Australian Cultural Identity In Rob Sitch's Film 'The Castle'

In today’s Australian society it has now become almost commonplace for us to question our beliefs and what it means to be an Australian. We have always turned to consider our cultural aspects and how they determine a strong Australian identity. The voice of a hot climate, the tone of the red sand, the indifference of man and woman and even the lifestyle of the Australian people all play important parts within our community. However to be an Australian is truly shaped by the kind acts of mateship that we possess within our relationships with friends and family. The mateship of society should not be affected by gender but really truly lie upon the relationships in our lives, which is why I have chosen Priscilla and Red Dog,

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.

A part of Australian identity shown in both the castle movie and homo suburbiensis by bruce dawe is the emotional connection with non-human or inanimate objects. In Dawe’s poem “homo suburbiensis” the man has raised a patch of vegetables and the poem is describing his relationship with the outdoors. “A man alone in his patch of vegetables,” in this line the ‘patch of vegetables’ represents his territory, a place where he can vent his built in frustration and a place where he has total control of everything that’s going on. It describes him specifically being by the patch in the evening as during the day he cannot be alone with his thoughts while working so it is only after his work is done can be free. The line “and all the things he takes

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.

Given the diversity of Australia and the increase in multiculturalism, the definition of the true Australian identity has changed over time. However, I believe the two main characteristics

By bringing up well known Australian icons and brands, the author involves himself with the audience.

The southern country of Australia is an extremely unique place, both culturally and geographically. It is the only place in the world that is both a country and a continent. It is the home to diverse populations of both humans and wildlife, with several endemic species. Australia also contains a wide variety of landscapes, with snowy mountain ranges, beaches, and the famous Australian outback. Many Australians greatly embrace the distinct qualities that define Australia. This has led to a large movement of Australian nationalism, where citizens are proud to be a part of the country. These people have often used the arts as an outlet to express the loyalty that they have for their country. As a result, multitudes of art and literature have been created over the years that illustrate Australian pride.

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.

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’.

The Castle, directed by Robert Sitch and produced in 1997, is arguably one of the greatest Australian movies ever created. It is a peculiar, boorish and above all, humorous film, that is loved by most Australians. With great use of trademark Aussie humour, amateur camera work and Australian stereotyping, the movie can be very relatable to Australian viewers, typically those of the blue-collar working-class level. Even with light-hearted humour that could be taken offensively, and seen as a ‘dig at Australian culture, in my opinion, the Castle portrays the typical Australian working -class family and has an underlying message of being resilient and never giving up!

Australia is also seen through the contrast of Jim and Ashley’s cultures – Jim living in Australia all his life, and Ashley being educated in England. Ashley is seen as higher class than Jim, because Ashley owns land, received a better education, while Jim is working class, and was educated in a one room school. Ashley’s classical taste in music suggests an education, also.

Australian’s have a unique proud culture. This culture differentiates them from the British motherland. Through many decades Australia has formed a unique, which at its foundation is made from mateship. Mateship or friendship is the core of Australian identity as this was instilled into them through events such as war. WWII in particular demonstrates the level of mateship shown by Australians as many made the ultimate sacrifice in order to save a mate. The stories of ‘The Magic Pudding’ by Gary Crew & Shaun Tan and ‘Memorial’ by Norman Lindsay will demonstrate how mateship is a significant part of how Australians see

Growing up in Queensland, I am constantly surrounded by a culture founded by sport; children dreaming of what it would be like to be their sporting heroes. The truth is, culture is not defined by one thing, rather an array of things. Art and literature continues to be ignored and marginalised in today’s society. Although, this is what defines the individuality of the Australian identity.

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