Romanticisation of the Cultural Past in British Period Films

Abstract

British period films hold a significant position in the current global trend of period films due to its quality of portraying glamour and sophistication. Since its source of attraction lies in the romanticized versions of British historical eras, this study aims to discuss one technique utilized in the majority of these films; to romanticize culture. Despite its origin from Heritage films, it evades or subverts many of its alluring strategies. There is a visible concentration upon heritage film studies especially regarding its methods of representing British history in research available on this topic but less on techniques employed in period films as a distinct genre. Hence, this paper unveils a strategy detected in period films considered for this study through a close analysis of the three selected films; Pride and Prejudice (2005), Miss Austen Regrets (2008) and Belle (2014). It involves the complex development of themes within the storyline to reflect a positive portrayal of the cultural past of Britain despite the presence of themes concerning social issues prevalent in that particular era. Therefore, this research argues that the strategy involving thematic manipulation observed in the 21st century period films considered for this study, is employed to romanticize the British cultural past.