of masculinity.

The films i have chosen to look at are:

Billy Elliot - The representation of a young boy in the 1980's showing an interest in ballet is hugely controversial and poses questions about the stereotypes of masculinity and homosexuality. Billy is on a difficult and exciting journey throughout the film as he discovers what really makes him happy and helps him deal with the problematic issues in his life.

The Full Monty - There is an idea of role reversal as a group of young men take on the challenge of stripping for an audience, seen usually as a female activity. This film deals with sterotypical male qualities and how the guidelines that society enforce can be broken. It also looks at insecurites and body confidence among the male population.

My Beautiful Launderette - This film focuses on the ambitions and self discovery of a young asian man, living in a racist community. The expectations that people have of him are very conventional and he rebels against these to create the life that he desires.