The undertaking of a transition from one phase of life to another can prove difficult and there may be obstacles to overcome along the way. To transcend adversity, an individual will often need to maintain diligence and perseverance to seek new beneficial opportunities and the development of self-belief. This attitude towards self-development can also allow and individual to gain support crucial to successfully make the intended changes. This difficult transitioning process can be explored through Stephen Daldrys film, Billy Elliot 2000, as it follows a young English boy persevere through social and familial barriers to pursue a positive individual change in his life, and alternately through Follower a poem by Seamus Heaney which encompasses a young boy, aspirant to overtake his fathers farming career. The issues that affect Billys transitioning into the world of ballet include social conformity and judgement and conflict and love in father-son relationships, whereas the issues affecting the boys transition include familial expectations and individual aspirations. These issues can be analysed through a variety of visual and language techniques used. The issue of social conformity and judgement
can act as a limitation to an individual when attempting to make a transition. There are conflicts between individuality and what is expected of people. This is reflected in the technique of lighting. For example, the hall which he practices in is dimly lit. This conveys the secrecy that surrounds Billys pursuit of ballet and the way differences must be hidden in a society that expects conformity. This reflects how social conformity can act as a limitation for change as social rejection excludes individuals who defy its expectations and make transitioning difficult. Another representation of this issue regarding transition is through the technique of out of frame action. For example, members of the town alert Jacky to Billys antics in the gym and Jackys mates presence is tangible off-screen and is seen standing outside the hall. The effect of this represents the judgemental view of society, whose judgement impacts the status and reputation of individuals. The social pressures of the miners strike add greater conflict to Billys struggles as well as his fathers and the communities. Therefore, social conformity and judgement can act as a limitation to individuals when attempting to transition.