This Is England Close-Up (Closing Sequence)

Overview

The closing sequence of This is England (Shane Meadows, 2007) serves as an epilogue, tying up loose ends and giving closure to the film’s characters. It also has a wider social commentary on nationalism and the effects it can have on working-class communities. The sequence includes montages of images depicting life in England, newsreel footage of the Falklands War, and the return of soldiers from the war. The final shot displays Shaun throwing a British flag into the water, symbolising his rejection of a nationalist ideology.

Ideological Analysis: Anti-Nationalist

The closing sequence of the film is a scathing critique of nationalism and its effects on working-class communities. Shane Meadows utilises montages of images depicting working-class poverty in England against the backdrop of the Falklands War. The newsreel footage of the Falklands War also serves as a commentary on the dangers of patriotism. The footage shows a soldier erecting a British flag on a tiny town hall in a village – the viewer is encouraged to question the validity of the British victory.

The victory in the war is visually compared with the pointless violence of Combo and his gang, highlighting the futility of nationalist ideologies. This message is further reinforced by the final shot of Shaun throwing the British flag into the water, symbolising his ultimate rejection of a nationalist ideology.

The use of symbolism in the sequence is also notable. The film’s title, “This is England,” is a reference to Combo’s rhetoric of English pride and patriotism that film attempts to ultimately reject. However, the film shows the grim reality of working-class life in England and the dangers of blindly following nationalist ideologies. The rejection of nationalism by Shaun is also reflected in his appearance, as he is dressed differently from his racist attire in the film. This transformation represents the rejection of nationalist ideologies and the embracing of a more inclusive identity.

The film’s ideology also presents no room for disagreement, with Shaun’s final action symbolically communicating a rejection of British pride and patriotism. Meadows shows no interest in leaving his anti-nationalist agenda up for interpretation or debate, bolstered by the film’s use of a notably manipulative non-diegetic score.

Narrative Analysis

The closing sequence of This is England begins with a montage made up of newsreel footage that mirrors the opening sequence of the film. This footage also adds a layer of authenticity to the film’s narrative, serving as a commentary on the dangers of patriotism and its effects on working-class communities. The return of soldiers from the war also ties into the film’s themes of masculinity and violence, as we see the effects of war on soldiers and their families.

The final shot of Shaun throwing the British flag into the water is a powerful conclusion to the film’s narrative. It serves as a symbol of Shaun’s rejection of nationalist ideologies and his acceptance of a more inclusive identity. The shot also leaves a lasting impression on the audience, highlighting the dangers of nationalist indoctrination.