‘Billy Elliot’ dances into the USA, my take
Travis Call, Staff Writer
“Billy Elliot” (called “Dancer” before they exported it across the pond) is a lackluster coming of age tale that did so well in England they repackaged it and sent it to the colonies in hopes of making a few extra quid.
This film wasn’t good enough to justify earning a Golden Globe nomination, nor was it bad enough to throw back into the harbor. It might, however, have been a good idea to delay it in customs for a little retooling.
Critics and audiences are both likely to laud even the worst cinematic compost when it’s packaged as “foreign” or “independent.” “Billy Elliot” doesn’t have any flies buzzing around it, but the ponytail and latte crowd certainly are. They feel important when they attend movies with words like “arse” and “shite.” I suppose it is they who are to blame for its popularity.
Still, when you cut through the coal-stained ambiance of Durham County, “Billy Elliot” is only a decent story that is often difficult to stay interested in.
The movie loses itself in questions regarding Billy’s sexuality and seems intent on making sure everyone knows he isn’t gay. Actually, it might be more accurate to say that he isn’t sexual at all. After all, he’s only 11. During the course of the movie, he rejects repeated advances made by his best friend, Michael. Perhaps this was done to make audiences feel more comfortable watching a film about a boy who is obsessed with ballet. Americans might reject it simply because at times the thick English dialogue is difficult to understand.
The time wasted clarifying Billy’s sexual preference would have been better spent exploring the more compelling sub-plot of the miner’s strike and the hopelessness of living in such an economically hopeless area.
The story alone wouldn’t have been able to support itself if it weren’t for some very strong and colorful performances by actors Julie Walters (Billy’s dance teacher), Jamie Driven (his angry older brother who is constantly running afoul of the law) and Gary Lewis (Billy’s father). Lewis plays his role perfectly as the father who has known only mining and boxing and must come to terms with and ultimately find hope in his son’s gift.
This movie is so well acted that it is almost possible (depending on how much Southern comfort you’ve added to your cappuccino) to forgive its flaws. Despite the fact that he spends half his time flailing around the screen like the poster child for Ritalin, Jamie Bell (Billy) is the best young actor I’ve seen in a long time. Add to this an excellent supporting cast, and you’ve almost got a reason go and see it.