Rentals
Acting Hard
This collection explores representations of working-class masculinity in British cinema from the Thatcher era to the present day.
The 1980s were a thrilling time for film and television in Britain, with investment creating a new kind of industry that aimed to reflect modern society. Thatcherism promised social mobility, and working-class men became defined by how easily they could climb the ranks, so long as they mirrored the respectability that, until then, was associated with the upper classes. But not everyone played along and a new kind of working-class man emerged – one that seeped into popular culture, where he has remained. He enjoys drinking, breaking the law and engaging in violence. He’s a petty thief (Raining Stones), a skinhead (Made in Britain) or a farmer (God's Own Country). This collection invites you to take a closer look at these frequently misunderstood characters and to ask what they’re really about.
- Nia Childs, curator
Made in BritainMade in Britain
Drama198276 minsDirector: Alan Clarke
Tim Roth burst onto British screens with his coruscating performance as a teenage skinhead in this TV play from Alan Clarke and David Leland.
Raining StonesRaining Stones
Drama199391 minsDirector: Ken Loach
Ken Loach's mid-career classic follows a poor, working class man devoted to buying his daughter a beautiful but expensive communion dress.
God's Own CountryGod's Own Country
Drama2017105 minsDirector: Francis Lee
A troubled young sheep farmer falls for a hired hand in this stunning debut from Francis Lee.
HungerHunger
Biopic200896 minsDirector: Steve McQueen
Northern Ireland, 1981. In the Maze prison, Bobby Sands begins a hunger strike to reclaim the status of Republican inmates as political prisoners.
Beautiful ThingBeautiful Thing
Comedy199691 minsDirector: Hettie Macdonald
Hettie MacDonald’s 1996 comedy tells the story of two classmates and neighbours (Glen Berry, Scott Neal) who fall in love over one summer in South East London.
The Selfish GiantThe Selfish Giant
Drama201391 minsDirector: Clio Barnard
Two Yorkshire tearaways struggle with life and friendship in this challenging, compassionate growing-up tale by the director of The Arbor.
Discover more from Acting Hard in our Subscription collection.
