BFI Trip Notes

Notes from BFI Trip

Starter:

• What was the last British film you watched?

Ill Manors

• What impression of Britain or British people created?

Wealth or largely positive

• What would appeal to a UK audience?

Historical context with the country of Britain or even the location of England's most revered land marks.

•  What might appeal to a US audience? An international audience?

Violence, following typical actions and story lines.

Types of Cinemas: 

Arthouse cinema- Small independent cinemas 

Multiplex- Blockbuster and mainstream entertainment 

Crossover- nominations and award related films (prestige) 

What would a US/International audience like about this film (Kingsman):   

• Stereotypical shots
• Violence
• Social realism
• Action
• Plot for world dominance (story theme)

'Heritage': A Royal Night Out:

Heritage:

• UK film used tourist marketing strategy (for foreign audiences)
• Relationship with the past is not questioned or criticised
• Nostalgic view on British history   

What would a UK audience like about this film?

• Historical 
• Patriotic of this country   

What would a US/International audience like about this film?

• Information
• Knowledge 
• Class difference  
• Knowing/Interests in the monarch 

Social Realism: The Selfish Giant:

Social realism:

• Focuses on working or 'underclass' characters
• Dark side of human behaviour 
• Seen to be the opposite of heritage cinema
• Challenges audiences comfort zones- harsh reality of modern Britain 

What would a UK audience like about this film?

• Life of UK youth
• Relation with the theme 

What would a US/International audience like about this film?

• Life of a child in a low class (in Britain)

Horror: The Woman in Black: 

Horror:

• Offered costume dramas 
• Tradition of gothic theme
• US horror had stricter censorship towards this genre of film (preferred family films) 

 What would a UK audience like about this film?

• Daniel Radcliff as protagonist
• Based and set in England
• Follows inspiration from a British book/novel 
• Traditional British feel for horror 
• Edwardian period based clothing

What would a US/International audience like about this film?

• Popular novel and stage performance 

'Urban Fairytale' Rom-Com: One Day:

Rom-Com:

• Romantic Comedy 
• Typical love story (based)
• Set in contemporary London - Lots of tourist landmarks; Middle class neighbourhoods 
• Vision of urban life

What would a UK audience like about this film?

• Location/setting 
• British landmarks 

What would a US/International audience like about this film?

• Sexual reference/theme
• Comedy
• Couple drama