Rabbit Proof Fence
Rabbit Proof Fence
A contemporary Australian feature film released in 2002 and direct by Phillip Noyce.
Child characters: Molly (14), Daisy (8) and Gracie (10) walk 1600km home to their desert home in Jigalong from the mission called the Moore River Native Settlement north of Perth * Noyce uses oral and written historical methods to tell the story * He uses real and fictional characters to present an emotive and supportive narrative of the girl’s journey, showing the white authorities who opposed them in a negative light. * A critical understanding of film techniques helps us to understand the concept pf belonging e.g. the way Molly is shown as belonging to the desert and the way Constable Riggs is shown as not belonging to it. * Molly’s voiceover introduces her community and explains that sh learns desert living skills from her mother Maude and grandmother Frinda. Maude shows Molly the girl’s spirit bird, a circling eagle. Life in the Aboriginal camp at Jigalong Depot is peaceful and harmonious. * This is in stark contrast to Mr Neville’s clinical office in Perth where he completes documentation for the girls’capture and explains his aim to remove part Aboriginal children from their families and thus to absorb Aboriginal people into white society. * The guard’s position of power and authority and Molly’s subservient position are enhanced by the camera angle. Molly is filmed from above, emphasising her vulnerable position. * Actions and facial expressions show Molly’s character more than dialogue. * Mr Neville is ordered and precise in his language and actions. He has much authority but lacks the compassion that should go with his responsibilities. * His characterisation, built through his words/actions and his distant professional relationship with every other character presents a man who belongs to no-one and encourages no one to belong to him. * Moodoo has a strong understanding of an affinity with the landscape. He
A contemporary Australian feature film released in 2002 and direct by Phillip Noyce.
Child characters: Molly (14), Daisy (8) and Gracie (10) walk 1600km home to their desert home in Jigalong from the mission called the Moore River Native Settlement north of Perth * Noyce uses oral and written historical methods to tell the story * He uses real and fictional characters to present an emotive and supportive narrative of the girl’s journey, showing the white authorities who opposed them in a negative light. * A critical understanding of film techniques helps us to understand the concept pf belonging e.g. the way Molly is shown as belonging to the desert and the way Constable Riggs is shown as not belonging to it. * Molly’s voiceover introduces her community and explains that sh learns desert living skills from her mother Maude and grandmother Frinda. Maude shows Molly the girl’s spirit bird, a circling eagle. Life in the Aboriginal camp at Jigalong Depot is peaceful and harmonious. * This is in stark contrast to Mr Neville’s clinical office in Perth where he completes documentation for the girls’capture and explains his aim to remove part Aboriginal children from their families and thus to absorb Aboriginal people into white society. * The guard’s position of power and authority and Molly’s subservient position are enhanced by the camera angle. Molly is filmed from above, emphasising her vulnerable position. * Actions and facial expressions show Molly’s character more than dialogue. * Mr Neville is ordered and precise in his language and actions. He has much authority but lacks the compassion that should go with his responsibilities. * His characterisation, built through his words/actions and his distant professional relationship with every other character presents a man who belongs to no-one and encourages no one to belong to him. * Moodoo has a strong understanding of an affinity with the landscape. He