Posted: February 17th, 2022

Strictly Ballroom

Examine Information Strictly Ballroom fiieducation SYNOPSIS On the Waratah Championships ballroom dancer Scott Hastings goes in opposition to Federation guidelines and impulsively dances his personal steps, inflicting accomplice Liz Holt to dump him. Then Fran, ugly duckling of the newbies’ class, provides to be Scott’s new accomplice. Initially sceptical, he’s persuaded by her concepts, and collectively they plan to bop their very own steps on the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Championships. However Scott’s rebelliousness doesn’t go unchallenged.
His mom Shirley and coach Les Kendall attempt varied methods to stop Scott from dancing with Fran, whereas corrupt President Barry Fife plots Scott’s downfall by concocting a narrative about his mother and father’ dancing profession that can persuade him to compete on the Pan-Pacifics with out Fran. All appears misplaced till Scott’s father Doug reveals the reality. With Barry Fife’s determined makes an attempt at sabotage having little impact, Scott and Fran full their spectacular dance to rapturous applause from the gang. Everybody takes to the dance flooring in celebration. CAST Scott Hastings Fran Barry Fife Doug Hastings Shirley Hastings
Liz Holt Les Rico Ya Ya Paul Mercurio Tara Morice Invoice Hunter Barry Otto Pat Thomson Gia Carides Peter Whitford Antonio Vargas Armonia Benedito Ken Railings Tina Sparkle Allure Leachman Wayne Burns John Hannan Sonia Kruger Kris McQuade Pip Mushin Vanessa Cronin Kylie Luke Leonie Web page Lauren Hewett Steve Grace CREDITS Director Producer Screenplay Baz Luhrmann Tristram Miall Baz Luhrmann and Working Time Craig Pearce 94 Minutes CONTENTS Introduction four Pictures of Australia 5 Baz Luhrmann’s Imaginative and prescient 7 The World of the Movie 10 Hero, Heroine, Villain 14 APPENDICES A – Baz Luhrmann interview 18 B – Tristram Miall interview 20

C – Sequences for research 22 D – Key moments 23 E – Movie language 24 F – Filmography 25 INTRODUCTION Australian director Baz Luhrmann’s flamboyant and vibrant debut function Strictly Ballroom (1992) opens with a theatrical swish of pink velvet curtains and leads us into the larger-thanlife world of aggressive ballroom dancing. It tells the story of Scott and Fran, who insurgent in opposition to Dance Federation guidelines so as to dance their very own steps. The movie is the primary in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘pink curtain’ movie trilogy, and can be described as a mixture of the next: a fairy story, a romantic comedy, a dance musical, even a satire.
This research information is aimed toward lecturers who’re educating the movie as a comparative textual content within the Leaving Certificates English syllabus. In addition to sections related to modes of comparability similar to The World of the Movie, (for Cultural Context/Social Setting) and Hero, Heroine, Villain, a central function of the research information is our unique interview with director Baz Luhrmann. He discusses his creative imaginative and prescient and defines pink curtain cinema, the idea central to his trilogy of movies Strictly Ballroom (1992), Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge (2001).
We’re additionally very happy to incorporate an interview with Strictly Ballroom producer Tristram Miall wherein he discusses his involvement within the making of Strictly Ballroom, and likewise supplies insights into his position as a movie producer within the Australian movie business. Each interviews will present invaluable background materials for each lecturers and college students. Strictly Ballroom is a wonderful selection for comparative research as it’s accessible, enjoyable and fast-paced, nevertheless it additionally has severe themes and in the end celebrates Australia’s multicultural society, a view that has robust resonance for modern Eire.
I hope you can find this information an fascinating, helpful and pleasurable useful resource in your educating of Strictly Ballroom. Grateful because of my colleagues Alicia McGivern, Grainne Humphreys and Liz Fehilly for his or her beneficial strategies and editorial contributions. Ann Ryan Faculties Officer fiieducation The Movie Institute of Eire STRICTLY BALLROOM four Uluru (Ayers Rock) IMAGES OF AUSTRALIA “You will discover a heat welcome ready for you in Australia, one of the crucial fascinating and spectacular locations on earth. A land of contrasts, directly a youthful, very important nation and the house of the planet’s oldest steady tradition. ” 1
A SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY DESTINATION A SUCCESSFUL MIGRANT NATION Simply because the Irish Vacationer Board represents Eire in a sure method to entice vacationers, the Australian Vacationer Fee promotes journey to Australia by highlighting its vibrant, vibrant facets. Well-known landmarks such because the Sydney Opera Home, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the Nice Barrier Reef are featured in addition to Australia’s indigenous folks, the aborigines. Ever since Australia was first colonised by British settlers greater than 200 years in the past, there have been successive waves of migration to its shores. Nearly all of migrants got here from Britain,
Eire and northern Europe till after the Second World Battle, when Australia welcomed refugees from war-torn Europe and likewise started to simply accept 1000’s of migrants from southern European international locations similar to Italy and Greece. (Melbourne as an example has the most important Greek inhabitants of any metropolis on the earth outdoors Greece). STEREOTYPICAL IMAGES What expectations do we’ve of Australia and its folks? There are a number of acquainted Australian stereotypes, together with the enduring picture of Aussie bushman hero seen in Paul Hogan’s Crocodile Dundee. That is continued in latest movie launch Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course (2002) tarring TV naturalist Steve Irwin. A extra unfavourable stereotype is that of a Immediately, Australians whose ancestors hail from Britain or Ireland2 nonetheless kind a majority of Australia’s inhabitants however the nation has additionally turn into one of the crucial profitable migrant nations on the earth, welcoming folks from all corners of the globe to its shores. However the standard Australian male being depicted as beer-swilling, loud-mouthed and uncultured, like Barry Humphries’ comedian creation Sir Les Patterson, ‘Australia’s 2002 authorities’s controversial stance on unlawful immigrants, modern Australia is a various and vibrant multicultural society. ultural attache. ’ Characters and settings in Australian TV soaps similar to House & Away and Neighbours conform to stereotypical views of Australia, such because the mistaken AUSTRALIAN CINEMA* In the course of the 1970s the Australian movie perception that it’s completely sunny there, or that persons are at all times tanned, goodlooking, athletic ‘surfie’ varieties. Maybe the soaps’ attraction lies of their illustration of business skilled a revival of its fortunes. The event of a government-Helped movie business mirrored a want to develop and nurture Australia as a sunny suburban paradise, a far cry from the extra downbeat settings of
Eastenders or Honest Metropolis. a nationwide cinema. Movies made throughout the 1970s and since replicate Australia’s rising cultural variety. STRICTLY BALLROOM 5 The Dish, Australia’s greatest ever field workplace success Peter Weir is a vital determine within the Australian movie renaissance. His haunting success. This light comedy is about in July 1969 in a small rural city in New South 1 Australian Vacationer Fee Traveller’s Information 2002, p3 and atmospheric Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) was a hit each in Australia and Wales. Australian scientists turn into unlikely heroes due to the half they play in three Adrian Martin, Greater than Muriel, Sight and Sound nternationally. Tailored from the novel by Joan Lindsey, the movie is about in 1900 on Valentine’s Day, when a gaggle of schoolgirls on a picnic at Hanging Rock in Victoria disappear with out hint. broadcasting the primary TV photos of the Apollo moon touchdown. Within the 1980s the phenomenally profitable Crocodile Dundee (1987) relied on the bushman stereotype for its comedy. In three addition to 1990s ‘kitsch comedy’ successes like Strictly Ballroom, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1993) and Muriel’s Wedding ceremony (1994), different comedies additionally proved fashionable. The Dish (2000) emerged as Australia’s greatest ever field workplace
One other field workplace success is Phillip Noyce’s movie Rabbit Proof Fence (2002), which explores a big and tragic a part of Australian historical past: ‘The Stolen Generations. ‘ From 1905 to 1970 part-Aboriginal kids have been forcibly faraway from their households and positioned in establishments. Set within the 1930s and starring Kenneth Branagh, the movie tells the story of three Aboriginal ladies who escape from the establishment they’ve been positioned in and stroll 1500 kilometres throughout the continent to seek out their method residence. STUDENT EXPLORATIONS 1 Journey brochures promote Australia as one of many world’s most spectacular vacation locations. What mpressions of Eire are proven in journey brochures, do you suppose? 2 Describe a stereotypical Australian, then a typical Irish particular person. In what methods are these stereotypes limiting? The place will we see such stereotypes used? three Do you suppose Australian TV soaps are life like? What pictures of Australia do they current? Examine their tales, characters and settings to an Irish or UK TV cleaning soap. four Examine one other Australian movie to Rabbit Proof Fence © Miramax Launch Date Eire: eight/11/02 Strictly Ballroom. In what methods are they related/completely different? What impressions of Australia do you obtain in every movie? *See Filmography (Appendix F) for ore particulars of Australian movies. STRICTLY BALLROOM 6 2 Often known as Anglo-Australians, or Anglo-Celtic Australians Vol. 5 No. 6 (1995) p30 – 32 (p30) Picnic at Hanging Rock BAZ LUHRMANN’S VISION ORIGINS OF STRICTLY BALLROOM firm, the Six Years Previous Firm, subsequently revived the play for a it received the Pageant’s Prix de Jeunesse. Strictly Ballroom additionally received a number of different Ballroom dancing is massively fashionable in a number of international locations world wide. With profitable season on the Wharf Theatre in Sydney earlier than touring to the World Expo awards, together with eight Australian Movie Institute Awards, three British Academy ts garish costumes, obsession with element and rigorous guidelines, it has developed right into a dance sport and has lately been launched to the Olympics. There are golf equipment and societies in international locations world wide dedicated to the promotion of ballroom dancing. Baz Luhrmann was launched to the world of aggressive ballroom dancing as a toddler rising up in Australia. His mom was a dancing instructor, and he took classes, danced competitively and have become a champion ballroom dancer himself. at Brisbane, Queensland in 1988. Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. FROM PLAY TO FILM VISION & PASSION The following part in Strictly Ballroom’s evelopment, nevertheless, was more difficult. Adapting the profitable stage play into a movie turned what the filmakers describe as a “David and Goliath journey”. Producers Tristram Miall and Ted Albert had approached Baz Luhrmann with a view to purchasing the movie rights. They agreed that he would write the script and direct the movie. In 1991 Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce wrote the ultimate screenplay for Strictly Ballroom, however the Australian Movie Finance Company have been cautious about financing a primary time director, producer and a largely unknown crew. Few movies have been being made in Australia within the early 1990s, because it was within the midst of an conomic recession. In some ways the ‘David and Goliath’ wrestle to get the movie made displays Scott’s wrestle to bop his personal steps within the movie. His creativity and imaginative and prescient ultimately win out regardless of the obstacles in his method. Equally Baz Luhrmann’s crew overcame what appeared to be not possible odds to triumph. Their imaginative and prescient and keenness, mixed with tenacity, laborious work and willpower helped them achieve getting Strictly Ballroom made. Given the financial circumstances in Australia on the time, and the truth that Baz Luhrmann had by no means directed a function movie earlier than, this was certainly a considerable achievement. AT DRAMA SCHOOL
By 1985 Luhrmann was finding out drama on the prestigious Nationwide Institute of Dramatic Art1 (NIDA) in Sydney, the place he felt that its conventional educating strategies and strict guidelines have been oppressive, stifling college students’ creativity. Impressed by this expertise, the unique premise for Strictly Ballroom was primarily based on overcoming oppression. Luhrmann selected the world of ballroom dancing due to his personal experiences in that world. A DEVISED PLAY STUDENT EXPLORATIONS Regardless of a number of setbacks, together with the 1 Baz Luhrmann and the producers have described the expertise of creating Strictly Ballroom into a movie as a ‘David & Goliath’ wrestle.
Discover out in regards to the sudden dying of producer Ted Albert, the cash was ultimately raised to make the movie, with the Australian Movie Finance Company as major investor. However there story of ‘David & Goliath’, and focus on the way it has parallels with Scott’s story. 2 The theme of overcoming oppression was the premise for Baz Luhrmann and SETBACKS The primary model of Strictly Ballroom was a thirty minute devised play, created by Luhrmann and fellow college students (together with very long time buddy and co-writer Craig have been different difficulties alongside the best way, together with Paul Mercurio (Scott) injuring his ankle simply earlier than the beginning of filming, and he Movie Finance Company allegedly Pearce). Luhrmann then directed the primary ever stage manufacturing of Strictly Ballroom at NIDA. The play’s success led to its choice for the 1986 World Youth ‘hating’ the movie after viewing a rough-cut. (See Interview with Tristram Miall). Regardless of all these difficulties, Strictly Ballroom turned an enormous hit in Australia and Theatre Pageant in Czechoslovakia, the place it obtained awards for finest manufacturing and finest director. Luhrmann’s theatre abroad. Made for $three. 5 million Australian , it screened on the prestigious worldwide movie pageant at Cannes, the place fellow NIDA college students once they evised the play model of Strictly Ballroom. The scholars felt oppressed by the strict regime at their drama college. Do you might have any private expertise or data of such a regime? Give some examples. three Focus on the completely different phases by which Strictly Ballroom turned a movie. What impressions do you obtain of Baz Luhrmann and his crew? STRICTLY BALLROOM 7 “All our movies use this cinema kind which we name theatricalised cinema, pink curtain cinema…” Baz Luhrmann Moulin Rouge (2001) © Twentieth Century Fox RED CURTAIN CINEMA Shakespearean language, and Moulin Rouge is a musical. As soon as the viewers Baz Luhrmann describes his trilogy of ilms as examples of pink curtain cinema. accepts that they’re at all times watching a film and should not seduced into believing This idea, which he defines as a theatricalised, participatory cinema kind set in a heightened world, is central to our understanding of his work. Strictly Ballroom, the primary movie within the pink curtain trilogy was launched in 1992, adopted by Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet (1996) and at last Moulin Rouge (2001). that it’s actual, Luhrmann believes that they’ll be capable to take part actively within the viewing expertise. In keeping with Baz Luhrmann, there are guidelines and conventions in pink curtain inema simply as in different movie genres. The primary rule is that the story must be set in a heightened artistic world. Strictly Ballroom opens with a theatrical swish of pink velvet curtains. The opening picture leads us into the world of aggressive ballroom dancing, peopled by larger-than-life characters obsessive about profitable. The second rule is that the story must be primarily based on a recognisable story form. In Strictly Ballroom, the David & Goliath fantasy might be seen fairly clearly in Scott’s Romeo & Juliet (1996) © Twentieth Century Fox wrestle in opposition to the mighty Dance Federation. Equally, the fairy story about he ugly duckling being remodeled right into a swan is mirrored within the character of Fran. Baz Luhrmann for an in depth account of his creative imaginative and prescient & (Appendix B) Interview with producer Tristram Miall for particulars of his involvement in Strictly Ballroom. Thirdly, and at last, pink curtain cinema can be viewers participation cinema. For Luhrmann, the viewers must be conscious that what they’re watching shouldn’t be meant to be actual. Not like different movies which give the phantasm of actuality, pink curtain movies use ‘units’ to maintain the viewers conscious that the movie is heightened and stylised. In Strictly Ballroom the central gadget is ancing; in Romeo & Juliet it’s See (Appendix A) Interview with director DISCUSSION from his Assessment of Moulin Rouge reveals: “The director clearly exults within the thrilling movies like Prime Hat (1935), the omnipotent Dance Federation is represented because the Luhrmann is influenced by radical theatre practitioner Bertolt Brecht, who was theatricality of the style, which he communicates so infectiously to the enemy in Strictly Ballroom. ‘Mockumentary’ interviews within the opening focused on creating ‘lively spectators’ in theatre audiences. To attain this he employed distancing methods to make sure that the spectator stands outdoors the xperience. 2 Brecht’s intention was to maintain the viewers intellectually concerned, however emotionally indifferent. Baz Luhrmann needs the viewers to be lively members, conscious that they’re watching a movie. He describes pink curtain cinema as being like ‘Brecht with coronary heart’ as a result of he additionally welcomes their emotional involvement. viewers on this exuberant, intoxicating spectacle, a blissfully romantic paean to the facility of affection. ”three sequence present one other instance of the movie’s parodying of conventions. So does pink curtain cinema work, and are we satisfied by it as a brand new cinema kind? The world created in Strictly Ballroom is certainly larger-than-life, lamboyant and stylised. And in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge Luhrmann continues the idea of pink curtain cinema in ever extra fantastical methods. The Verona in Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is scorching, horny and violent, a created world comprising of twentieth century icons. Moulin Rouge, STUDENT EXPLORATIONS There isn’t any doubt that Baz Luhrmann’s pink curtain movies provide audiences larger-thanlife fantastical created worlds, beautiful visible spectacle and tales primarily based on recognisable myths. However maybe the viewers participation aspect of pink curtain cinema works extra convincingly in Strictly Ballroom and Romeo & Juliet han in Moulin Rouge as a result of within the ultimate movie of the trilogy the tempo is simply too frenetic and rushed. Those that love watching MTV might disagree, however in my opinion the viewers merely doesn’t have time to soak up the myriad pictures, sounds, sweeping digital camera angles and particular results. Removed from encouraging our emotional involvement with the characters and storyline, these distancing methods in reality have the other impact. A COMBINATION OF GENRES 1 Outline ‘pink curtain cinema’ in your personal phrases. 2 We’re used to seeing movies on the cinema which are set within the ‘actual world’. Give some examples of movies like this. How do Baz Luhrmann’s movies differ?
Do you like movies which have a sensible setting/storyline or movies which are clearly set in a heightened, fantasy world? three What do you consider Baz Luhrmann’s idea of pink curtain cinema? Does it work, in your opinion? (Think about Luhrmann’s different movies, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge in addition to Strictly Ballroom in your response). four Strictly Ballroom additionally attracts from different traditions in movie and theatre. Give examples of key moments from the movie that illustrate its mixture of genres (eg. ‘mockumentary’, fairy story, dance the ultimate movie within the pink curtain trilogy, is a unprecedented musical love story, set in computer-generated Paris of 1899, that includes music from artists as various as Baz Luhrmann defines Strictly Ballroom as pink curtain cinema, nevertheless it additionally attracts from a number of traditions in movie and theatre: slapstick parts of silent movie; musical). Randy Crawford and Nirvana. Luhrmann’s pink curtain movies have been field workplace successes and are massively fashionable with audiences. That is clear commedia dell’arte; even ‘mockumentary’. It may be described as a mixture of the next genres: a romantic comedy, a fairy story, a dance musical, a satire, and proof that many individuals benefit from the expertise of watching his movies, and are illing, both consciously or unconsciously, to simply accept the conventions lastly an instance of ‘kitsch comedy. ’ Baz Luhrmann makes use of these conventions in Strictly Ballroom, however he additionally parodies them. The movie self-consciously subverts loosely in English as distance alienation or the ‘A’ of pink curtain cinema. Movie critic Michael Dwyer is an enthusiastic admirer of Baz Luhrmann’s work, as the next extract our expectations of the backstage musical, in order that removed from being a celebration of the present enterprise dance group as in narration, masks, tune, and actors taking part in a spread 1 The Nationwide Institute of Dramatic Artwork (NIDA) is ne of Australia’s best-known drama colleges. Graduates embrace Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett and Toni Collette. 2 The idea of ‘verfremdungseffekt’, translated impact, is utilized in Brecht’s epic theatre to remind the viewers that they’re watching a play. (A-effects embrace a presentational model of appearing, use of of roles). three Dwyer M. , The Irish Occasions, 5 September 2001 STRICTLY BALLROOM STRICTLY BALLROOM 7 9 THE WORLD OF THE FILM As we’ve seen within the dialogue on pink curtain cinema, one among its conventions is that the story takes place in a heightened, fantastical world. There are two contrasting worlds in Strictly Ballroom.
Each are situated bodily within the suburbs of Sydney, however they’re distinct and separate, reflecting the movie’s collision of wills and cultures. THE BALLROOM DANCING WORLD The primary world we enter is the aggressive world of ballroom dancing. Places on this world are at all times inside. It’s represented as being fiercely conservative, with inflexible guidelines that should be obeyed. Characters are Anglo-Australian comedian stereotypes, whose costumes are garish and glitzy. They put on heavy make up, have elaborate, cartoon-like hairdos, and are overly involved with outward appearances. Obsessive about profitable ballroom dancing competitions, they’re nable to speak about the rest. They’ve created an insular, claustrophobic world the place outsiders should not welcome and innovation is seen as a risk. The heightened and stylised ballroom dancing world satirises facets of Australian society. It serves as a metaphor Scott: I’m simply asking you what you consider the steps. Liz: I don’t suppose. I don’t give a shit about them. We misplaced. (New Companions: Sequence 2) FRAN’S WORLD The second world is the Toledo Milk Bar, the place Fran’s Spanish household lives. As latest migrants to Australia they’re proven as dwelling on the fringes of mainstream society, actually beside the railway tracks.
Offering a stark distinction to the artificiality of the ballroom dancing world, their world is proven as extra actual. The outside location suggests area and freedom. Characters are portrayed as extra passionate and genuine than the winning-obsessed AngloAustralians as a result of they dance from the guts reasonably than from a want to win competitions. Baz Luhrmann explains: for a specific Anglo-Australian angle, proven right here as hierarchical and conservative. The Dance Federation’s obsession with guidelines and conformity “The Anglo world took the Paso Doble, which is a dance of expression, and put an entire lot of guidelines on it, and made it about inning. Whereas in Fran’s household, dancing is may be stated to characterize a concern of change in part of Australian society that daunts spontaneity and creativity. a convention, it comes from life, it’s an expression of life. ” Scott’s crowd-pleasing steps are seen as pointless in comparison with the obsession with profitable competitions. After Scott and Liz lose the Waratah Championships Liz is inherent in dance earlier than it turned restrained and stifled. When Ya Ya encourages Scott to “hearken to the rhythm” (Paso Doble: Sequence 5), the movie livid. Scott tries to influence her to hearken to his concepts however she is simply nterested in profitable: means that expression in dance must be lived and loved, reasonably than made right into a aggressive sport. The movie tries to seize the unique ardour STRICTLY BALLROOM 10 FAMILY final patriarchal, authoritarian determine, treats girls as ornamental objects. His compelled me into it – the place the person goes the girl should observe – I had no selection. ” Though they seem standard sufficient, with a mom, father and two scenes with ‘loyal companion’ Allure Leachman (No New Steps: Sequence 6) (Waratah Championships: Sequence 1) Liz’s phrases are ironic, particularly after we kids, the Anglo-Australian Hastings amily is proven as dysfunctional. The movie subverts our expectations of the ‘common’ household. Shirley, like the opposite characters from the ballroom dancing world is onedimensional. She is depicted as a stereotypical domineering spouse, browbeating mild-mannered husband Doug. She can be a stage mom who lives vicariously via her kids’s successes. Shirley is formidable for her son Scott to win the Pan Pacific Dance Championships, however provided that he dances the Federation method. and when he demonstrates the Bogo Pogo dance step to Wayne and Vanessa (The Pan-Pacifics: Sequence 7) reveal his sleazy facet. take into account that she is the one who refuses o dance with Scott after he dances his personal steps, and throws a mood tantrum when she doesn’t get her personal method (New Companions: Sequence 2). Equally, Shirley bursts into tears on the dance studio when the efforts to get Scott and Liz again collectively fail. Fran’s Spanish household is portrayed extra sympathetically, but additionally considerably stereotypically. Like Cinderella, her actual mom has died. Her father Rico is proven as swarthy, unshaven and ultra-strict. Fran’s physique language and actions recommend that she is afraid of him and after we first meet Rico after Scott walks Fran residence (Sequence three) his phrases to Fran are harsh.
Fran’s grandmother Ya Ya, wearing black with a crucifix round her neck, gray hair However elsewhere there are males who do not need such authority. The ‘camp’ illustration of Les Kendall all through the movie signifies that he’s gay. The truth that he’s completely different, the movie suggests, has not been to his benefit. Barry Fife calls him “a pathetic fag,” on the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence eight) when Les discovers the reality in regards to the 1967 Championships. Doug Hastings can be completely different. Removed from being the standard male head of the household, he’s bullied by his spouse Shirley and appears to haven’t any authority at residence.
Each time he tries to speak to Scott he’s ignored, till the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence 7) when he’s lastly in a position to make Scott pay attention. Their portrayal is in marked distinction to the best way Fran is depicted. Proven very a lot as a fairy story heroine, Fran is proven extra positively. Her shyness and lack of self-confidence give method to her blossoming braveness and independence. Her pure look contrasts with the closely made-up ballroom dancers, once more reinforcing the concept that Fran is real and has extra depth than the superficial feminine characters of the ballroom dancing world. Doug’s position as father is in marked distinction
Youngsters There are two kids within the movie, Kylie, Scott’s youthful sister, and Luke, her dance accomplice. Each are aged ten, and are tied again in a bun at first seems like a stereotypical ‘ethnic’ grandmother, however her look is misleading. She is in reality Fran’s ally, protecting for her when she goes to the best way Rico is depicted. As a strict, authoritarian father, he’s additionally portrayed as robust and masculine, his dance prowess seen as a macho attribute. He dressed as miniature ballroom dancers, full with elaborate costumes and hairdos. Their operate is to remark truthfully and insightfully on the motion, ut, and revealing a playful sense of humour at Scott’s expense throughout the Paso Doble scene (Sequence 5) when she speaks in Spanish about Scott’s turns into a mentor, even a father determine to Scott when he teaches him about the true which means of dance. (Practising for the Pan-Pacifics: Sequence 6). and so they additionally present comedian asides, for instance when Kylie says: “It’s the inconceivable sight of Scott dancing with Fran,” as she watches them dance ROLES OF MEN, WOMEN, CHILDREN Girls The movie satirises Anglo-Australian girls by depicting them as hysterical, bitchy and backstage on the State Championships (Sequence four). Kylie and Luke additionally act uring the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence eight) to Help Fran and Scott. Realising that Barry Males Within the ballroom dancing world, the lads look like in management. Barry Fife, the manipulative. The next melodramatic feedback by Liz Holt recommend that males lead, at the least on the dancefloor: “He Fife plans to chop the music, they lock themselves into the sound sales space in order that his plans are thwarted. Their heroic “good physique”. STRICTLY BALLROOM 11 actions on the finish and the best way they cheer for Scott and Fran recommend that they European migrants began arriving in Australia. It’s clear that Fran’s household shouldn’t be characterize a brighter future for dance. s financially properly off because the AngloAustralians. However the fiesta that takes place WORK in the back of the home (Paso Doble: Sequence 5) conveys that there’s life and soul right here. Though dancing is an newbie pastime for many of the characters within the ballroom dancing world, they’re so obsessed that it dominates their lives. For among the characters, ballroom dancing additionally supplies their livelihoods. Les Kendall and Shirley run Kendall’s Dance Studio collectively. Shirley’s rationalization of why she dumped Doug on the Pan-Pacifics in 1967 reveals her concern of insecurity. It additionally means that on this world folks really feel hey must sacrifice their goals to acquire job safety: “There was an excessive amount of at stake. Our dancing profession was on the road. I couldn’t throw all that away on a dream. We needed to survive. We might by no means have been in a position to educate. ” (The Pan-Pacifics: Sequence 7) Barry Fife shows fairly a distinct angle to work. He makes use of his place as Federation President to additional his personal enterprise pursuits, notably the best way he POWER The Anglo-Australian characters are those that are depicted as having energy within the movie. However Barry Fife’s energy is represented as hierarchical and corrupt. In the course of the Waratah Championships (Sequence 1) the
Dance Federation judging panel is framed with a low angle shot, exhibiting Barry and his fellow officers positioned on a stage above the viewers, reflecting their superior standing. Barry is prepared to repair the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dance Championships, in order that Scott doesn’t win, as his phrases to a drunk Ken Railings reveal: “Your 12 months, Ken. Simply get on the ground, undergo the motions and it’s within the bag. ” (Scott & Fran’s Large Second: Sequence eight) All through the movie, his unscrupulous locations his video, Dance to Win, on show at each alternative, and provides a replica to Wayne as a sweetener to get him on his facet in opposition to Scott (The State ethods reveal that he’s prepared to do something to hold onto energy. He’s portrayed very similar to a corrupt politician or businessman who will do favours for Championships: Sequence four). sure folks so as to acquire private benefits. Against this, Fran’s household enterprise is the Toledo Milk Bar. Enterprise doesn’t appear In distinction, Fran’s household, who stay on the to be booming, because the milk bar seems shabby and rundown. Its paintwork is dingy and worn and there are bins stuffed with garbage in entrance. In some methods the Toledo edges of society, are depicted as much less as a result of they don’t seem to be a part of the established, dominant Anglo-Australian ulture. Nevertheless, their sympathetic Milk Bar suggests an earlier period, the 1950s, when such locations have been first fashionable, and likewise when southern portrayal within the movie means that regardless of their marginal standing, they’re culturally richer than their Anglo counterparts. CLASS others. (The Strive-Outs: Sequence three). It’s as if Fran’s ethnicity marks her as completely different, STUDENT EXPLORATIONS Though the movie reveals two cultures in opposition, it’s tougher to place and is taken into account a disadvantage to her integration and acceptance into the 1 Baz Luhrmann’s describes the world of Strictly Ballroom as ‘heightened and them by way of class.
The AngloAustralians might be described as white working-class or decrease middle-class. They’ve extra money and standing in society than the characters within the Spanish world, which locations them in a better place. But their values and attitudes are satirised within the movie, in order that the Anglo-Australian world is offered as cheesy and synthetic, missing depth. The Spanish characters, dwelling on the margins of an city society can be described as working-class. Nevertheless, their values are celebrated within the movie, inserting them above the Anglo-Australians. Anglo-Australian world. On the Pan-Pacifics Fran tells Scott how troublesome it has been for her:
RACE Within the movie the Anglo-Australian world is proven as dominant, and ‘regular’, with Fran’s Spanish world represented because the ethnic ‘different’. This could possibly be stated to reflect the migrant expertise in Australia, the place Anglo-Australians kind a majority of the inhabitants and have lived there longer than newer arrivals. Fran’s “Frangipannidelasqueegymop. Wash the espresso cups Fran. How’s your pores and skin Fran? ” (On the Pan-Pacifics: Sequence 7). When Scott is launched to the Spanish world, he’s at first handled with suspicion by Rico (Paso Doble: Sequence 5). At first characters converse in Spanish in entrance of Scott, typically at his expense, and as a method f excluding him from their dialog. For the primary time Scott experiences what it’s prefer to be an outsider. However after preliminary suspicion he’s accepted. Scott is prepared to study from Rico and Ya Ya, and realises that the expertise is enriching. It’s fascinating that as Rico and Ya Ya Help Scott and Fran observe for the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence 6) they start to talk each Spanish and English, indicating their rising acceptance of him and their openness to the Anglo world. 2 three four 5 fantastical’. How does the movie language used illustrate this? See Appendix E: Movie Language. (Touch upon costume, lighting, characters, amerawork, color, music in every of the contrasting settings). How does the movie depict the Anglo Australian characters? How does this evaluate with the movie’s portrayal of Fran’s Spanish household? Who’s portrayed extra sympathetically, do you suppose? Most of the characters in Strictly Ballroom are cartoon-like and one dimensional. What benefits are there in creating characters which are stereotypes? Are you able to see any disadvantages? “No new steps! ” Why do you suppose among the characters have been so frightened of latest dance steps? Focus on the related characters/key moments. Do you sympathise with any of them? Why/why not?
Do you agree with Baz Luhrmann that dance must be ‘an expression of life’ reasonably than a aggressive sport? Do you expertise at Kendall’s Dance Studio displays this marginal standing. She is named ‘simply Fran’ reasonably than by her full identify Francisca. She is reluctant to say her The movie’s triumphant finale, which reveals the 2 cultures uniting on the dance flooring, provides a celebration of Australia’s multicultural society. As characters from have any private expertise of dancing competitively? (Irish dancing, for instance) What’s your opinion on such competitions? Spanish identify as a result of it reinforces her outsider standing, making her a possible arget for name-calling by Liz and Vanessa. Fran’s look can be the ballroom dancing world and Fran’s Spanish world dance collectively, Rico with Liz Holt, Ya Ya with Les, the movie provides an optimistic ending. From being two 6 How does the world of Strictly Ballroom differ from the cultural contexts/social settings of different comparative texts you might have studied? Are there any similarities? completely different. Her darkish hair and pure pores and skin present a distinction to the substitute glamour of the opposite ballroom dancers. Shirley, in her position as cosmetician, is at all times separate, distinct cultures, the finale ensures that they intermingle, every nriched by the opposite. Solely Barry Fife appears to not match into this new, inclusive encouraging Fran to make use of apricot scrub or Buf Puf to enhance her pores and skin, and tries making her up in order that she seems just like the world, suggesting that he actually does belong to a bygone period. STRICTLY BALLROOM 13 HERO, HEROINE, VILLAIN Mainstream Hollywood cinema attracts from ideas and constructions established in Greek mythology. Tales are pushed by the wrestle between a central hero and one other, normally darker power. The standard cinematic hero is robust and virile, who proves himself by overcoming obstacles set out for him by the narrative.
The hero at all times achieves his purpose and wins the love of a girl via fight or bodily confrontation with one other male. HERO Scott is the central character within the movie. Positioned because the hero, he’s a passionate, formidable ballroom dancer who additionally needs to bop his personal steps. Scott has to steadiness his want to win with a necessity for individuality and creativity. As he progresses via the movie, he overcomes pressures and obstacles in his method and finds the braveness to bop his personal steps with Fran on the Pan-Pacifics. How movie language* positions Scott because the Hero We all know that Scott is the hero as a result of he’s central to the plot.
The motion he takes on the Waratah Championships when he dances his personal steps is the catalyst for the story. However the best way the story is advised via movie language additionally reveals us that he’s the a want to win marks him as unconventional. He’s additionally put below strain to evolve at completely different instances throughout the movie from Shirley, Les and Barry Fife, and he provides into the strain greater than as soon as. The hero’s qualities of bodily power and virility are proven via ballroom dancing, an exercise not usually related to macho cinematic heroes. Scott’s Journey Scott additionally has to alter his personal attitudes to completely perceive the true which means of ance. There are a number of key moments within the movie that illustrate Scott’s emotional journey: New Companions (Sequence 2) Fran approaches Scott When Fran asks to check out as Scott’s new hero. The digital camera frames Scott particularly methods to emphasize this. The next parts in camerawork illustrate how a movie can place the hero: Scott: You’ve come as much as me who’s been dancing since I used to be six years previous… and • Framing of photographs – the digital camera stays with the character as a lot as doable • Shut-ups of the character’s face reveal you wish to dance non-Federation, and persuade the judges on the Pan-Pacific Grand Prix with three weeks to coach?
Fran: Yeah. how the character is feeling • Level-of-view photographs make the viewers see issues from his perspective *See additionally Appendix E: Movie Language STRICTLY BALLROOM 14 An Untypical Hero? Scott is an untypical cinematic hero. His curiosity in creative self-expression greater than accomplice, he’s dismissive of her capability: Scott: I don’t suppose so. Scott solely listens to Fran after she loses her mood and tells him he’s a “gutless marvel” for not having the braveness to provide her an opportunity. Even after Scott accepts Fran as his new accomplice, he holds onto the attitudes and beliefs of the ballroom dancing world. As they dance the ne final take a look at Liz, Shirley and the opposite opponents earlier than leaping offstage to An Untypical Heroine? But when Fran fulfils lots of the rumba, he instructs Fran to “take a look at me such as you’re in love,” emphasising the artificiality discover Fran. necessities of a fairy story heroine, she can be untypical. Though Fran seems to of the ballroom dancing model. STUDENT EXPLORATIONS State Championships (Sequence four) Scott and Fran dance collectively backstage Scott is caught between eager to win the competitors and his want to bop new steps with Fran. The chance to bop with Tina Sparkle is tempting, and he’s esitant when Fran asks him immediately what he intends to do: 1 What are the qualities of a typical Hollywood hero? 2 Give examples of two different movies wherein the central character might be described as heroic, and provides causes in your decisions. three How does the movie place Scott because the hero? four Give examples of key moments that present Scott because the hero, and clarify how movie language conveys this to the viewers. be a passive and shy particular person firstly, at necessary moments she reveals willpower and defiance. However she additionally falters below strain at instances, significantly when confronted with Scott’s indecision, or when bullied by Shirley
Hastings. Fran: Are you going to bop with Tina? Scott: I… she’s a champion. However as Fran watches Tina Sparkle and Nathan carry out, Scott follows her gaze. The close-up shot of his response signifies that he’s starting to understand what he needs to do. As he dances with Fran backstage the lyrics to the tune ‘Maybe’ – “In case you can’t make your thoughts up, we’ll by no means get began,” match the scene completely. HEROINE Fran’s Journey Not like the journey Scott makes to alter his angle in direction of dance, Fran already is aware of that she needs to bop ‘from the guts’. The Spanish proverb, ‘Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias/A life lived n concern is a life half-lived’ is among the major messages of the movie, and is carefully related to Fran. Her journey is about overcoming her concern in order that she will attain her potential and stay life to the complete. Paso Doble (Sequence 5) Rico and Ya Ya dance the Paso Doble Rico and Ya Ya, having laughed at Scott and Fran Fran is positioned because the heroine within the movie. Like Scott, she is a posh character who has to beat obstacles to realize her objectives. In some ways she fulfils the necessities of a fairy story heroine, with clear similarities between her character and Cinderella or The Ugly Duckling. At irst she is portrayed as a shy, awkward Fran’s ballroom dancing model of the Paso Doble, educate Scott their method. As Ya Ya encourages him to “hearken to the rhythm,” Scott is remodeled by the expertise and newbie dancer. Carrying glasses, no make-up and a dishevelled T-shirt, her plainness supplies a distinction to the glitz and glamour of the opposite ballroom rejects her reveals her power of feeling: learns that dancing from the guts makes it extra significant and actual. dancers. you’re simply actually scared, you’re actually scared to provide somebody new a go since you suppose, , they could simply be higher than you might be.
Properly, you’re simply There are a number of key moments that illustrate Fran’s journey: New Companions (Sequence 2) Fran approaches Scott Fran’s offended response to Scott when he “You’re identical to the remainder of them. You suppose you’re completely different however you’re not as a result of The Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dance The movie reveals Fran’s journey in direction of confidence and fulfilment via the Championship (Sequence 7) Doug reveals the reality When Doug catches up with Scott and tells him the reality in regards to the 1967 modifications in her costume and look. From the opening sequence which encompasses a close-up shot of an strange wanting Fran talking to digital camera about athetic and also you’re gutless. You’re a gutless marvel. Vivir con miedo, es como vivir a medias! ” Championships, Scott realises that he can dance with Fran eventually. The movie strikes into gradual movement as he spins round to have Scott and Liz’s ‘great steps’, she undergoes a change, blossoming into a wonderful, assured dancer. Fran is then positioned within the centre of the body, standing within the highlight, simply as Scott had been earlier. This means STRICTLY BALLROOM 15 that she too needs to bop her personal steps, and means that she and Scott go residence reasonably than spoil Scott’s probabilities. Using low angle close-ups of Shirley, re extra carefully linked than we’ve beforehand realised. Vanessa and Liz, seen from Fran’s standpoint, characterize them as villains and Fran as a sufferer of bullying. The Strive-Outs (Sequence three) This montage sequence reveals a number of facets of the story that occur over the identical time frame. Scott’s try-outs with potential new companions are juxtaposed with Scott and Fran persevering with to observe collectively. The digital camera additionally cuts to dates being crossed off the calendar, indicating that point has handed, and the soundtrack, appropriately, is the tune Time After Time. The montage additionally reveals how Fran’s transformation is happening. Regularly er look begins to alter, her hair turns into darker and extra enticing and she or he wears skirts reasonably than leggings. Using color can be important, and by the tip of the sequence she is proven carrying stronger colors (black and pink), reflecting her rising confidence. The State Championships (Sequence four) Fran and Scott dance collectively backstage After the revelation that Tina is to be Scott’s new accomplice, Fran retreats backstage the place Scott finds her. However the spell is damaged when Liz Holt scathingly feedback: “You’re kidding! ” when she sees Fran and Scott dancing collectively. Fran turns into self-conscious once more, and falls ver, injuring her ankle. Practising for the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence 6) Fran and Scott observe for the Pan-Pacifics with the steerage and help of Rico and Ya Ya. When Fran dances difficult steps with confidence and poise throughout a observe along with her father, the response shot of Rico reveals his shock and satisfaction. It’s as if he’s seeing his daughter in a brand new mild. Like Ya Ya, he accepts that Fran has overcome her shyness and is able to dance on the Pan-Pacifics. STUDENT EXPLORATIONS 1 Fran might be described as being like a fairytale heroine. Select three key moments from the movie that present parallels between Fran and a fairytale heroine. How does the movie reveal Fran’s transformation? Give some examples of key moments the place Fran’s picture modifications, referring to costume, facial features, motion, camerawork and many others. Is the transformation extra than simply her look, do you suppose? VILLAIN Barry Fife There’s one apparent villain within the movie – Shirley, Liz and Vanessa persuade Fran to go residence This scene within the dressing room is Barry Fife, President of the Australian Dance Federation. Symbolising a bygone patriarchal, authoritarian period Barry is portrayed as being shifty and corrupt. Like harking back to Cinderella, when Shirley (just like the depraved stepmother), Vanessa and
Liz (because the ugly sisters) persuade Fran to lots of the characters within the ballroom dancing world, Barry is depicted as a cartoon-like stereotype. He’s typically filmed STRICTLY BALLROOM 16 in low angle close-ups, which make his face look grotesque, and his shiny blue speech about heroes to Les, which is each comedian and satirical, bearing similarities to desk and is proven on the ground wanting dishevelled and defeated. The excessive angle fits, pink face and false hairpiece convey to the viewers that he’s to not be the type of speeches we’re accustomed to listening to from sure politicians: digital camera shot used right here makes him seem ulnerable for the primary time. To symbolise trusted. Barry’s concern of change, mixed together with his desperation to stay the allpowerful President by ruthless and corrupt means, leads to his lack of energy and authority on the finish of the movie. Barry fulfils the position of a typical cinematic villain, being the darker power that tries to stop Scott from dancing his personal steps. Regardless of his villainous methods, he’s additionally liable for lots of the movie’s funniest moments, significantly when he confuses proverbs and sayings like: ‘Let’s not chuck the child out with the bath,’ and ‘One unhealthy egg can rot the entire barrel. ’ A number of ey moments reveal Barry Fife as a villain: Waratah Championships (Sequence 1) Barry’s workplace Barry is sitting in his workplace behind his desk, a place that emphasises his authority. Talking on to digital camera, Barry’s assertion hints strongly that he’s greater than an neutral decide on the dance competitors: “You possibly can dance any steps you want, however that doesn’t imply you’ll… win. ” “Let’s not overlook, Les, Pan-Pacific Champion turns into a hero, a guiding mild to all dancers. Somebody who’ll set the fitting instance… I really like dancing, Les, and I received’t let what we’ve fought for all these years be destroyed. ”
The movie then cuts to an clearly drunk Ken Railings dancing with Liz, offering an ironic touch upon what precisely Barry Fife has fought for all these years. Practising for the Pan-Pacifics (Sequence 6) Barry’s model of Doug’s downfall When Barry tells Scott that Doug’s loopy steps misplaced the 1967 Pan-Pacifics for Shirley and Doug, the viewers doesn’t but know the reality. Barry’s pretend model of occasions is conveyed to us via a flashback sequence, which he narrates. The previous is depicted as a drama, a playwithin-a-play wherein Barry, naturally is represented positively. His model of the previous is designed to create a rosy nostalgia, ut his phrases sound unconvincing and false: The movie language used throughout this scene conveys Barry’s untrustworthy nature. The ADDITIONAL EXPLORATIONS 1 The ultimate sequence on the Pan-Pacifics reveals acts of heroism by different characters within the movie. Title the characters concerned, and describe the actions they take that is likely to be thought of heroic. 2 Out of your research of Strictly Ballroom in addition to different comparative texts, evaluate the heroic qualities of every of the primary protagonists. In what methods are they related/completely different? The Pan-Pacific Grand Prix Dance Championships (Sequence 7) Barry falls and knocks over the trophies
Les that he needs Scott to bop with Tina Sparkle. To the tune of Danny Boy within the background, Barry makes a sentimental 1 How does the movie talk that Barry Fife is a villain? Touch upon the movie language used and refer to chose key moments in your response. 2 Is Barry Fife greater than only a villain? Are there any explanation why we would really feel sympathy for him within the movie? we used to scruff it collectively… Lessie’d come alongside in fact. The three of us collectively, the previous gang. We have been a bunch of previous funsters. ” State Championships (Sequence four) Barry talks to Les Barry’s motives turn into clearer as he tells STUDENT EXPLORATIONS I used to be your dad’s finest mate in these days, lighting is shadowy and the digital camera zooms in to a close-up of his mouth when he says the phrase “win,” which echoes ominously. Barry’s sudden and dramatic fall from energy, his hairpiece has fallen off and the trophies are scattered round him. After Barry’s schemes have been foiled, one of many final pictures we see of him is when he actually topples over the trophy STRICTLY BALLROOM 17 APPENDIX A BAZ LUHRMANN INTERVIEW FII: When did you first see cinematic overcoming seemingly not possible odds, on the tradition of Australia. However past that, prospects for Strictly Ballroom?
BL: Properly, what occurred was I did it as a and it’s lastly about the truth that the younger David with the idea, comes up as a result of it’s David and Goliath, and since there was an election marketing campaign at play after which I met this producer and he stated, look I’d like to purchase the rights, and I with the answer… Nobody wished to finance the movie, I used to be a first-time director, the time about republicanism it had political implications too. The omnipotent stated, properly I’d prefer to make a movie of it and so they agreed to let me do the movie. However I what I imply, there have been numerous no’s. I went to Cannes the 12 months earlier than and
Federation, they’ve a really specific Australian angle, which is an previous man at all times thought it might be a movie and I at all times thought it might be a musical as doorways have been slammed in my face. Not twelve months later the identical those who going, “There’s just one method to cha cha cha mate, and also you’ve bought to do it that method or properly. I imply all our movies we make have this cinema kind which we name had stated, “What a waste of time… ” have been like crying with tears going, “Bear in mind else. ” It began to smash away at that. FII: What movies have influenced you? I theatricalised cinema, pink curtain cinema Strictly Ballroom, Romeo and Juliet and

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