Strictly Ballroom & The Island essay
Explore how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places.
In ‘Strictly Ballroom’, directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film explores how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places. Luhrmann does this through the use of techniques throughout the film such as lighting, editing, music and camera angles. In this film it is shown by Luhrmann that a place in which an individual or group may feel comfortable or uncomfortable in, can give them a sense of security or isolation, underlying the reasons for belonging.
‘Strictly Ballroom’ was filmed in Australia; “the film is felt by many critics to reflect on our identity as Australians and therefore our sense of belonging in this country”. The group of characters in this scene feel that they belong in a positive manner as they are in their own country and where they feel a sense of security.
A place in the film of ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that explores perceptions of belonging is Kendal’s Dance Studio. Scott has grown to love ballroom dancing in this studio but Kendal’s dance studio is a place where Scott experiences feels of both belonging and isolation. Luhrmann shows at different times both Scott and Doug dancing in a dark background with a spotlight focused in the middle of the studio. Lighting and editing is used here by Luhrmann as well as a long shot. This is emphasising the isolation that both Scott and Doug are feeling and creates as sense of not belonging for them. The individuals feel a sense of isolation within their state of belonging to the physical place of Kendal’s Dance Studio at this point in the film.
The ‘Waratah Dance Championships’ is also another place used by Luhrmann to highlight the perceptions of belonging. The use of costumes by Luhrmann reflects the artificial nature of ballroom dancing. All the competitors are dressed in bright, extravagant costumes making them stand out to the crowd. This accentuates that the group
In ‘Strictly Ballroom’, directed by Baz Luhrmann, the film explores how perceptions of belonging and not belonging can be influenced by connections to places. Luhrmann does this through the use of techniques throughout the film such as lighting, editing, music and camera angles. In this film it is shown by Luhrmann that a place in which an individual or group may feel comfortable or uncomfortable in, can give them a sense of security or isolation, underlying the reasons for belonging.
‘Strictly Ballroom’ was filmed in Australia; “the film is felt by many critics to reflect on our identity as Australians and therefore our sense of belonging in this country”. The group of characters in this scene feel that they belong in a positive manner as they are in their own country and where they feel a sense of security.
A place in the film of ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that explores perceptions of belonging is Kendal’s Dance Studio. Scott has grown to love ballroom dancing in this studio but Kendal’s dance studio is a place where Scott experiences feels of both belonging and isolation. Luhrmann shows at different times both Scott and Doug dancing in a dark background with a spotlight focused in the middle of the studio. Lighting and editing is used here by Luhrmann as well as a long shot. This is emphasising the isolation that both Scott and Doug are feeling and creates as sense of not belonging for them. The individuals feel a sense of isolation within their state of belonging to the physical place of Kendal’s Dance Studio at this point in the film.
The ‘Waratah Dance Championships’ is also another place used by Luhrmann to highlight the perceptions of belonging. The use of costumes by Luhrmann reflects the artificial nature of ballroom dancing. All the competitors are dressed in bright, extravagant costumes making them stand out to the crowd. This accentuates that the group