analysis of i,daniel blake
What is an independent film? Independent films are films that are produced by smaller production companies in comparison to mainstream films. They do not follow the same style and genre that mainstream films tend to follow. Independent films genre focuses more on social issues and matters with challenging story lines. They are most likely less action filled as mainstream films. Independent films raise their money for these films from a variety of different sources. For example, small production companies might collaborate which means that financial resources will be shared. This is also why you see a lot of production companies in the opening credits before the film will start. Independent films can also get their funding from places such as the BFC or BFI which are both british film industries. Unlike mainstream films, independent films are not shown in cinemas, however they can be shown in local or national film festivals to gain more exposure within disruptors. Disturption companies will work to get independent films in the interest of national releases, meaning these will possibly have DVDs or even on-demand releases on big platforms. The production values of independent films are lower than mainstream films, meaning certain things such as the stars, location and many others will be low budgeted.
Who is the director? The director for 'I, daniel blake' is a man called Ken Loach. Ken Loach is a well known and successful figure in what he does around the UK, which is directing. His work focuses on more social realist aspects, including social issues such as homelessness and poverty. During his career, he built up a long history of directing work in this genre, which is what he is well known for. His work has built up an audience, which could be argued that maybe Ken Loachs films are towards more of the mainstream side, however a lot of factors such as the budgeting says otherwise. Due to his success in creating independent films, he has won awards due to this., for example best british film in 2017 for 'i, daniel blake'.
Who are the stars?Usually, independent films are low budgeted films, therefore their cast budget will be very low which only really allows smaller actors instead of well known actors to participate in them. In this case, the main actors we see in this film is mainly Hayley Squires and Dave johns Hayley Squires is best known for being an actor and playwriting, and she also has been features in other films before 'i, daniel blake' too. Dave johns is a comedian, actor alongside a writer, but he hasn't been featured in previous films before.
Is the film high or low budget?
The film is a low budgeted film. We know that its a low budgeted film from the choice of small locations such as hospitals and job centres. It also features far less actors than mainstream films, and also lacks the need for any special effects. This film was also funded by the BFI and BBC which are usually known for budgeted smaller and more independent films.
Which companies produced and financed the film?
The companies that produced the film was companies such as 'sixteen films, eOne films, why not productions, wild bunch and BBC films.' The main companies which funded the film however was both BBC and BFI. The BBC is the worlds leading public service broadcaster. They are an independent company however they produce many different medias such as news, programmes, television, radio and many more. The BBC at the end of 2020, earned as much as 4.9 million pounds for all this work. The BFI also funded the film. The BFI is a film organisation which also known for funding small independent films. This left all 165million as of the production budget covered.
Why would they be interested in funding and supporting a film such as I, daniel blake?
The main reason as to why both the BFI and BBC would be interesting in funding and supporting a film such as 'i daniel blake' is due to the fact this film covers so many different ideas all in one. This film is a social realist film, which means it goes in depth about problems people may face but nobody really pays attention too. These type of films put the audience in a situation which makes them aware of these problems and also put them in a place in which builds up relation between the audience and the film as they are living in this 'made up narratve.' They could also be interesting in funding a film such as this, so they can grow in platform for the british independent film scene.
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genre
The genre for I, daniel blake is a Drama film.
themes
The theme for the film is social realism, focusing more towards issues that the UK face aswell as maybe in other countries. The film mainly focuses on the theme of work, for which the characters are both looking for places to work throughout.
ideologies
The films ideologies focuses towards the ideas of social issues. For example, poverty, the welfare system and work capability. The film portrays the life style of people struggling in poverty to gain benefits and support. This gives a clear message across to the audience. A lot of other Ken Loach films, follow this similar idea.
settings
The film is set in the UK, more specifically Newcastle. The main settings of this film are those including the hospital aswell as the job centre.
representations
The film represents both of the characters in a way which shows that they are in need of help, but the system are stopping them from doing so. The main character, which is Daniel, is a white british character who's shown throughout as a hero, going against the system and standing up for what he thinks is right in the position he is in. The other character, Katie, is shown as a more vulnerable character where she is in position of no money, however David helps her which makes these characters put in the position under positive spotlight.
target audience
The audience are mainly those who are put in position to relate to a film like this, therefore the target audience will most probably be a much older audience. The stars in the film are also older so this could imply that too. The target audience are also those who are interested in the films made by Ken Loach, as his films have created an audience fan base in itself. The gender, race and religion of this film is also very mixed, seeing as this type of situation could happen to anybody all over the UK. The only audience that is most likely not to watch a film like this, is the right wing audience as they will only agree that this film is putting the government under a negative viewpoint and they're not interested in what the film is going to portray.
awards
'I, daniel Blake' won a total of 12 awards in total, some of them being 'best british film' and a BAFTA award too.
the reviews from the guardian and the sun
In the review from the Guardian newspaper, which is a right wing newspaper, it explains how the film is sympathetic of how badly the system is treating people which tells us that the guardian has a positive view on this film. On the other hand, the sun newspaper, which is left wing, claims that this film is too depressing and is critizing the government alongside how well the system is. The two different views of these newspapers go to show that the views of the audience could be reflective of the social party they are in.
what type of audience would have oppositional readings of the film?
The audience which would have an oppositonal reading to this film is a more left wing audience. This audience includes those who read the sun newspaper. The film is very critical on the goverment, which the sun newspaper doesn't believe there is any issue within the system.
how important would large profits be to the makers of the film and why?
Large profits are important within films and film makers as it allows them to earn back the money they put in to making the film. Independent films benefit more from bigger profits as its usually their own money, alongside people that help fund the films money.
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