Use of themes in British Social Realism

What is the link between British Social Realism themes and the real world?
The link between British Social Realism get their ideas from the real world and try to be as realistic as possible. The real world isn't all perfect and filled with happiness, with no issues. On the news we see situations that are themes included in British Social Realist films, such as violence, alcohol, petty crime etc... There are other things in real life that are included in British Social Realist films, such as religion. In British Social Realist films, we see people taking religion very seriously, such as in the film Four Lions, the Muslim religion is shown in it. Although in this film, there is slight comedy, the main factor of the film, is that the men want to blow themselves up in the middle of London. This is taken very seriously globally, and in London there were suicide bombings, so this is very extreme, but shown in a comedy way.

What is unique about how the themes are explored in British Social Realist film?
These films are aimed to be as unique as possible. Each one is a complete different storyline, however it uses the main themes, such as violence and petty crime. As well as the common ones, there are things like domestic and sexual violence, mental illness etc... In Nil By Mouth, we see a very traumatising domestic violence scene, were a woman is beaten by her husband. We see things like this in the news, but when you see it in front of you, it's hard to watch and we think about it more, which is what the writer wants us to think.

Are there any themes which are essential to all British Social Realist films? What are they? Why are they essential?
The most essential themes are, violence, petty crime and racial/religious issues. They are essential in virtually all of these films, as we see the rough side of life. The films aren't meant to be painting a pretty picture, they're meant to show you the problems in lives. If we don't see these types of themes then we won't see it as British Social Realism, as they're problems in the real world which we are meant to see in a bad light. If we saw everyone having a good time then it would be more like a British family film for everyone to watch. British Social Realist films are aimed at specific people and these poeple are the ones into life issues and are interested in what goes on around them, however other people that can connect to it, may not watch them as they don't want to be reminded of things that have happened to them, such as Nil By Mouth as that involves Domestic abuse, and if someone has experienced that then it is very unlikely that they will want to watch it, whereas someone who hasn't will be intreged to watch it.