Belfast: Context

Question 1

How does Belfast connect to the Western genre?

Answer 1

-Rivalry and opposition of Billy Clanton and Pa- a father figure burdened with the responsibility to face or not face -conflict
-Billy Clanton framed as antithesis of community and togetherness in his antagonistic role
-Inspiration of Jack Palance from Shane- an implacable, Western villain
-Theme of proposing an offer/deal like how Billy Clanton wants Pa to join the Resistance group
-Use of guns and weapons as power and protection
-Empty locations/towns in gunfights or the lead up to like in the Gunfight in the O.K Corral
-‘Clantons’- Gunfight in the O.K Corral- name of Billy
-Group VS Group with seperated values
-Loud noises, explosions and bangs-expected genre convention
-Black+white- The Man who Shot liberty Valance
-Men getting closer in proximity
-Children involved in hiding- stuck in the vulnerable
-Traditional clothing and conservative

Question 2

How do Troubles film link to Belfast?

Answer 2

-Domination of Irish filmmaking since the 1960s which focuses on Catholic communities due to the lack of positive representation in mainstream media and sympathy from directors
-Documentaries of working class Catholic communities with interviews seen in late 60s/70s
-Array of themes such as comedies, dramas, Hollywood, thrillers, films based on real life stories such as Hunger about Bobby Sands
-Used as backdrop for films rather than centre
-IRA soldiers became staple baddies and antiheroes like in The Jackal

Question 3

What are the social and political context of Belfast in relation to the Troubles?

Answer 3

-Conflict between Protestants and Catholics in August 1969- the arrival of the British army who remained in NI for nearly 20 years
-Class struggle and poverty was an issue
-3500 people died during the Troubles
-Opposing sides of staying with Britain- ended with Good Friday Agreement

Question 4

What context links to characters?

Answer 4

-Reverend reflect Reverend Ian Paisley, a Protestant leader full of passion and resemblance in age through the casting choice
-Pa says Catholicism is a ‘religion of fear’- reflects religious views and opposition during the time
-Lack of hope during Troubles shown through the small glint of hope in Ma’s eyes when crying in the bus
-Setting of bus when Ma and Pa are on it reflects the idea of journeys associated with the Irish and migration
-Billy Clanton- reflects IRA and the deindividuation and dehumanisation of the opposing religion- “Your kind needs discipline” to Pa
-Family shows that community can override conflict as they take the Cousin back in after her involvement with the gang and Buddy’s involvement