Bend_It_Like_Beckham

Into The World – related material Bend It Like Beckham – directed by Gurinder Chadha (2002) • Fantasy sequence at the beginning of the film. Shows Jess living out her dreams of playing professional football. • Mrs. Bhamra states her disapproval of Jess’ dreams from the beginning. She appears in the sequence as an uncompromising critic. • After the fantasy sequence, the camera zooms in on the face of Mrs. Bhamra and later the image of David Beckham. This reflects the two influences on Jess’ life and her struggle to balance both of them. • Jess’ family and her background are explored in various ways throughout the film, which emphasizes the bringing together of the modern and the traditional in contemporary British-Asian life • Themes: accepting difference, personal values, domesticity vs. freedom, self definition and change. • Jess and her sister Pinky have grown up crossing cultural boarders between their Sikh parents and the Western culture of London on a daily basis, so negotiations are not seen as important. • Clash between the Western values of the freedom of choice, personal fulfillment and self development and the Asian values of loyalty and obedience to the family. • The film focuses on the differences between British and Asian lifestyles, but also clashes within the Punjabi community itself. • Jess represents the constricted hero that does not conform to the norms of his or her society and seeks release through unconventional means. Jess struggles against her parents’ orthodox mindset to pursue her passion for football. • Jules has to combat her mother’s stereotypes about athletic prowess and lesbianism. • Jess’ bedroom is surrounded by icons usually associated with males, and is not interested in ‘typical’ teenage girl activities. • The film documents Jess’ experiences as an intelligent young woman who is torn between being a ‘good girl’ for her parents and her passion for football. Jess has already started to move away from traditional ways, and her family feels that football would be a corrupting influence on her. • Traditional elements such as costuming and the Sikh holy man are contrasted by modern characters such as Jess and Tony. • “She’s bringing shame on the family.” Mrs. Bhamra. • Calls David Beckham “that skinhead boy”. Jess identifies with a male hero in David Beckham. For Mrs. Bhamra Beckham represents a departure from the family’s traditional values. Changes in tradition would breach the Bhamra’s feelings of stability. • Cultural context: Set in Houndslow, a suburb of West London. Use of slang (innit, laters!), clothing, houses and a mixed population. Sikhs make up a significant number of the population. • Gender and the British-Asian experience are explored through the main characters Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra, Juliette “Jules” Paxton, their respective families and the issues that are brought to the surface. • Jess’ mother values domesticity and proprietary. Pinky is also associated with domesticity and is concerned about her physical appearance. Pinky’s foremost concern is her upcoming wedding. • The values and aspirations that Pinky is shown to hold are opposite to Jess’ yet reflect her mothers’ and Paula’s. The name ‘Pinky’ suggests femininity by colour association. • Montage of West London. Men wearing Sikh turbans and beards. • Although westernized in many respects, Pinky is still a traditionalist. • Parallel characters in the worlds/different ways of living (Mrs. Bhamra > Mrs. Paxton, Mr. Bhamra > Mr. Paxton, Jess > Jules) • Paula works in a lingerie store, has traditional ideas concerning feminism. • Traditional Sikh greeting given to Massaiji, the mother of Anthony. • Massaiji wants a “lovely daughter in-law” for her son Tony, although he is later revealed to be gay. • Jess is shown to be intelligent, she wants to study, “I hope I get my grades for Uni”. • While characters such as Paula, Pinky and Mrs. Bhamra show characteristics that are commonly attributed to females, in contrast Jess shows characteristics that are seen to be more masculine. This is reflected in her costuming (casual clothes, tracksuits and football uniform), her passion for football, and the fact that all of her friends are males. • The film explores the British-Asian experience. • Music is used to underscore thematic and cultural concepts in the film. There is a mix of both English and Indian songs that are used on the soundtrack, reflecting the existence of the two different ways of living. • Despite only playing in the park, Jess is a talented footballer. Jules sees her playing and is impressed by her skill. Both of the girls are shown to have mother trouble. • Paula and Mrs. Bhamra represent authority figures of the old order. Jules and Jess are the new order. • The mothers are more oppressive than the fathers, so the pressure for the girls to conform is coming from the females. • Jess laments: “It’s not fair that boys don’t have to come home and help”. • Mr. Bhamra calls David Beckham “That bald man”. • Lights are placed on the outside of the house in preparation for Pinky and Teetu’s upcoming wedding. • The proximity to Heathrow Airport is established in the film. Jess’ dad is said to “Be on earlies at Heathrow”, Mrs. Bhamra is said to have worked overtime at Heathrow, and Pinky is also shown to work in the airport. Planes are also seen flying over the house. The planes symbolize Jess’ desire for independence, to be free. • Jess helps out at Pinky’s engagement party. The attending relatives seem to be all clones of each other, symbolizing the conformity and lack of identity that Jess wishes to avoid. • Jess’ facial expression suggests that she is unhappy at the party. • In the scene which heavily features Sikh/Indian culture- costuming, music, dancing, food and dialogue- there is juxtaposition with the ringing of a mobile phone. As one of the sight gags used in the film, everyone searches their bags and pockets, suggesting that they all have mobile phones. • Jess’ three cousins are all dressed in pink, suggesting femininity. In contrast, Jess wears a David Beckham soccer jersey. • White/Anglo-Celtic people are referred to as “goras”. • Houndslow Harriers Girls Side. Jules introduces Jess to the coach Joe. • The soccer pitch represents freedom for Jess and Jules. Freedom is associated with male pursuits. • Montage of the team training. Jess is able to prove herself as a good footballer. • “I’ve never seen an Indian girl into football” Joe to Jess. • “We get just as many trophies as the men’s side do” Jules • Jules has aspirations to play football professionally in America, for their women’s league. • Jess talks to the poster of David Beckham on her wall. • “Jules is really lucky. Her parents must really support her” Jess. This statement is proved to be incorrect in the following scene. • “When are you going to realise that you have a daughter with breasts, not a son'” Mrs. Paxton to Mr. Paxton. She is dismayed that her daughter shares none of her traditional feminine interests. • “No boy’s gonna want a girl that has bigger muscles than him!” Reflect the attitude of Jess’ parents towards marriage and how a girl should behave. • Paula has traditional views. She has fears about female athletes, her daughter’s passion for football and lesbianism. • Jess is initially worried about the scar on her leg. Joe connects with Jess as he shows her his scar on his knee. • In the change room the other girls are comfortable with changing in public, Jess is not. • Use of the song ‘She’s a Lady’ with Indian instrumentals. Shots of balls going into the net. Redefining the meaning of female, a departure from traditional definitions of femininity. • Icon of tradition is the portrait of the Indian Sikh Guru on the wall behind Mrs. Bhamra as she scolds Jess. • Religion in the film emphasizes ethnic exclusion. • “I don’t want the shame on my family” Mrs. Bhamra. • “No more football!” Mrs. Bhamra. • “You must start behaving like a proper woman” Mr. Bhamra. • “My Mum’s never wanted me to play!” Jules. • An American scout is coming over to watch the girls play. • The song ‘Moving On Up’ is used, a montage of soccer action shots. • “Indian girls aren’t supposed to play football” Jess. • Mrs. Bhamra watches an Indian program on television. • “Don’t you want a boyfriend like everyone else'” Pinky. • “Your first sari is when you become a woman” Mrs. Bhamra. • “She’s coming into line now” Mrs. Bhamra. • Goes out with Jules and buys a pair of soccer boots, the song ‘Independence Day’ plays. This demonstrates that Jess is moving more towards self definition. • Joe has problems with his father. • Jess borrows Paula’s bow shoes for the wedding. • W.U.S.A Soccer on TV. An England international player is shown, reflecting Jules’ aspirations. • Paula meets Jess for the first time, and has stereotypical ideas of what the Indian culture is like “I hope you can teach my daughter a bit about your culture,” “I expect your parents are fixing you up with a handsome young doctor.” • The camera angle of Paula in this scene makes Paula understood to be ironic. Her clothes and makeup contrast with Jules. • Paula unconsciously stereotypes Jess, and by implication suggests that Indian girls are more feminine than Anglo-Celtic girls. • Jess and Jules’ hugging is misinterpreted by the orthodox Sikh parents of Pinky’s finance Teetu “Teets”. The wedding is called off. “Children are a map of their parents” Teetu’s mother. • Mr. Bhamra then tries to defend Jess’ alleged actions: “You know how hard it is for our children here. Sometimes they misjudge and start acting like the kids here.” This comment reflects the difficulties faced by young British-Asian people growing up in Britain. • “My whole wedding has been called off because of you!” Pinky. • The lights that were put on the house for the wedding are taken down, signifying that the wedding has been called off. • Joe comes to the Bhamra house in an attempt to try and convince the Bhamras to let Jess play football. • Visual emphasis on the painting of Guru Nanak as seen through Joe’s eyes. Jess is embarrassed in this situation. • “Jess has no time for games” Mr. Bhamra. • Mr. Bhamra is still bitter about his experiences as a young man. He fears that the same will happen to Jess.” I was not allowed to play in any of their [the English cricketer’s] teams, and these bloody goras in their club houses made fun of my turban and sent me off packing!” • Jess’ parents remain firm on their position. Joe tells Jess “Your parents don’t always know what’s best for you”. • By lying to her parents with the help of Pinky, Jess is able to go to Germany to play a friendly match. She practices deception, as demonstrated when she calls her mother from the hotel, pretending to be at her cousin’s house. The mirror shot suggests Jess’ alter-ego or dark side which is involved in deception and lies. Jess misses a crucial penalty shot. Her story to her parents comes undone when Jess’ dad sees her in a picture in the newspaper. • Suggestion of Jess ‘bending’ the rules to achieve her objective. Jess breaks the rules many times in the process of carving out her own life. Jess suffers a series of defeats. • Jess begins to express her femininity in Germany. She wears a black dress of Mel’s to go out clubbing with the other girls. She dances with her coach Joe. Emotional point of view with Jess. Jess is a bit tipsy and walks out of the club, where she and Joe almost kiss. • This causes Jess and Jules to fight. Jules screams that Jess knows he was off limits as their coach, but there is a sense that Jules is jealous as well. • Pinky states her opinion of love: “When you love someone, you’d do anything for that person”. • Pinky contradicts her earlier statement. Pinky disapproves of the idea of Jess dating a gora. She sees it as an unrealistic idea, and it would be better for Jess to settle down with a nice Indian boy. She makes a comment about how Indian boys have become more westernized: good clothes, flashy jobs, and nice cars. • Jess is parents are fearful of football partially because it is alien to them. “This [football] is taking me away from everything that they know” • In a comic misunderstanding of the film, Paula misinterprets Jess and Jules’ fight and thinks that they are a lesbian couple. She also states that the football caused this supposed lesbian, and fears what people would say if her daughter came out as a lesbian. Mr. Paxton comforts his wife and shows his tolerant stance. “George Michael is still a superstar and you still listen to Wham!” • “I think I need an Indian boyfriend” Jess. • Tony, Jess’ supportive friend tells her that he is gay. Jess is shocked and she states “But you’re Indian!” This suggests that the Sikh community would not be receptive to Tony as a gay man. • The attitude of the other boys that Jess plays with to female athletes reflects problems in women’s sport. “Why can’t you lot just see them as footballers'” Tony. The boys just see them as girls, and make sexist comments from the stands. Tony’s words mean to see people who they are, not what they are. • Jess’ dad comes to the game to watch her play. He is able to see how talented she is. • Drum music and slow motion is used to build tension in the scene. A girl from the opposing team fouls Jess by tugging on her shirt and making a racist remark “Piss off Paki!” ‘‘Paki’ is a term used to describe people from Pakistani backgrounds, in this case in a derogatory manner, even though Jess is Punjabi, not Pakistani. It echoes the experiences of Jess’ father, who views the incident. • Jess is then fouled and sent off with a red card for bad conduct. Joe is initially angry for what he sees as hotheaded behaviour, but Jess later reveals the racist remark. Joe again can relate to her, as he states “Jess, I’m Irish. Of course I know what that feels like.” • Jess and Joe then hug, which is seen by Mr. Bhamra who misinterprets the situation. • Teetu’s parents reconsider and the wedding is back on. Pinky is elated. Facial expressions show the tension between Jess and her father. • The wedding is 25th, the same day as the soccer grand final game that the scout is coming to watch. Mr. Bhamra tells Jess “Your sister needs you”. Resigned, Jess appears to give up and seems to be depressed. She faces obstacles with disappointment. • Jess cries as she is cleaning her football boots. • The lights for the wedding are put back on the exterior of the house. • Jules’ mother decides to move past her previous prejudices and take an interest in football, so it is something that the whole family can enjoy together. Paula is able to connect with her daughter through taking an interest in football. • In a humorous scene, Mrs. Bhamra prays to the portrait of the Guru for Jess’ A Level results. Jess’ is shown to have received good grades “You can become a top class solicitor now”. Jess’ life has been planned out by her parents. • In a scene, Jess is seen to be hanging brightly coloured Indian garments on a clothesline, with a black and white soccer ball positioned in the foreground. This scene clearly juxtaposes the two worlds that Jess is being pulled between. She cannot resist kicking the soccer ball around which suggests that no matter how depressed she may be, her passion for football is still evident. • Jess struggles to juggle her two worlds- her Asian world, where she is limited by cultural expectations and restrictions, and her British one, which promises self-fulfillment. Jess is forced to choose. • Jess takes down the soccer things in her bedroom, and she is photographed in a low light which externalizes her feelings of depression. • Jess’ name is removed from the soccer playing board. • A montage of shots is used, juxtaposing a traditional Sikh wedding preparations and ceremonies and the Harriers training for the grand final. • Jess’ facial expression suggests that she is depressed. • Joe looks through the Bhamras window at the wedding festivities. This symbolizes that he is an outsider looking in at the Indian culture. He attempts to convince Mr. Bhamra to let Jess play in the grand final. • Punjabi music and dancing is used in the wedding celebrations. Pinky is wearing traditional clothing. • There is juxtaposition of scenes from the wedding and the grand final. • Sympathetic Tony tries to help Jess get to the final. Mr. Bhamra then lets Jess go, seeing how depressed she is to be missing out on the match “Well if this is the only way I’m going to see you smiling on your sister’s wedding day, then go now”. • Jess is able to start playing the game when a player is sent off. Jess is again in a crucial penalty shootout. • Music is used to underscore this scene. The song ‘Nessun Dorma’ and slow motion is used. Jess envisions the obstacle of the wall of players in front of the goal to be her mother, her pleading sister, family and relatives. Symbolically she must get around tradition to achieve her goal. The ball sinks into the net in slow motion. Jess has shown that she can really ‘bend it like Beckham’, winning the match. • Juxtaposition of the grand final and wedding celebrations through a montage of scenes. • The scout offers both Jules and Jess full scholarships to play soccer for Santa Clara in America. • Jess’ facial expression has changed now; she is shown to be happy. Jules is also portrayed as an outsider to the Indian culture, as her white and black attire is juxtaposed with the colorful Indian wedding outfits. • In the limousine Pinky questions Jess about what she wants in life after she has told her about the scholarship “Don’t you want all of this'” Pinky is indicating her traditional wedding. Jess states that she “Wants more than this.” Jess is now beginning to decide what she wants for herself. • “English people are always complaining when we have functions” A relative. • Tony tries to help Jess get to America by telling the Bhamra’s that he would like to marry Jess. Jess is sick of deceiving her parents, so she decides to tell the truth “I’m not lying anymore”. • “If I can’t tell you want I want now, then I’ll never be able to tell you.” Jess. • Low angle shot of Jess under the picture of Guru Nanak as she admits the truth. She is now in a stronger position. • Jess’ father then allows her to go: “But I don’t want Jessie to suffer. I don’t want her to make the same mistake that her father made. I want her to fight, and I want her to wind.” • Music marks the end of this scene. Jess then tells Joe that she can go to America. This means that Joe is not Jess’ coach anymore and they can “Do what they want”. • Joe decides to continue coaching the girl’s side. He still wants to pursue a relationship with Jess “Even with the distance, and the concerns of your family, we might still have something”. • Jess and Joe finally kiss in the airport. Jess barley notices the arrival of David Beckham, as she has found new inspiration in Joe. Music underscores this scene. • Jess and Jules both leave to board the plane to America. The parents of the girls greet each other. Postcards and photographs are sent home. Jules sends her parents soccer sweatshirts. A pregnant Pinky is shown to be holding the photograph, juxtaposing her more traditional aspirations and life journey as opposed to her sister Jess. • In the final scene of the film, Mr. Bhamra plays cricket with Joe. A happy ending through the cooperation of both sides. • Overall, the Asian community is shown as both retaining their culture and traditions but are also able to integrate their culture and traditions successfully into some aspects of contemporary British life. Techniques used in the film: • Comic misunderstandings: Paula believing that Jules is a lesbian. The scene where Paula confronts Jess at Pinky’s wedding. • Sight gags: Mobile phone ringing scene • Fantasy sequence: Jess playing for Manchester United The penalty shoot out in the football grand final • Montage: Scenes of the west London area Soccer and soccer warm-ups Wedding scenes • Lighting: Jess takes down her David Beckham poster • Juxtaposition: Pinky’s wedding and the soccer grand final The backyard of the next-door neighbors compared to the wedding celebrations. The scene with the soccer ball and the clothesline • Dialogue: Punjabi and English both used Western London accents and slang like ‘innit’ and ‘laters!’ Epithets like ‘paki’ Use of the word ‘gora’ or ‘gori’ to describe and Anglo-Celtic person Use of ‘putar’ meaning son/daughter as an affectionate name for Jess by Mr. Bhamra • Costuming, Props and Set Design: Indian wedding outfits, dresses, saris, bindis, veils and jewelry Beards, turbans, Sikh steel bracelets Image of Guru Nanak “Baba Ji” Jules’ and Jess’ clothing The design of Jess’ house Jules and Jess’ bedrooms • Slow motion Soccer action sequences • Music and Sound: Mix of Punjabi/Indian and English music used Underscores scenes Drum music to show tension • Camera angles: Bird’s eye view Point of view shot Close up, medium shot, long shot, low shot Zoom • Non verbal: Body language of Jess • Characterisation: Parallel characters in the opposite worlds Jess as the hero of the film • Other: Joe as the outsider looking in Jules as the outsider in white clothes • Symbolism: Heathrow Airport/Planes- Jess’ desire for independence, to be free The colour red David Beckham • Themes: The British-Asian experience Dreams and aspirations Contemporary London/Britain Racism Indian/Punjabi culture Gender