The title could refer to any of the four characters: Ricky, Wisdom, Curtis or Rio. Firstly, the 'Bullet Boy' could be Wisdom as the gun originally belonged to him before Ricky has possession of it, Wisdom also gets shot during the film which is yet another reason why the title 'Bullet Boy' may refer to him. However, the title could also refer to Ricky as he brings the gun into his family home and is the reason why the following events occur. On the other hand, the title could refer to Curtis as he is the one who gets hold of the gun which is hidden in his house and shoots, Rio, his friend. This leads to yet another idea that Rio could in fact be the 'Bullet Boy' as he is the character which takes a bullet when he is accidentally shot by his friend.
What are the main messages, values and social issues in the film?
What are the main messages, values and social issues in the film?
One of the main social issues in the film is the consistent theme of gun crime. Throughout the film most of the characters come into a problem involving a gun. For example: Curtis shoots Rio, Wisdom and Ricky both die due to being shot, Beverley has to cope with her younger son being involved in gun crime at a young age. Gun crime is the biggest social issue that effects the most people within the film.
A main value in Bullet Boy is loyalty. This is shown through Ricky and Wisdoms friendship. Throughout the film hints are made to suggest that Wisdom once saved Rickys life. So now that Wisdom has got into trouble with Godfrey, Ricky stays loyal to him and becomes involved even though he is trying his best to turn his life around and not be involved with crime.
One of the main messages in the film is that black youths are associated with high incidences of social deprivation and criminal activity. This is shown through the lack of morals that the black youths have in the film and the amount of crime, particularly gun crime, that they are involved in.
How are the people and places represented in the film?
A main value in Bullet Boy is loyalty. This is shown through Ricky and Wisdoms friendship. Throughout the film hints are made to suggest that Wisdom once saved Rickys life. So now that Wisdom has got into trouble with Godfrey, Ricky stays loyal to him and becomes involved even though he is trying his best to turn his life around and not be involved with crime.
One of the main messages in the film is that black youths are associated with high incidences of social deprivation and criminal activity. This is shown through the lack of morals that the black youths have in the film and the amount of crime, particularly gun crime, that they are involved in.
How are the people and places represented in the film?
Consider:
-Whether the film offers a realistic view of London. How this representation differs from other common representations of London.
-How the characters challenge and fulfill stereotypes.
London is commonly represented as a place of tourism, drawing in people from around the world to visit the famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and The Big Ben. Also for the high streets and shopping centres. From this aspect, London is represented in a positive light. However, Bullet Boy offers a more negative yet realistic representation of what life is actually like in London. The film is set in North East London in an area which can be referred to as the 'murder mile'. This setting and the estate which Ricky lives on helps to give a representation of the high number of incidents which occur in modern day London, mostly involving guns. Another way in which London is represented realistically in the film is through the use of camerawork. The film is shot in a Super 16 film format which adds to the realism by making it look more like a documentary rather than a film.
Within Bullet Boy, Ricky both challenges and reinforces the stereotype of black youths. He reinforces the stereotype as he is involved in crime, handles a gun and has been in prison. However, throughout the film it focuses upon Ricky and his desire to change his life around and build a new start for himself which challenges the stereotype. Ricky's mum, Beverley, challenges the stereotype of black people because even though she is a working class mother she makes sure that she has time for her children and only does what is best for them and their futures. Within the film Curtis reinforces the general stereotype of black youths as he handles a gun at a young age and although it is accidental, he commits a crime.
London is commonly represented as a place of tourism, drawing in people from around the world to visit the famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and The Big Ben. Also for the high streets and shopping centres. From this aspect, London is represented in a positive light. However, Bullet Boy offers a more negative yet realistic representation of what life is actually like in London. The film is set in North East London in an area which can be referred to as the 'murder mile'. This setting and the estate which Ricky lives on helps to give a representation of the high number of incidents which occur in modern day London, mostly involving guns. Another way in which London is represented realistically in the film is through the use of camerawork. The film is shot in a Super 16 film format which adds to the realism by making it look more like a documentary rather than a film.
Within Bullet Boy, Ricky both challenges and reinforces the stereotype of black youths. He reinforces the stereotype as he is involved in crime, handles a gun and has been in prison. However, throughout the film it focuses upon Ricky and his desire to change his life around and build a new start for himself which challenges the stereotype. Ricky's mum, Beverley, challenges the stereotype of black people because even though she is a working class mother she makes sure that she has time for her children and only does what is best for them and their futures. Within the film Curtis reinforces the general stereotype of black youths as he handles a gun at a young age and although it is accidental, he commits a crime.
Fantastic answers Marnie. you have worked really well on this task and produced some fantastically detailed responses which show some very god understanding of the film. Your discussion of stereotypes is very good and the representations of London.
ReplyDeleteWWW-Very clear assessment of the representations of London in the film, and you have researched into the film yourself.
EBI- You could give an example of a specific scene or piece of dialogue in which the messages and values are in evidence, your examples are a little general- a line of dialogue or a specific action from a scene will help you to illustrate your understanding more.
Show me- reply to this posting with an example as outlined above.