3 February
–
23 April 2006
Films:
Section 3: Gender, Race and SocietyPaul Watson, Franc Roddam b. 1942,
b. 1946
The Family 1974
Paul Watson's 12-part documentary series The Family 1974 originated the 'fly on the wall' genre in Britain, a radical disruption of convention at the time but now ubiquitous in British television. The series focuses on the working-class Wilkins family from Reading and sets out to reveal family life in Britain. At turns poignant, hilarious, and painful, the Wilkins demonstrate remarkable candour in their on-screen exchanges. The series divided critics and viewers, the airing of previously taboo subject matter - casual racism included - led Mary Whitehouse to call for the series to be banned. This series raised decisive questions about the limits and ethics of documentary, a debate that continues today.