There are many film techniques used to create atmosphere and to express ideologies and discourses. The film Rabbit Proof Fence (RPF) is a riveting film, which has represented the cultural identity of Australia. Atmosphere is conveyed right from the very beginning. The mood between the aboriginal family is very relaxed, they are happy carefree, harmoniess and secure and strong and in power.
Film techniques help convey this message by using undershots of the family and and close ups of their happy facial expressions.Lighting also helps convey this as the sunlight is shining through and this gives the effect of happiness in their environment. Natural sounds are in the distance to help express the peacefulness of the outback. The director has very effectively expressed Molly’s character.
At the beginning she is shown as a carefree, happy, curious girl who has a strong sense of belonging to the land. Although later on she is shown as a very determined, strong-minded, compassionate, caring and knowing young girl. The audience is positioned to adopt the viewpoint of Molly that the white Australia’s tend not to accept.This is conveyed using film techniques including low angle shots of Molly at the beginning to make it seem as if she is in power and contrasts with the land. This is also conveyed with the close up shot of Mollys happy smile full of satisfaction after catching the goanna.
Molly’s sense of unbelonging and unfamiliarity and strength of character is conveyed by low angle shot in the guards point of view on the 3 girls as they are separated from the outside by bars, separated from everything they know and are in isolation.Molly is staring straight into the camera and this makes it seem as if she is staring straight into the guard’s eyes showing her sense of strength. The overshot of Molly and the girls makes them look powerless and helpless compared to the sense of power and dominance when they were in their true home. Daisy’s character is shown as a cute, innocent, weak and scared character.
