Rabbit Proof Fence

Stills Analysis

Framing: This is a wide angle shot, showing the environment

The camera is level with the figure, so we are not looking down at her

The fence in the background is visible - it symbolises the division between:Male/female Black/white Coloniser/Colonised

Mise-en-sceneCostume: the woman’s clothing is natural fabric that links her to the earth

She beats herself with a stone – a natural object, to highlight her grief

The light is bright, with few shadows, forcing us to see her despair

OrganisationThe woman is central in the shot, just as women are central to the film

She is placed so that the appears taller than the fence that seems to confine her.

IdeologyThe scene shows females being dominated/controlled by a ruthless/racist patriarchy

This shot shows depth of maternal love; of the love of a grandmother and mother

We are asked to share their grief

HegemonyThis scene shows the domination of one group over another

However, it is arguably counter-hegemonic, because ultimately, the women triumph over the male establishment

Preferred reading: We share Noyce’s horror at the policy of taking ‘half-cast’ children away from their parents

Oppositinal readingWe may feel the film is an exaggeration/manipulation of the facts.We may think the policy had some positive impact

Hegemonic or Counter-hegemonic?

Hegemonic or Counter-hegemonic?

Hegemonic or Counter-hegemonic?

Hegemonic or Counter-hegemonic?