The history of Social Realism

In the years following World War I, it was widely felt that the key to a national cinema lay in 

'realism and restraint'. This view reflected mainly the south-eastern middle-class audience. 

Meanwhile, working-class audiences, favoured Hollywood genre movies. So realism carried 

patrician connotations of education and high seriousness.

This has been continued through time today and many differences can be scene within the 

genre from different films of different times. Here are some examples:

Notice the difference between 'Passport to Pimlico'. A social realism film from 1949:

AND 'Trainspotting' 1996 and 'Run Fat Boy Run' 2007:

The colours for a start. An obvious difference with the 2007 film. All films now have the option to be filmed easily and with no extra expenses. A privilege that was not an option in 1949.

The story line differences are a main aspect too. As the times change so does the narrative of social realism films. This makes them relatable and therefore realistic to its audience - hence the genre title - Social Realism.