Analysis
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Released: 2002
1. Describe the representations found on the DVD/film poster (include an image of DVD/film poster) (this should be a detailed character textual analysis - A2 level)
In the film ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ many different types of representations are found such as ethnicity, race, gender, age and sexuality all in managed in different ways.
2. How does the film reflect changing attitudes to gender and ethnic identity in contemporary Britain?
2. The film reflects changing attitudes to gender and ethnic identity in contemporary Britain by showing that everyone is becoming more accepting to present ideas and we see the development of this from the beginning where ‘Jess’ is not allowed to play football to the end where she is allowed to leave the country on her own to play professionally.
3. What are the problems Jess faces as a British Asian 18-year-old girl?
Jess faces the problem of being part of an extremely traditional family who are doing their best to bring her up as a normal Indian woman. She faces the problem that her sister is fulfilling the family’s wish by getting married and Jess tends to rebel against this by wanting to play football, the fact that she is female also means that there is a sort of prejudice towards her in football and that she will be looked down upon by her family and others if she carries this on as a career. Her parents think that they know best for her as she achieves good ‘A Level’ results which would have taken her to university but instead Jess would be more happy playing football.
4. How can filmmakers make a difference by representing the diversity national, regional, religious and ethnic identity in UK?
Filmmakers can make a difference by representing the diversity national, regional, religious and ethnic identity in the UK by showing all the different types of people behaving and getting along in the film, by the end of the film each ethnicity and religion are all equal and getting along. At the start of the film there was a lot more prejudice where each would keep themselves to themselves or as in the Jules’ mum’s case she makes comments which may be seen as rude. In the football semi-final Jess is called a ‘Paki’ and the filmmakers make a big deal out of this to really show the emotions she is going through after being called this. It will help the audience understand where she is coming from and will teach them a good lesson.
5. What does this film say about gender?
This film comments on gender a lot, mainly that girls do not have to fit in with stereotypes and that we are all equal, football is generally seen as a man’s game but with this film they focus on exchanging the roles. Jess plays in the park and all the males take the micky out of her even though she is a lot better than all of them. Jess’ dad understands her needs as a sports player and although the family is extremely against the thought of playing football he decides to give her the chance as he wants her to be happy.
6. In what way are British teens represented in this film? (use specific examples from the text, consider the fact that it is a positive representation)
British teens are represented in ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ as very unruly and rebellious yet highly motivated to achieve what they want to get out of life. Jess makes sure in the filmthat she gets her dream of playing football, where at a younger age her parents would have encouraged her to take education to the furthest level with a better paid job at the end of it (doctor, lawyer). Neither she nor Jules give in to what their parents would like and expect from them, extremely free willed as they live the life they want to lead. I would consider this to be a positive representation of British teens yet could be seen as negative as they may disrespect family members.
7. What are the themes and issues of this film? How are they represented/what is the film saying about them? (friendship, gnder, ethnicity/culture, family, growing up)
The themes of the film follow love, betrayal and the issues that come of this are how certain ethnicities and religion have changing attitudes towards the way they deal with these different situations. The writers of the film have represented the changing attitudes as a positive, keeping with the times instead of being stuck in the past. People are a lot more accepting towards different views which may come up. For instance women in sport and more specifically people of different ethnicities and beliefs. The film shows Jules being interested in the coach of the football team (Joe) and on the tournament shows Jess become very close with him; it shows friendship and a bond from football which helps Jules overcome this.
