super_wello_

The replies so far have been really useful, but just wondering if anyone has any more opinions on stereotyping in the films etc...?

Yes and that is why it is good to see that 'Green Street' took this in to account. 'Football Factory' for example gives a much more stereotypical version of the football hooligan and does not really acknowledge background; merely presuming people will see them as working-class yobs. Which do you feel is the fairer interpretation?...Has the typical football hooligan changed since days of the past, with more intelligent people required to plan the meetings as police intelligence is now far more skilled...?Could a firm completely made up of less educated people even manage to avoid the police long enough to start up some trouble?

No of course not. That is why I am interested in the topic. Do you guys feel that this type of movie gives the general, non-football going public the impression that each time opposing football fans meet, they stage huge fights and tear up local pubs etc...?We know as regular football fans that this is not the case, but does this create an unnecessary 'social panic' about the situation? Just as another idea...what do you think about 'Green Street' portraying the West Ham ICF as regular professional people(e.g teachers and high powered businessmen), rather than the usual perception of drunken, working-class yobs..? Thanks again!

Just to note:Although the thread is titled 'Football Hooligan Films', I did emphasise the word VIOLENCE, and as the topic is actually to do with crime and the media, and Mean Machine is prisoners playing football, it is relevant. I am interested in how that particular film represents the criminals and the crime. Thanks

Hi there! I am currently researching the representation of FOOTBALL HOOLIGANISM/VIOLENCE in films, either mainstream(e.g 'Green Street'/'Football Factory'/'Mean Manchine') or other underground titles. I would also be very interested to hear peoples opinion on football hooliganism in general, but specifically how hooligans are represented in the visual media. Please post because it will be really useful for my research and course!Any view, however small, will be useful!