Kelly's 100 Films - # 98: Billy Elliot (2000)

Directed by...Stephen Daldry
Written by....Lee Hall
Starring: Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, Julie Walters, Jamie Draven, Nicola Blackwell

Synopsis: 1984: In a northern England mining town, miners are on strike and the atmosphere is tense. Eleven-year old Billy Elliot, whose father and brother are participating in the strike, whose mother has died quite some time ago and whose grandmother is not completely aware of what's going on, doesn't like the brutal boxing lessons at school. Instead, he falls for the girls' ballet lessons. When his folks find out about this unusual love of his, Billy is in trouble. Being supported by the ballet teacher, Mrs. Wilkinson, he keeps on training secretly while the work situation as well as the problems at home get worse. Finally, Mrs. Wilkinson manages to get Billy an audition for the Royal Ballet School, but now he also has to open his heart to his family.

Why Is It On My List?: Many people may hate Stephen Daldry's 2 films thus far but I find them both irresistible to watch. This one, his debut feature, is a tremendous debut. Why? Two words: Jamie. Bell. Terrific young actor whose subsequent work, especially KING KONG, has been less than perfect, which this film most definitely is. It is heartbreakingly raw and natural and filled with good characterizations, music, dialogue, and precise direction.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoiVEyCosEE

Awards Attention

Oscar
Best Supporting Actress - Julie Walters
Best Director - Stephen Daldry
Best Original Script - Lee Hall

(notable snubs: Best Actor (Jamie Bell), Best Picture (Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn), & Best Film Editing (John Wilson) )

BAFTA
***Best Actor - Jamie Bell
***Best Supporting Actress - Julie Walters
Best Supporting Actor - Gary Lewis
Best Director - Stephen Daldry
Best Original Script - Lee Hall
Best Film - Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn
***Best British Film - Greg Brenman, Jonathan Finn, & Stephen Daldry
Carl Foreman Award for Most Promising Newcomer - Stephen Daldry (director), Lee Hall (screenwriter)
Best Cinematography - Brian Tufano
Best Film Editing - John Wilson
Best Film Music - Stephen Warbeck
Best Sound - Mark Holding, Mike Prestwood Smith, Zane Hayward

Golden Globe
Best Supporting Actress - Julie Walters
Best Motion Picture - Drama - Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn

SAG
Best Actor - Jamie Bell
Best Supporting Actress - Julie Walters
Best Ensemble: Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, Julie Walters, Jamie Draven

WGA
Best Original Script - Lee Hall

PGA
**Nova Award: Most Promising Film Producers - Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn
Best Motion Picture of the Year - Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn

Golden Satellite
Best Actor, Drama - Jamie Bell
Best Supporting Actress, Drama - Julie Walters
Best Original Script - Lee Hall
Best Motion Picture - Drama - Greg Brenman & Jonathan Finn