I, Daniel Blake - Political Response

The political response to Ken Loach’s 2016 film, I, Daniel Blake, received a diverse array of reviews. It seemed like the most positive reviews came from people in the same situation as Daniel and Katie, or those who can relate and sympathise. However, as expected, there were negative opinions surrounding the film, notably from those who consider themselves superior or who work closely with the employment system and its people.

Upon its release, the film was shown to the usual middle-class viewers, but also the working-class, who saw the film at community “pay-what-you-can” screenings. The film was well received, with the characters portrayed resonating with viewers. Similar to the representation of black people in positions of power in Black Panther, many people who find themselves in the same situation as Daniel Blake felt seen and understood. The film’s brutally truthful presentation of the benefits system validated their struggles, increased public awareness of this harsh reality, and created a powerful, visceral depiction of how austerity and welfare reform harm working-class people. The film also had a political effect, even being mentioned in parliament by figures such as Jeremy Corbyn (Labour Leader at the time), who urged the Prime Minister to watch the film, suggesting that it exposed “institutionalised brutality” in the welfare system. Furthermore, he took the film seriously, framing it as about humanity rather than politics. However, despite his effort to use this film to create systemic change, his opinion was dismissed by other members of parliament and had little to no political effect, only further highlighting the existing political divides. Other Labour members also held the same opinion as Corbyn. Rebecca Long-Bailey sent out a tweet which encouraged people to watch the film so they can understand the impact of austerity. Socialist parties used the film as a rallying point, protesting the welfare system, sanctions and benefit cuts.

However, as previously mentioned, conservative parties heavily criticised the film. Iain Duncan-Smith (former Work and Pensions secretary, Conservative) claimed that it painted an “unrealistic picture” of the benefits system. He argued that the film took “the very worst of anything that can happen to anybody and lumped it together.” Additionally, he stated that the job centre staff were portrayed unfairly, and other conservative members agreed with this. Damian Green (Work and Pensions Secretary under Theresa May) described it as “monstrously unfair” in its depiction of the staff, despite not even watching the film. Furthermore, James Cleverly (Conservative MP) responded to Rebecca Long-Bailey’s tweet, saying that “You do realise that it’s not a documentary, right?” which drew backlash from Labour figures and members of the public, accusing him of being insensitive and dismissive of the hardships presented in the film. Overall, the conservative response intended to fictionalise the film, stating that the issues presented are over-exaggerated. They defended workers in the welfare system and claimed that they had to work under hard constraints. Whereas the Labour Party treated the film as a lesson to be learned and a serious topic that should be brought to light and not dismissed.