I, Daniel Blake

I, Daniel Blake

Overview

The film is about a 59 year-old carpenter who suffers a heart attack which leaves him unable to work and relies on the government's 'benefits system' for money. Even though his doctor agrees that he cannot work, he is denied from the benefits by the authorities and is told to resume his job. He then has to find a way to appeal for these benefits and convince the authorities where he meets a single mother who is struggling with two children and they form a close friendship. The budget of the film is unknown however it is an independent film which was funded by the BBC and the British Film Institute. The film was deemed a success with the box office grossing $15.8 million.

Cast and director

The director is Ken Loach who is a British filmmaker where his movies focus on the topics around social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and labour rights. Loach is known for his independent films which include: Kes, Sorry We Missed You and Sweet Sixteen. Loach is known for many films which he has made before I, Daniel Blake and so with that, many fans of his movies are likely to watch his latest releases. Many of his films are in the British social realist genre. Dave Johns is the main actor who plays as Daniel Blake in the film who is known as an actor and comedian. He mostly does British Indie films. Hayley Squires is the other main actress in the film who is also known for indie films and television shows.

Production, marketing and release

The film was a low budget film due to the director being known for indie films, locations being filmed there and then rather than in a studio, lesser known British actors and no special effects. The funding of the film was done by the BBC and BFI through the National Lottery Funding. The BFI usually fund movies which show a 'bold vision' and 'creative excellence'. The BFI could of possibly seen that the film deserved funding because of the story and Ken Loach as the director.

The film was marketed in traditional ways including posters and trailers however it had unique marketing and promotion for the film. The film premiered in Newcastle when the production team rejected London as the film was set in Newcastle so it shows that they cared more about the message and local people rather than receiving more money if it was in London. The film won the Palme d'or award at the Cannes Film Festival which is the biggest award in the festival further promoting the film. Due to the film's plot revolving around the benefits system, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn attended the London screening and used the film as an example of the flawed benefit system in parliament. The Grassroots marketing movement further advertised the film along with the twitter hashtag #IDanielBlake. The successful marketing allowed the film to screen in 24 countries and become Ken Loach's most successful film.

Target audience

The BBFC rating for the film is a 15 showing that the target audience is from the ages of 15-60 as it reflects the ages of the characters and older audiences may be able to relate to having experienced difficulty with the benefits system. The older audience may also be familiar with Ken Loach as director. The film appeals to many socio-economic groups and with Loach's views and the social realist genre, audiences interested in politics may find the film amusing. 

Many people in Newcastle are inclined to watch the film as the film is set there and may raise awareness of how certain areas of the UK are affected more. Discussions on social media about the movie's message from political audiences may interest many.

However the film has received criticism including from a Jobcentre manager in Newcastle remarking that the film 'doesn't represent reality'. He also remarked that he hopes that people understand that the film is just a story and not a documentary. The Sunday Times film critic and Daily Mail have included that the film is 'not true' and 'depressing'. Despite the comments that criticise the film, the majority of people have praised the film for being realistic and raising awareness.