Combined social realism ('portraying life as it is lived' using elements of documentary style)/kitchen sink drama, with fantasy (Billy's day dreams).Made at a time when Britain 'never had it so good' - there was prosperity, social change, upward mobility (opportunity to move up through the class system). This was especially the case for youth through education (Grammar schools/university), parents that were financially secure so didn't need looking after - so the youth had more opportunities and freedom - for Billy this includes the freedom to dream.Billy and Liz are two different representations of youth - Liz who uses this freedom and opportunity and Billy who wants to but seems reluctant to escape his life.Billy's fantasies are not subversive - rather than desiring the freedom that Liz has, he aspires to be the war hero, the government minister or from a wealthy background. He wants the success that exists within the existing social structures.There is a circular nature to the film - we begin with Billy dreaming in bed and we end with Billy dreaming on the way home. So despite all the drama - has anything really changed for Billy?Billy's daydreams usually involve a newsreel type commentary - it could be argued that he uses media structures and templates to construct his fantasy identity.Similarities with modern day representations: Experimentation with different identities. An idea of youth being a period of 'becoming, rather than being' - finding a role. A time of 'storm and stress' with inter-generational conflict. Risky behaviour - sex, partying, petty crime. Dreaming, aspiring to improve life, become something better.Differences with modern day representations Family and the way it suffocates is significant - today the parents/adults are often seen as absent. The explicitness of the depiction of sex/crime/violence is significantly different. Billy wants to climb the existing social structure rather than reject it. Class and the place in society is a more pressing issue. Youth - mainly through Liz - is seen as something to envied and cherished.
