How useful has an ideological critical approach been in understanding binary oppositions in the narratives of your chosen films?

Using critical ideology has helped to benefit the meaning surrounding binary oppositions in fish tank. The binary opposites of wealth and poverty are clearly reflected as part of an underlying meaning which Arnold is expressing.  During scenes following Mia such as the scene in which Mia attempts to free the horse, The use of the hand held unstable camera helps to build towards a rough atmosphere. Furthermore, the use of blue unsaturated colours creates a sense of coldness as the viewer is sutured into the narrative helps to make the viewer feel uneasy and uncomfortable (this is a micro film element which Arnold utilises throughout the film). Together these reflect the harsh reality of living in council house areas in the UK. This is amplified through the use of warm colour in Connors house which highlight the contrast between the lifestyle of the middle class and the poor. Using ideological critical approaches such as the oedipal trajectory, we can see Mia’s lust for her Father figure Connor. However, in relation to the opposition in the class system we can see Connor taking advantage of the attraction he understands Mia feels for him – using her for his own sexual desires. From this we can understand what Arnold is trying to express, how the middle class use the lower class for their own desires with little care for the effects on who they take advantage of.