Attack The Block Analysis

In class, we have moved onto watching some contempoary films which are associated with youth culture. Specifically, we have been focusing on gang culture films. One in particular is the film 'Attack The Block' , directed by Joe Cornish. The film has a strong emphasis on Sci-Fi and comedy, but real issues revolving around teenagers are bought up. This film supports Hebdiges theory that teens are presented through the eyes of adults rather than through the teens themselves. This can be seen through a variety of ways. The protagonists of the film could be seen as the antagonists to begin with as they rob a helpless nurse as she comes back from work. This is a fear that many adults would feel if they were to encounter a group such as the gang in Attack the Block. This helps support Gebners theory that television and film impact the way we see the world. However as the film goes on it becomes clear that there are reasons for the group being as they are. For example Moses, the main character, is seen as quite ruthless and independent but we learn later that he is only 15 and has no real connection apart from an uncle who ‘comes and goes’.  That’s why the block means so much to him as it is all he has and he would do anything to protect it. 

Overall, Attack The Block is a bit different from a typical youth culture film due to all the aliens and so on. However, it manages to pull out some interesting points to do with youth and their 'wolfpack' attitude when with friends, especially on an estate in London.