RABBIT PROOF FENCE- ideas

Ideology of A.O. Neville-

"unwanted third race"

"stabs out the black colour"

"the native must be helped"

Moore River-

dark artificial lighting:sinister

close ups of locks and bars

ominous background music

whispering echoes, haunting

Moore River erasion of culture-

dirty, they must be cleaned

only speak English

hair cut

beating

checking of the fair ones as they are apparently smarter

Fate of half-caste-

dark, vulnerable, violated

Moodoo-

impressed with Molly's intelligence and courage

"pretty clever that girl"

appreciation and understanding of Molly in her endeavours.

Narrative repetition-

spirit bird: guidance, connection, strength, understanding, determination

RABBIT PROOF FENCE-connection

In the beginning of the film the fence is depicted as a symbolic barrier and difference between the two cultures as it is a way of separation. This fence is worked on by the white men who essentially make this symbol stronger by making the fence stronger and reinforcing it, therefore reinforcing the values it holds.

Although, when times become tough and the aboriginals families are split up and the three girls are running away, the fence reveals another idea of which it can represent under these situations. We are shown a strong connection of families and love through the fence and the film techniques that are involved in these moments. A very strong moment of portrayal of connection is when Molly and the two girls find the fence and hold onto it. The shot then cuts to Molly's mother, Maud, who also stands by the fence and lays her hand on the wires. The cross cutting that happens during this scene shows their closeness and need for each other using the fence as a symbol of their connection even though they are miles away from one another.

RABBIT PROOF FENCE

The Clash Between The Two Cultures

ABORIGINALS:

-Molly especially is shown to be a very strong, proud and resourceful character

-they provide for themselves

-live in the desert not in civilization

EUROPEANS:

-A.O. Neville is immediately shown as a powerful character and one who has a lot of control

-portrayed as civilized

-are in the technological age

-live in cities and towns with cars etc.

COMPARISON:

-Europeans have a higher status than the Aboriginals

-have much control over them

-Aboriginals actually rely on the white race to supply them with things

-Aboriginals have no power to go against the white race

-although they are proud and strong, the Aboriginals are forced to eradicate their culture