Thursday, 11 February 2016

Representation of Britain in Four Lions

Thursday, 11 February 2016
Representation of Britain in Four Lions
How does that narrative/story of your film relate to British people?
We can relate to both the location and the people (terrorist). They are based in Sheffield and live in a average working class house (small and plain). The terrorist also have everyday jobs like us before they became terrorists.
What is British society like according to your film? Is it multicultural, tolerant, wealthy,etc?
The film represents England as a split country as there are parts that are wealthy however most of the time it represents people as being working class. It is revealed later that the police have arrested Omar's innocent Muslim brother because he looked foreign and was near the scene. This represents police as racist.
How do the themes, message and values relate to British society?
One of the messages of the film is that the terrorist could be anyone, because we can relate to them. Also is shows that you don't have to be smart to be a terrorist. The are lost of hidden messages and meaning in the film however they try and hide/soften it by making it comic.
How is the humour distinctively British?
There is black humour (disturbing humour) throughout the film; which the english are known for. If a American watched this film they would take offence easily this is because we push the boundaries. Also there are goofy character such as fezel that blow himself and a couple of sheep up. This is a common characteristic of a british film to have a funny stupid character.
Does the film give an accurate picture of British society? Why/why not?
I believe this gives a very truthful insight into British society and could be taken offence easily however they try and make is humorous therefore curbing it. Although it shows the country as multicultural it also shows that racism still exists. For example in the scene were Omar’s innocent brother being arrested just because he was muslim even though he was trying to stop it.
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How might a British audience react to the representation of Britishness in your film?
British people don't take offence easily as we are quite laid back, so therefore when the film insults Britain i believe that they wouldn't find is offensive with the humour. However if this was an American audience watching this they would be disturbed.
In what ways are the characters in Four Lions definitely British people?
This kind of understanding is crucial to how we perceive the people who commit these acts. Not as rampant antichrists, chanting in tongues beneath a pointed beard, but as ordinary British people who do one extraordinary thing. They are working class Muslims who we can relate to.