"Rabbit Proof Fence" by Phillip Noyce

Categories: Rabbit

Essay, Pages 3 (679 words)

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The scene opens with the haunting sounds of indigenous music, specifically the didgeridoo, creating an atmosphere that immediately immerses the audience in the Aboriginal feel of the film. As the music sets the tone, the screen is filled with a blank black background, drawing focus to the upcoming prologue that appears in contrasting white font, providing essential background knowledge for the movie.

The setting is Western Australia in 1931, where for over a century, the Aboriginal people have valiantly resisted the invasion of their lands by white settlers.

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However, their lives are now controlled in every detail by a special law known as the Aborigines Act. Under this law, Mr. A. O. Neville, the Chief Protector of Aborigines, holds the power to act as the legal guardian of every Aboriginal individual in the state. This authority allows him to remove any half-caste child from their family, regardless of their location within Western Australia.

The first visual shot presented to the audience is an extreme long shot of the vast landscape, initially appearing as mere dots.

This clever cinematographic choice prompts viewers to question whether they are observing an extreme close-up, an extreme long shot of the land, or perhaps a painting. This shot serves as a symbolic nod to traditional Aboriginal art, known for its intricate dot paintings and patterns, setting a thought-provoking tone for the film.

Simultaneously, as the opening scene unfolds, the character of Molly introduces the film in her native language, adding a layer of authenticity and cultural richness.

The camera then pans up to the sky before refocusing on the ground, revealing a stark contrast to the previous natural environment. The land is now depicted as dark, lifeless, and dull, marred by the presence of a fence cutting through it - the infamous rabbit-proof fence. This visual metaphor highlights the destructive impact of white settlers on the land and the lasting scars inflicted upon the Aboriginal people.

Transitioning to a close shot of Molly, the camera captures her looking up from a low angle against a backdrop of blue skies and gentle winds. The accompanying music swells, enhancing the sense of calm, peace, and authority she exudes within her natural surroundings. A subsequent shot featuring Molly and her mother together underscores the strong physical bond between them while subtly alluding to the threat posed by A.O. Neville's intervention, which seeks to disrupt and tear apart families. As the camera pans up, a spirit bird soaring in the sky comes into view, symbolizing freedom, home, and hope for Molly, as well as highlighting her deep spiritual connection to the environment.

The narrative then shifts to a scene of the family - Molly, her mother, her sister Daisy, and her cousin Gracie - engaged in hunting, showcasing Molly's developing survival skills and resilience. This moment not only addresses potential doubts about a young girl's ability to endure a challenging journey but also emphasizes the unity and strength of the family unit. The peaceful hunting scene is juxtaposed with a shot of a white man gazing menacingly with a rifle, symbolizing violence and conflict. The accompanying music, characterized by low notes, further intensifies the tension and unease in the scene.

In the following scenes, the film delves deeper into the challenges faced by the Aboriginal characters as they navigate a hostile environment shaped by colonial oppression and cultural erasure. Through nuanced storytelling and visual symbolism, the audience is invited to reflect on themes of resilience, family bonds, and the enduring spirit of survival in the face of adversity.

Overall, the opening sequence of the film effectively establishes a rich and immersive narrative world, drawing viewers into the complex realities of the characters and the historical context in which they exist. Through a combination of evocative visuals, poignant music, and compelling performances, the film sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of identity, heritage, and the enduring legacy of colonialism in Australia.