Collective Identity

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEF68384428FF5474

Fish Tank:

The characters used in this film are from a working class background. This is shown through the language used, the costume they wear and the location in which the film is set. All of the characters use informal language consisting of; slang and swearing/foul language. The foul language, such as the word "cunt" is used towards one another in the film which shows the class background that they are from. It also connotes that the characters are uneducated, bad mannered and disrespectful.

The main female character in the film is introduced at the beginning, she is teenager. Her costume includes; a grey tracksuit, a vest top and a pair of trainers. This suggests that she has played some type of sport, exercised or that she is a tomboy. The fact that her hair is tied up also indicates that she may be a tomboy. However, she is also wearing big hooped earrings which is a stereotypical image of a teenager from a working class background. Girls who have a similar image to this in Britain today are reffered to as "chav's". The stereotype was popularised in the British mass media to refer to working-class youth subculture in England.

The outside view from the main character's window at the beginning of the film immediately makes the audience think that she lives on a council estate. This is shown by the blocks of flats and the outside surroundings of a surburban area. The fact that the film is set during the day and her Mum and neighbour are at home suggests that they do not work. Therefore, this may make the audience think that they are both on benefits.

A hand held camera is used in this film which makes it more realistic. The audience becomes connected with the main character as many point of view shots are used. This enables the viewers to put themselves in her shoes and see things from the way she does. Everyone in the film is isolated from one another and no one seems to help eachother out. This shows that they do not have strong relationships and bonds with anyone as they continue to argue and show aggressive behaviour towards one another.

As the film continues we see the stereotypical behaviour associated with a teenager from this environment. For example, violence as she throws a stone at her neighbours door and headbutt's another girl. This implies that she is quite aggressive and troublesome. Her aggression and attitude is also shown towards her Mum which connotes that they have a bad relationship with each other.

The use of language spoken by the main character and the way that she speaks shows that she trying to act black. Her environment, social class or friends could influence the way that she communicates with people and the way that she speaks. The type of music played in her house which is reggae, also implies that her Mum likes this culture and background.

Aswell as showing the negative side and behaviour of the teenage girl, a caring side is also shown. This is seen when she tries to let the horse break free by trying to break the chain that it has attached to it. This could be seen as a metaphor as she may want to break free from the society that she lives in. This is because she may feel trapped and her trying to let the horse free illustrates that she wants to escape and have some sort of freedom.