How Is Sound Used In Rabbit Proof Fence

Based on a biographical novel Rabbit-Proof Fence is the title of a dramatic motion picture that deals with the issue of the Stolen Generation – the Australian Aboriginal children who were forcibly removed from their parents by Australian authorities in 1931. Molly is the hero of this story and leads her sister and cousin back to their homes and family after they get taken away. Phillip Noyce directed the award winning 2002 film, and applied emotive audio and visual elements to evoke a profoundly unsettling emotion in its audience.

The visual element of subtle cues of lighting and colour create an atmosphere to position the audience to understand the big ideas, such as people’s relationship with the land and cultural and individual survival.
The background music changes with the Introduction of sound. As the scene opens no music is played, only the rusty dish is rolling on the ground, and then the camels create a noise so sharp and vulgar then the insects start to buzz, suddenly the car arrives and the wheels make a sound over the fence wire causing a harsh sound similar to an alarm. This sparks a fast paced drum beat musical introduction which mimics the racing heart of Molly, Gracie and Daisy and their mum as they are running away from the constable’s car. The sounds cause a sense of urgency and the reaction of constable Riggs is also heightened as he suggests he is only following orders.

Rabbit Proof Fence is an outstanding film directed by the established Australian filmmaker Phillip Noyce who is internationally acclaimed. This significant Australian film about three young Indigenous girls who form part of the Stolen Generation. Noyce, has successfully used visual and sound elements to evoke emotion and position the audience to sympathise with the characters on the screen. These key elements are what make this Australian film such a wonderful spiritual adventure