The conventions of a social realism

These are the conventions of a social realist film. I am going to stick to these conventions when producing my opening sequence as I know that it will make my work more effective.


When watching the opening sequences of 3 different social realist films I noticed that shot types and the way you use your camera is very important. Social realisms use a range of shots. They can also be quite slow or fast depending on the mood of your opening sequence and also your music. The camera can also be used free hand, in a sense that it makes your opening sequence look more gritty and could also been seen as a point of view shot. This is England uses a range of camera angles which really helps the story to be told. 
Also, during the opening sequence of many social realist films not much of the story is given away. This leaves the audience open to ask questions within their minds which keeps them hooked and wanting to watch on to find out how the story evolves.
Many if not all of the characters in social realism films come from working class backgrounds. This convention is very, very important as it really allows you to get across some of the 'rough' lifestyles some of these people may lead. Kidulthood uses this convention very well. Immediately we know that a lot of these children come from 'rougher' areas. This makes us feel more emotion for them.
Throughout the opening sequences there is a lot of speech. This allows the audience to know exactly what the characters within the film know. This also lets the audience find out quite a lot of information about the characters if you, the producer, want them too!
One of the most important conventions of a social realist film is definitely location. The area in which you film needs to be quite 'run down' or 'rough' which unfortunately is going to be difficult here in Bury St Edmunds. All social realist films do this well as it is such an important convention however, I think that Kidulthood is also a perfect example for this. 
Editing is also used very carefully in the opening sequences. Not always are the audience presented with straight cuts. Sometimes yes, but only when it is effective. Otherwise we see cross dissolves or fades and the camera also uses zooms. Kidulthood, again, is a really good example of this, the camera techniques make it look like we are surveying the children which is appropriate for the story as there is a lot of crime involved.