Audiovisual Techniques In Billy Elliot

A good film will show a concept rather than tell it, however, this simple, universal concept is a lot more intricate than it seems. In order to successfully convey a theme through the use of audiovisual techniques outside of dialogue a filmmaker must consider things such as sound, production design, acting, editing, and cinematography. Billy Elliot, directed by Stephen Daldry, is a great example of a film that expertly employs such audiovisual techniques. At face value, one can instantly get the mood from a scene in Billy Elliot, however it is through careful examination and dissection that one can obtain a deeper appreciation for the hard work and consideration that went into each shot. This paper will analyze the scene from Billy Elliot where, …show more content…
Clearly, the expression on Billy’s face convey the mood of frustration and anger. However, it is in Billy’s dancing, his form of emotional and creative expression, that one truly gets a sense of Billy’s mental state. The ambient sounds of the repetitive toe tapping, intense breathing, and seagull cries is starkly juxtaposed against an absent underscore. Through all diegetic sounds the audience is given a feeling of isolation. Furthermore, this scene speaks to Billy’s talent. As Billy dances his way down the street, one cannot help but feel the emotional pain that such a talent is to be wasted. As Billy spins and flails his arms down the street, one gets a sense that Billy is spiraling into a dark place. Once Billy finally reaches the wall he hits it and grunts, which adds to the emotional tone of anger that the scene has established already. The clanking of the metal booms and shocks the audience with its painful noise. The clanking then serves as a sound bridge into the next shot, as the audience sees a distraught Billy still gripping with an emotionally painful issue, evident by the look on his face. Then the asynchronous sound of Michael’s (Stuart Wells) voice pulls Billy away from his thoughts, back into reality. The added effect of the voice coming from offscreen helps give the audience the notion that Billy is distant from life and that he needs someone to help pull him back in. Through the various sounds and acting techniques, the emotional tone for the scene is clearly in