Belonging Essay
THESIS
Belonging and not belonging varies through different perceptions and experiences. These perceptions are shaped within personal, social, cultural and historical context. A sense of belonging can emerge from connections made with people, places, community groups and the larger world.
The film “Strictly Ballroom” was directed by Baz Lurhmann and released in 1992. This film explores the idea that a person can find belonging within themselves then that is more significant then them belonging to a superficial group. In contrast the chosen related text is “Soul Surfer” the novel written by Bethany Hamilton, in 2006 which explores the hardships of her recovery and finding belonging and acceptance again.
Lurhmann beings the movie off with a red curtain on an imaginary stage being raised to the sound of a Strauss waltz, with the worlds “Strictly Ballroom” written out cursive writing which is used to add glamour and setting the opening scene. The red curtain portrays the movie as a fairy tale and invites the audience into this world and brings them the idea that they already belong. The Dancers twirl in slow motion and the viewer is struck by the extravagant costumes and graceful movements. There is a sense that everything being in its right place and hat everything thing and everyone somewhat belongs to this world. The diegetic sound track is used to shatter this “perfect world”, Shirley yells “ come on number 100” which in this context is not approiate for the ballroom dancing world, indicating isnt everything is right. Throughout the opening scene is evident that this ballroom world is a metaphor as life as a whole.
Throughout the movie Lurhmann portrays the idea of appearance vs reality. Costuming is a main factor throughout the movie, and is a main give away to the people who show appearance vs reality which can also been seen as belonging and not belonging. Shirley, Barry and Liz are three main characters who are represented in this appearance with
Belonging and not belonging varies through different perceptions and experiences. These perceptions are shaped within personal, social, cultural and historical context. A sense of belonging can emerge from connections made with people, places, community groups and the larger world.
The film “Strictly Ballroom” was directed by Baz Lurhmann and released in 1992. This film explores the idea that a person can find belonging within themselves then that is more significant then them belonging to a superficial group. In contrast the chosen related text is “Soul Surfer” the novel written by Bethany Hamilton, in 2006 which explores the hardships of her recovery and finding belonging and acceptance again.
Lurhmann beings the movie off with a red curtain on an imaginary stage being raised to the sound of a Strauss waltz, with the worlds “Strictly Ballroom” written out cursive writing which is used to add glamour and setting the opening scene. The red curtain portrays the movie as a fairy tale and invites the audience into this world and brings them the idea that they already belong. The Dancers twirl in slow motion and the viewer is struck by the extravagant costumes and graceful movements. There is a sense that everything being in its right place and hat everything thing and everyone somewhat belongs to this world. The diegetic sound track is used to shatter this “perfect world”, Shirley yells “ come on number 100” which in this context is not approiate for the ballroom dancing world, indicating isnt everything is right. Throughout the opening scene is evident that this ballroom world is a metaphor as life as a whole.
Throughout the movie Lurhmann portrays the idea of appearance vs reality. Costuming is a main factor throughout the movie, and is a main give away to the people who show appearance vs reality which can also been seen as belonging and not belonging. Shirley, Barry and Liz are three main characters who are represented in this appearance with