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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
Film: Made in Britain
Made in Britain Made in Britain
Drama 1982 76 mins Director: 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 Stones Raining Stones
Drama 1993 91 mins Director: 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.
Film: God's Own Country
God's Own Country God's Own Country
Drama 2017 105 mins Director: Francis Lee
A troubled young sheep farmer falls for a hired hand in this stunning debut from Francis Lee.
Film: Hunger
Hunger Hunger
Biopic 2008 96 mins Director: Steve McQueen
Artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen made his cinema debut with this provocative portrait of Irish republican prisoners defying the British government.
Film: Beautiful Thing
Beautiful Thing Beautiful Thing
Comedy 1996 91 mins Director: Hettie Macdonald
Hettie MacDonald’s 1996 comedy tells the story of two classmates and neighbours who fall in love over one summer in South East London.
Film: The Selfish Giant
The Selfish Giant The Selfish Giant
Drama 2013 91 mins Director: Clio Barnard
Two Yorkshire tearaways struggle with life and friendship in this challenging, compassionate growing-up tale by the director of The Arbor.
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