Analyzes how baz luhrmann's film strictly ballroom showcases opposing characters using film techniques, exemplifying how scott and doug contrast from one another. Huck struggles to find an identity which leads him to rebel against society.Would you consider Chris McCandless and Huck Finn rebels? At the age of ten, we were given the option to begin using Pointe shoes. But Scott and Frans burgeoning relationship represents more than just classic Hollywood romance. Analyzes how scott is put in a tough position when he is given the opportunity to dance with tina sparkle. Centring on the countdown to the all-important Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dancing Championships, this is a film of love and betrayal, creativity and conservativism, song and dance. She made three movies in less than year: Bill of Divorcement away, he spent most of his it in first class performing and demonstrating the cha-cha. The viewer does come to understand before then, however, his preoccupation with old ballroom dancing videos, and his resultant need to express suppressed feelings through dance. The twilight sky would turn to a starlit sky and a soft spotlight simulating moonlight would compliment the faint sound of crickets. They both are rebels against society for different reasons. Throughout the years, dance has changed and grown and and taken on many forms of art as different choreographers bring their innovation and creativity to the table. That all changes when there is a shooting at Sterling High. when a new era comes around, the interest of the teenagers changes as well. This selective reacting should hint to the viewer that Doug has more depth to him than would have been thought: he has less shallow concerns that the majority of the other characters in the room have shown themselves to have. Analyzes how the ballerinas in this film don't care about the color of their skin because it is their work ethic that allows them to succeed in the dance world. They both are rebels against society for different reasons. While there was a variety of different dancing styles, they all had the same common elements of dance. the clock strikes twelve and everyone waits for cinderella to flee. At this stage there is no background music: Shirleys insistent voice dominates. The ballet starts off with three men facing a murky green light. The bright white and cool colored lights fit nicely with the party that had been taking place as they made the party seem light and joyous, not somber and dark. Character analysis of Doug Hastings in the movie Strictly Ballroom. When the lights come up the audience is immediately thrown into an old and dingy movie theatre complete with popcorn strewn across the floor. Theres a broader message about close-mindedness running through the film a message that might be even broader than youd think, if this Luhrmann quote is anything to go by: It sounds incredible, but we did it at first in response to the Cold Warit was a statement that the individual is not ALWAYS without power.. The world shakes once again and now youre in, inevitably, a ballroom. Analyzes how costume and wardrobe play an important role in baz lurhmann's first film, "strictly ballroom". This is despite her lack of experience, her general ungainliness, and her homely appearance. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism. Explains why craig brewer decided to remake the film. Analyzes the use of deep-focus cinematography and rich audio-vision in his girl friday. Analyzes how luhrmann ensures that both clothing and music are constantly developing in "strictly ballroom" and "the great gatsby.". When you first enter the theater, you are immediately in awe of the strongest aspect of this production: the set. Explains that baz luhrmann developed as a director because of his use of techniques and new ways of using symbolism to enhance and develop deeper meaning of the films. Edited with exaggerated affectation and rendered in vibrant, campy colours, the net effect is one of post-modernist self-parody, a film with its tongue placed firmly in its cheek. As I began to write about dance I knew not only to provide a description of the piece, but utilize the description as evidence as I develop a possible meaning. Analyzes how the low angle used in the film gives scott the image of being inferior and powerful. Describes how michaela found a ballerina's picture and kept it in her underwear, inspiring her while she was malnourished and encouraging her to stay strong. 1 reviews. Within the lecture, Copp describes classical ballroom dancing as gender training, and that, You weren't just learning to dance -, The film, Strictly Ballroom, demonstrates the difficulty in expressing ones individuality because of the rules and regulations enforced by cultures and governing bodies. Another actor that I've heard the ladies swooned over was Rudolph Valentino. The definition itself states that it is a form of dance that uses precise steps and light, graceful motions. In his essay Head On: multicultural representations of Australian identity in 1990s national cinema, he argues that Strictly Ballroom remains problematic for a number of reasons the dominant are able to learn from the Other, thus governing their access to a place within the representation of multicultural Australian identity: for Strictly Ballroom white identity therefore remains at the core of Australian-ness.. scott struggles with his urge to reject the ideology to win, in which he was raised. Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni & Tupac Shakur, Fatal Attraction Works As Entertainment, Fails as Social Commentary, Prime Videos Citadel Traps Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden in Played-Out Spy Game, New York Philharmonic and Steven Spielberg Celebrate the Music of John Williams, A Piece of His Fire: Harry Belafonte (1927-2023). (1996) follows Mr. Sugiyama, a Japanese accountant who goes on a secretive and intimate journey into the world of ballroom dance. narrative. When Scott and his partner Lizz are boxed in during their Latin number Scott takes this opportunity to show off his own steps, the low angle used in this scene gives him the image of being inferior and powerful. Analyzes how dancers dressed as citizens dance while being bathed in bright light, making the audience view the "citizens" as innocent, merry, and undeserving of the government's wrath. Character Study: Scott Hastings - Film - Strictly Ballroom Written By Neleema Craig, Movie Stars of the 1920s -- this is essay is about a couple different movie stars from the 1920s. Additionally he explains, There can be different, competing, and contradictory interpretations of the same artwork (Barrett 73). Analyzes how northview high school's drama production of cabaret added shock to the musical by portraying the arrival of the nazi party. Analyzes how christopher bruce's "ghost dances" conveys his ideas of how the chilean government was incredibly wrong in killing, torturing, and imprisoning their citizens. . when is happens he . Copyright 2000-2023. At the end of the film credits on VHS, a message appears saying "And the dancing continues", and then it plays the video that was made at the time for John Paul Young's Love Is In The Air, the video having been made to go with the film's release. The first time I saw Strictly Ballroom I tuned in accidentally to the grand climax while flipping through my cable channels: I was transfixed, and when the ten minutes was over I felt emotionally spent and stimulated at the same time, as if some door had been opened in my psyche. In Strictly Ballroom, Luhrman uses many different camera angles and lighting techniques to . Hintons beloved novel, The Outsiders. Analyzes how luhrmann uses low-key lighting and darker tones in the scene to indicate doug's fear towards societys criticism of him. Analyzes roxy hopkins' portrayal of rose as the promiscuous projectionist who isn't quite sure what she wants out of life other than a good time. In the most expensive shot in the entire film, a train was hired to pass by the house twice. The Piano Lesson has a character named Boy Willie who is a thirty-year-old African American that is Bernieces brother. Compares footloose and craig brewer's remake of the popular dancing movie. A representative from RKO Studios came to see the play. This film was Baz Lohmanns debut movie after finding success in theatre. The town alone was run down on the Southside., Would you consider Chris McCandless and Huck Finn rebels? each of the three main characters in the world of this play represent a different problem found within todays society. likes 2 put meaning in his dance- passionate. ?. After overcoming these struggles, they later were granted freedoms and rights. Shirley shows Scott that is alright to be rude to people and that the world only revolves around him. Barry is vehemently opposed to anything that isnt strictly ballroom, as exemplified by Scotts scandalous, experimental steps in the films opening scene. When Igor Stravinskys ballet Rite of Spring opened, the audience was greeted with swift, chaotic music that quickly became a whirlwind of sound. As we move along, Scott shows us the struggles of being a strictly ballroom dancer, how he changes throughout the film and how its helped us to understand the change. that it is real, Luhrmann believes that they will be able to participate actively in the viewing experience. Ballroom Confederation that there are new steps. the danseur used his strong arms and core to provide the ballerina with elegant lifts. At one scene, Barry Fife denies the idea of new steps with an absolute statement, There are no new steps. Luhrmanns mum was a ballroom dance teacher herself (much like Scotts parents in the film), so the director presumably grew up with more than a little exposure to the world of competitive dance. Martha Grahams Lamentation, and George Balanchines Serenade. In 1932, she appeared in a play called The Warriors Husband. This role has diminished through the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, but the need to be masculine remains in countless men. The long take shots and lack of close ups create a fluid visual style and continuous environment that adds to this realistic feel. The camera is. As the Rockettes completed, A specialty dance is a routine used in musicals in which a character has to use their specific skill to over come obstacles and reach the end of their story. Therefore, a subsequent stereotype has become prevalent. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. They eat, drink and sleep it, and talk of nothing else. In terms of character development, "Strictly Ballroom" does an excellent job of showing the growth and transformation of its main characters. Like synchronized swimming (the most hilarious event in Olympics history), competitive ballroom dancing is essentially lighthearted fun spoiled by lead-footed rules. Analyzes how "footloose" tapped into a youthful yearning to be free, to express oneself, and not to let any adults especially your parents tell you what you can and cannot do. Today, I am confident in my identity as a Sri Lankan-American dancer, who is often mistaken for an, Nineteen Minutes is Jodi Picoults staggering and heartbreaking story about the devastating aftermath of a small town tragedy. Analyzes how tony's dancing accentuates his violent energy, but it also highlights the quirks of the other dancers in the 2001 odyssey. Analyzes baz luhrmann's eccentric film "strictly ballroom" with unique features and themes. brewer changes the scene slightly. is that kinda like just discussing how image is used in strictly ballroom? The film Strictly Ballroom was directed and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, screenplay was written with the help of Craig Pearce and Andrew Bevel. Analyzes how annie baker's 2014 pulitzer prize winning drama the flick provides a social commentary which will leave the audience deep in thought well after the curtain closes. Fran The Ugly Duckling Cinderella SCOTT is relateable to David because David is facing a great giant, in his own way - and eventually he defeats it. the young danseur used foam or slick assistance with his turns at home and related them to his turn at rehearsal. Low angle shots and medium shots aid Scotts confident, strong and rebellious persona, adding a dominant and ominous effect, making him seem powerful when looking up at him. Analyzes how the set was so elaborate that it almost took focus away from the equally elaborate costumes. As Doug moves to the bottom left hand side of the frame to exit the room, only a very slight panning movement of the camera accommodates him, showing his lack of importance. The offscreen story of Strictly Ballroom is as much a fairy tale as the colourful tapestry it weaves onscreen. This is a very very special film. Doug does not seem to live in the present with nearly the same intensity as the other characters; he is uninvolved and seems to lack motivation. Analyzes luhrmann's evolution to tackle a more contemporary cinematic technique showing "the great gatsby" in 3d. Mambo Girl (1957), a movie musical, follows Kailing, a talented young woman widely admired for her singing and dancing capabilities, as she searches for acceptance after learning the truth about her background. This development of the use of symbolism seen throughout the films portrays the . I truly thought this was crazy because I started ballet at three years old. The modern dances that we had performed are as follows:, In the first scene of the movie Scott is shown dancing in competition with his partner Liz. It is represented as being fiercely conservative, with rigid rules that must be obeyed. As the camera zooms in to his face, the viewer glimpses someone totally absorbed by a dream long gone. But then he jeopardizes his chances by recklessly ignoring the rules, and forcing his partner to join him in a dance routine that was (gasp!) With Paul Mercurio, Tara Morice, Bill Hunter, Pat Thomson. So its a Spanish kind of dance expressionistic, emotional, free that sets them apart from their peers and competitors in the films finale. We are shown the once close relationship between Josie and Peter, and also about Peters rocky home life where Peter is often outshined by his older brother whose death creates a rift that puts him even farther from his parents. Being Scott's dance partner . Analyzes how the director uses medium shots to set the scene. This conveys Scotts refusal to comply with the ballroom dancing world, and demonstrates his longing to be different. Analyzes how dancers portraying chilean citizens make solid, rigid motions as though defying the overwhelming control of their government. He was one of the most daring choreographers of his time regarding the exploration of technology in dance. As Scott and Fran prepare for the Pan-Pacifics, as Barry Fife struggles to retain his stranglehold on competitive dancing, as Scott discovers that his meek and silent father was once a Pan-Pacific contender, the movie hurtles toward a conclusion sanctified by "Saturday Night Fever" and so many other movies we could hold a trivia contest just by naming them. Influence is also portrayed by his product, his video, titled , His moves were seen as outrageous, crowd pleasing steps, of which the judges did not approve. Analyzes how chuck is furious and bound and determined to have ariel fall in love with him again. Analyzes how audio-vision is used to highlight the intimacy and bond shared by walter and hildy, and the incompatibility between them. Opines that updated films are more enjoyable to watch than black and white movies with poor editing techniques and filming in general. The dialogue indicates Scotts rebellious quality as it tells us that to express his individuality, he had to break the rules. Nevertheless, she creates friendships with people she thinks she can trust, but only ends up getting hurt by their dishonesty and greediness. when dancing own steps he wears white- colour of purity and symbolistic of simplicity and being true/ pure 2 himself. Whether it be as a form of worship, recreation, work or ritual, people have used movement to express their values and beliefs since the beginning of time. Compares the opening scene in the older version and the remake, where ariel asks her father if she could go hang out with friends. Huck struggles to find an identity which leads him to rebel against society.Would you consider Chris McCandless and Huck Finn rebels? Analyzes how elliott brest's portrayal of rose was splendid, but the presentation of sam was lackluster. Fran an ugly duckling of a beginner class offers Scott partnership. (2005, July 09). The lights were a factor in marking the transition. It is a story of an individual, who wants to do his own steps, failing his partner. This causes Scott's partner Liz start dancing with the dancing champion Ken Railings, also Scott's arch enemy. The side lighting is strong enough that the viewer can see the look of intensity on his face. Essay by the only time when emotion is felt is when sam confesses his love to rose. Based on Baz Luhrmann's hit 1992 film, the musical follows the dancefloor fortunes of Scott Hastings (played by Clifton), a 'talented, arrogant and rebellious' young ballroom dancer whose moves fall foul of the Australian Federation and lead him to strike up an unlikely partnership with ballroom novice, Fran. they believe that all humans love interaction and communication. The director shows Scott's reaction to this by using extreme close ups to show his facial expressions and mid shots to show his body language to the people around him. This creates a barrier to belong along-side, In Runaway Girl by Carissa Phelps the reader knows from the beginning that the main character, Carissa, can't stand discipline and runs away when authority steps in her way. by grasping fran's traditional spanish culture, scott and fran recognize their . Analyzes how the nazi arrival in northview high school's drama production of cabaret stuns the audience as it shows their strength and power. download word file, 3 pages5.0 Narrates how prince offered joffrey ballet his music for a ballet rehearsal and encouraged people to purchase tickets to watch the performance. After much deliberation on what causes the alteration and growth of ballet over time, there was one constant throughout. As a member of the audience, I hardly even noticed the transition until the stage was bright red, making it feel as though the Nazis crept up out of nowhere, but they were also too strong to stop them now. Yet in another sense, ballroom dancing is simply the strategy they use to hold the world at bay. Artworks have aboutness and demand interpretation (Barrett 71). Together, these three films form the directors Red Curtain Trilogy, founded on arch artifice and abundant emotionality. The music softened and the curtains opened to a primitive dance, causing mass hysteria throughout the theatre. They do? Dance is used to explore character's feelings and struggles at a point in time to further enhance the plot. I will be discussing two very different dances that have completely changed modern American dance. The ballroom dancing community is introduced in the 'opening dance sequence' with the traditional waltz song the Blue Danube and silhouettes of people creating the image of glamour. The restrictiveness of this world is highlighted by the antagonist Barry Fife. Several shots later show Doug dancing alone to old fashioned, quirky music- a perhaps summing analogy of his character. This topic will be explored with reference to the characters Fran and Liz Holt in the film. I would therefore argue that as a film the music and dance sequences are outstanding and memorable, however I dont find them to be essential to the development of the narrative. Strictly Ballroom focuses on characters, beginning by satirizing dancers whose lives are dominated by the strict regulations of the Federation. Huck struggles to find an identity which leads him to rebel against society.Would you consider Chris McCandless and Huck Finn rebels? He progresses from an angry, ambitious and defiant character to a really successful dancer and person. I no longer feel torn. JavaScript is disabled. double: Liz Holt assistant choreographer / ballroom tutor Tania McGuinness . The fact that there is little material in the film with which to work in understanding the character of Doug is revealing in itself- it is due to his lack of presence and initially seeming lack of substance that he does not feature to a large degree. He changes from being smug and self centred to being accepting of other cultures and that other people can be successful with the help of family and friends. #8. heres a quick run down on scott- a typical australian. Liz Holt Strictly Ballroom. Scott comes from a family with a history of ballroom dancing and has been training since childhood. Strictly Ballroom Analysis Persuasive Essay Example. I have known my dream of performing the same movements that I had watched from my balcony seats when I was eleven years old. Adapted for the cinema from Baz Luhrmanns stage play by producers Ted Albert and Tristram Miall, the film was a phenomenal success eventually. He is the typical ballroom dancer with perfect posture and steps, but the audience see that this is not exactly true. Your email address will not be published. while it boasts major artists like blake shelton and cee lo green, it's unlikely that it will define the era. They both are rebels against society for different reasons. Indeed, the story of Fran, her family, and her cultural heritage is secondary to Scotts journey throughout Strictly Ballroom. This is despite her lack of experience, her general ungainliness, and her homely appearance. In the film Strictly Ballroom by Baz Luhrmann, the characters experience many challenges, such as being expected to fit in. Andre Bazin argues that the coming of sound film made viewers more passive as they were now getting the directors vision rather than their own. Analyzes how baz luhrmann's visual style is noticeable in many of his films. Together, the team gives it their all and makes dreams of the National Championship title come true. It is set to debut in April 2014 and will be the first Australian screen-to-stage . Luhrmann has the camera movements reflect Scotts erratic dancing and movements by changing the pacing of the shots to long continuous shots of him, and quick cuts to capture the reactions of the bystanders as it moves freely around the, Click here to unlock this and over one million essays. This statement creates a foundation for writing, specifically about dance, as each dance piece is always about something, no matter how simple it appears to be. Scott comes in and a medium long shot shows Doug walk tentatively forward to the middle ground of the set. This emphasizes their own sense of belonging in a world away from the Ballroom Dancing group. The plot revolves around Scott, 17 or 18 years of age, whose family helps run a ballroom dance studio in a working-class neighborhood in an Australian town. Misty Copeland, Patricia Bath, and Madam C.J. Strictly Ballrooms version of Australian multiculturalism is appropriative rather than utopian and thus, its perhaps the most realistic element of this fantastical film. Analyzes how renoir combined deep-focus techniques with a rich soundscape of dialogue, action, and sound effects to create an artistic viewing experience similar to reality. the extravagant characters and their different desires are thoroughly explored. Explains that "strictly ballroom" is a unique film created by australian, baz luhrmann to represent competitive ballroom dancing. Great men are almost always bad men. Baron Acton (1834 1902). Opines that the new soundtrack is chocked full of country anthems. In addition to enhancing our engagement in the narrative of a film, characterisation Analyzes how the film is based on nik cohn's "tribal rites of the new saturday night" and the bee gees (barry, maurice, and robin gibb). I believe that both of the characters are rebels. the wealthy were dressed in elizabethan-style clothing and the women in shades of pink contrasted the earthy tones of the lower class. Scott moves all through the spotlight, demonstrating the inner conflict he is experiencing as he struggles to find his sense of self. by grasping frans traditional spanish culture, scott and fran recognize their mutual relationship and connection. In one sense, the characters care about nothing but ballroom dancing. Shirley Hastings: Gia Carides . A wonderful, emotional, quirky, uplifting movie! However, through the use of a birds-eye shot, the reality of this world is evident through the setting of the 'State Championships' in a hall and the colloquial shouting of Shirley - 'Come on number 100' which erases the idea of glamour to establish a competitive atmosphere amongst not only the dancers but the audience. Explains that herbert ross and craig brewer directed an outstanding dancing film that most americans like looking at the reviews of the films. Web. Surely nobody in Australia dresses like this, talks like this, takes ballroom dancing as seriously as this? A symbol of decadence during the 1930, a symbol of glamour and beauty, a symbol of anti-fascism, a symbol of survival and - a symbol of sexual freedom . He became was an icon, a trendsetter who created style and fashion, and - most important - she lives on as a cultural symbol. The opening of the films consist of a red curtain being opened much like one would in a live theatre performance. Through camera movement and minimal cutting, Renoir takes advantage of the entire space of the estate and fills the frame with action in the fore, middle, and background. cause thats what my speech is for monday and im so dumb that I dont know how to answer it. There are many characters in Strictly Ballroom that had lived their lives in fear.
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