Gregor Jordan's Two Hands

Ladies and gentleman, the film Australian Rules is simply impossible to overlook as Australia’s entry into the international film everything that a proper ‘Australian’ film should, drama, romance, action and deceit. It portrays cultural differences that create segregation between the fabrics of society in a town that doesn’t possess the capacity to co-exist which is evident in urbanized Australia.

The concept of the “Australian legend” is an idea that has been altered many times throughout history, however the common conception of this interpretation has remained the same. This perception of a typical Australian legend is of someone who is extremely strong, independent and very capable in a natural outdoor environment such as the bush or outback. Many different sources display this idea and include the same or related characteristics. Russel Ward, author of “The Australian Legend”, focuses on an examination of the development of the "Australian character" and it’s influence on Australian culture. This was very significant in creating and supporting this idea. Crocodile Dundee, a famous Australian movie, references many aspects of what

In the 2011 Australian film ‘Red Dog’ directed by Kriv Stenders many issues relating to Australian identity are addressed including the stereotypical Australian values such as conflict with authority and mateship. Stenders uses skilful camera and visual techniques to portray a realistic 1970’s context throughout the movie. Throughout the movie it is evident that Stenders portrays his values and attitudes such as rebellion against authority that abuses power and independence.

Australian people and culture are often stereotyped in the media in different forms, one of them being film. The two films being examined, ‘Red dog’ (2011) and the ‘Sapphires’ (2012), are an example of the Australian identity but from different points of view. ‘Red dog’ shows the kind and positive side which exemplifies mateship and loyalty. The film ‘Sapphires’ ,which takes place in the 1950’s through to the 1960’s, shows a negative and racist view towards the indigenous people. Both the films show different aspects of the Australian identity, not all insights of the films accurately represent contemporary Australian identity as the Australian identity has changed by the evolution of people and their lifestyle.

There have been many produced films that represent the Australian society, but no film can be as tremendous as the movie of the legendary Pilbara Wanderer, Red Dog.

What film do you think best represents Australian cultural identity? Well, a nationwide survey revealed that more than one-third of people (37%) believe that Rob Sitch’s 1997 film, The Castle best represents the real Australia (The Australian, 2010). An Australian story about the Kerrigan family who live next to an airport. But their life is turned upside-down when the government tries to force them out of their house. The Castle must be cherished as an accurate representation of Australian cultural identity. This is depicted through the family values of pride, closeness and a simplistic life.

Australia is filled with many different aspects in which makes it the country it is today. I believe it is important to study texts that explore aspects of Australia by studying texts such as ‘The Club’, by David Williamson, a play written in 1977 about an Australian football club and movies such as “The Castle”, directed by Rob Stitch in 1997, about the daily life of an Australian family when their happiness is threatened when developers attempt to buy their house to expand the neighboring airport. Both these texts show us what Australian life was like in the past. By us looking at themes such as language, tradition and the mateship shown we are able to explore different aspects of Australia that make it what it is today.

Mateship. Adventurous. Loyal. Free. Proud. These are the typical words Australians use to describe themselves, to identify themselves as different from the rest of the world. But who is an Australian? Someone that was born in Australia? Only people we choose to call Australian? People with great achievements that we choose to take credit for? Only people that love sport and vegemite? Or maybe only people with ‘Aussie’ accents? The Australian population is a proud one indeed, proud of their nation, their achievements and their own independent way of life, but sometimes us Aussies, forget about the rest of the world and all those other people that make us, who we are.

The film ‘The Castle’ by Rob Sitch presents a number of distinctive and quintessential Australian Voices, these include ‘the Aussie Battler’, the voice of family and mateship. This response will examine how film techniques and language are used to create distinctly Australian voices and then consider the degree or extent to which they are singularly Australia. The main character Darryl Kerrigan represents the most significance voice ‘the Aussie Battler’ in the film ‘The Castle’. In the High Court scene, the low angle shot of Darryl outside the High Court elevates his status to be almost valiant and how his courage is compared with the imposing nature of the High Court.

Australia is a country filled with many stereotypes, including people riding kangaroos, wearing cork hats, wrestling crocodiles and cooking snags on the barbeque while having a beer. However, Australians are usually easy-going people, unlike what stereotypes suggest. The worldwide film industry uses these stereotypical images of Australia to mock and parody Australians. However, the Australian film industry uses these images to their advantage to create intelligent, satirical comedies of the Australian way of life. The 1997 Australian comedy movie, The Castle, directed by Rob Sitch, is an amusing satire of a stereotypical Australian family fighting for their rights.

Good afternoon and welcome to the inaugural Australia Day Film Festival: a celebration showcasing the growth and recognition of Australian cinema through industry workshops and discussion opportunities. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Bran Nue Dae and Rabbit Proof Fence. Although separated by years, these two successful films explicitly address Indigenous issues with

This is the question that needs to be asked when selecting a movie for this year's film festival. Hello Selection Panel, I am here to present to you "Red Dog". There are many films here today that want to represent Australia but none represent the large open deserts and its many people in "Red Dog". "Red Dog" is the most capable movie of representing Australia's many cultures and landscapes as it represents a community in Australia that is has strong tie through their dog. The mateship shown between people from many different pasts is sown perfectly in the landscape of Australia.

Good morning/afternoon and welcome to the 2018 annual Australian Film Festival. The Australian films represented here today are examples of egalitarianism and the idea of a fair go for all. They depict the underdog, and their drive to succeed and achieve. In many Australian films today these two qualities are shown throughout which makes for a captivating and exciting film experience. Iconic films such as The Sapphires and Ned Kelly depict Australians fighting against injustice, personal issues and inequality, showing the value of a “fair go” and egalitarianism.

Australian film and television deal with such themes by accepting the reality of Australian contexts. The Australian demographic are known for their rough humour and approach, hence the depiction of an Australian man, or woman, can be taken lightly and not offensively. At the same time, film and television are careful in representing Indigenous Australian as opposed to stereotypical white Australians. It is these historical, political, socio-economic ideologies that shape Australia’s national ‘type’.

Australia has always been centered around diversity and change, specifically with the vast multiculturalism and migrant culture throughout the nation. The specifics of Identity hold an important role in shaping our identity as students and as a nation. Australians pride themselves on being a land of the free and full of diverse culture. This is specifically referred to in our national Anthem; “For those who've come across the seas, We've boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine,”(McCormick, 1984). Displaying Australia’s open attitude towards immigrants and contributes to the diversity present within our society today. Even before this, much of Australia’s Identity was associated with caucasian culture (Originating from British Settlers). Which is the dominant perception of Australia through the media with australian representation being present through the stereotypes of Bogans, which was made popular through shows like Kath and Kim (ABC, 2007). Also, represented through the popular depiction of Australian people - the bushman made popular by movies like Crocodile Dundee (Faiman, 1986) and through famous real life bushman; Steve Irwin. An important aspect of Australian identity which is consistently neglected is the culture and representation of the initial owners of the land; the aboriginal people. Throughout history the constant mistreatment and neglect of the indigenous, has lead to a massive gap in privilege between the aboriginal people and our