The Child in British Cinema

This book explores how British cinema has projected, examined, and understood childhood over the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, using the child as a device to reflect upon issues of national culture, race, empire, class, and gender. It discusses early cinematic depictions of the child, cultural expressions of nationhood produced via non-commercial cinemas for children, cinema's encroachment on the moral edification of the child, and the treatment of migrant, refugee, and immigrant children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 23 July 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book delves into the fascinating transformation of the British cinema over the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, where it emerged as a powerful platform for projecting, examining, and understanding childhood. Through a comprehensive analysis of these projections, complemented by case studies encompassing early cinema, pre- and post-war film, and contemporary cinema, the author seeks to unravel the complex portrayal of the child in British cinema. By examining cultural expressions of nationhood through non-commercial cinemas specifically designed for children, the book explores how cinema encroaches on the moral education of young viewers and the perceived vitality and resilience of the British boy in post-war cinema.

The author delves into the representational and instrumental differences between depictions of boys and girls, extending this discussion to investigate the treatment of migrant, refugee, and immigrant children in British cinema. The book concludes by summarizing these arguments and exploring the impact of internationally successful British blockbuster cinema on the representation of childhood.

Throughout the history of British cinema, the child emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted figure, traversing generic boundaries and embodying a diverse range of discourses related to the health and well-being of the nation. This study highlights the ways in which the cinema has played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of childhood, reflecting societal values, and contributing to the construction of national identity. By examining the child's role in British cinema, this book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between culture, society, and the media, shedding light on the enduring power of cinematic storytelling to shape our understanding of childhood and its role in shaping the world around us.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031059711
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022