Rabbit proof fence Directed by Phillip Noyce Sample TEEEC
Question: Analyse how techniques were used to demonstrate ideas about Aboriginal
Identity in 1 or 2 key scenes
Phillip Noyce's film Rabbit Proof Fence portrays a number of aspects of Aboriginal
Identity. Arguably, the most significant of these is the importance of family and place.
The scene in which the girls (Molly, Gracie and Daisy) are kidnapped from their mothers
begins a decline in their emotional health and wellbeing, and because of this, is a pivotal
moment in the film. Noyce uses techniques such as camera shots, contrast and music to
affect our emotions and help shape ideas about Aboriginal identity.
Noyce deliberately uses camera shots to make us feel empathy, fear and shock in the
kidnap scene, and this highlights the significance of family and belonging to place has to
Aboriginal identity.. He uses a tracking shot to follow the girl’s flight from the policeman
Riggs. This technique makes us feel empathy for the girls, as their panic is obvious to
even the least sympathetic viewer. The observer feels as though they are running with
them. The handheld camera shots are level with girls (point of view shot) and are shaky
to further emphasize their terror. This technique connects the viewer with the scene,
enabling us to feel their shock and fear. Noyce uses low angle camera shots up at Riggs
to make him seem larger, intimidating and in control. We understand that this man holds
extreme power over this family and has the ability to rip apart the fabric of their life,
despite the fact that he is not part of their family unit or tribe.
Noyce uses music in this scene to make us feel alarm and trepidation. In the beginning of
the scene, the music is natural didgeridoo and fits the desert landscape and our
preconceived ideas about Aboriginal identity. However the music has a slightly ominous
undertone, where Noyce foreshadows a hint of the horror to come. When Riggs chases
the girls the music changes altogether. As the girls are being pursued, the music becomes
frantic, like a rapid heart beat. Noyce uses this technique to make us feel panicked and
scared. Noyce’s purpose is to induce empathy and fear for the girl’s situation. The sound
is also altered by Riggs initial arrival; a camels groan merges with the cars rumble. Noyce
is showing us how the white man destroys the calm, significant to Aboriginal identity.
Noyce uses camera shots, contrast and music to strongly affect our emotions in the
kidnap scene, and these techniques show the viewer aspects of Aboriginal identity.