Clinton Anh Minh Huynh English St, Modules A,B &C

Module A

How has the distinctively visual been portrayed in your prescribed text and an additional text of your own choosing?

The concept of being distinctively visual has allowed composers to expose the many atrocities of human cruelty as well as express their inner thoughts in the form of persona. War and maltreatment of other human beings are only a few of many actions that were preventative. This is the case in The Shoe Horn Sonata by John Misto and Beach Burial by Kenneth Slessor wherein each text was inspired by true events but is viewed from a minority perspective. The Shoe Horn Sonata contains literary devices as well as occasional images that attempt to give the responder an insight into the lives of the Australian nurse, the unsung heroes of war who have hone to great lengths to rescue others. Beach Burial, on the other hand, condemns war as a whole- that every fighter will either perish or continue to live with the scars of a war that arose due to human error. Slessor uses various figures of speech to construct a humane view of conflict. These images in turn give the audience some time to ponder, and reflect on the consequences of ‘human flaws.’

It is not just a global conflict/war that makes for an engaging text but also the characters ‘experience, hopelessness, suffering and ultimately triumph that questions the responders’ perception of maltreatment. The playwright employs the motif of the Japanese flag: “here we see a large Japanese flag, brilliantly illuminated as the scene continues.” The sinking of the Vyner Brooke is the flag, a symbol of vulnerability, powerlessness and fear. The ‘red’ from the Japanese flag also denotes bloodshed, winning at any cost and cruelty to the other races, which also established a distinctively visual experience regardless of the audience.

In contrast to The Shoe Horn Sonata, Beach Burial by Kenneth Slessor examines the conflict itself, not just the similar fate the soldiers encounter, but the fate that any two collisions between two sides will result n a high death count. “Between the sobbing and clubbing of the gunfire is an onomatopoeia that associates killing with violence and suffering. Violence through the vast amount of blood spilled and suffering for the family and friends of those killed Unlike John Misto’s play, the text directly blames the government for being the cause of war, with no significant gain, whatsoever. The Shoe Horn Sonata indirectly puts blame on the government for not doing anything to liberate then from the P.O.W. camp. Hence, the images created questions the responders’ view on conflict making the text visually engaging as conflict is constantly occurring with none that end without loss.

Human error plays a crucial role in the progress made in The Shoe Horn Sonata. The maltreatment of Australian nurses seems to be a compulsory duty for all Japanese soldiers. Consequently, many people physically and mentally suffer, some perish after experiencing excruciating pain. The photos of Act I Scene VII only reinforce the truth that was hidden for many decades ‘we see photos of women P.O.W’s emaciated, haggard, impoverished’ provides the responder with images that represent the product of maltreatment, a way of ‘using psychological treatment to decompose the nurses internally and hence make them feel vulnerable. Ultimately, the error of the Japanese is what keeps the characters alive as they attempt to ‘bond’ with each other. The images constructed not only reveal the atrocities of mankind to one of its own, but how cruel people can come to be for the sake of achieving a goal. The further use of images only accumulates the responder’s understandings of being distinctively visual.

Unlike the play, Beach Burial examines the existentialist interpretation of conflicts such as war: ‘whether as enemies, they fought, or fought with us, the sand joins them together.’ The composer utilizes personification to convey the unity of the human race as a whole and the binding power of ‘mother nature’ The negative connotations created by “the sand joins them” reveals the existentialist perspective: what is the point of life if war is constantly initiated? This idea also questions the audiences’ perceptions of conflict. Conflict is a product of human flaws and yet it cannot be ‘corrected’ due to the issues possessed by humans: selfishness, ambition and desperation

1)Water

To further expose the detrimental effects of torture, the composers also use multiple accounts as well as imagery to sympathise with the victims who have found themselves entangled in conflict. The recount of Sheila giving up her virginity in exchange for quinine reveals the overpowering nature of friendship over individuality. A tone of urgency is created in: “Oh no, please tell me you didn’t” to enhance the responders’ understanding of the situation as Bridie and Sheila highlight their experiences at Belalau. This is further emphasised in Beach Burial wherein “at night they sway and wander in the waters far under,” personifying the carcasses of former soldiers and ultimately conveying that suffering are attached to these soldiers even after death.

The broad and variable concept of being distinctively visual can also be displayed trough auditory devices. The playing of the ‘Blue Danube’ by Johann Strauss creates a majestic and triumphant tone that the characters Bridie and Sheila have won against all odds. “We didn’t know whether to cry or to laugh” “and they were wonderful” creates a feeling of cleansing and forgiveness. Hence, an image evoking feelings of triumph and honour is created, conveying their ‘stay’ as being a distinctively visual experience.

Despite the infinite number of human errors made “The Shoe Horn Sonata” reveals the feeling of forgiveness whereas Beach Burial conveys the endlessness of conflict. It is through the foundation of a humane discourse reinforced by overpowering ideas embedded in images that the composers have conveyed distinctively visual.

Module B:

How are the more prominent themes such as the clash of cultures conveyed in Witness?

Peter Weir’s “witness” attracts the responder’s attention towards the socially distressing issues that have been present since the dawn of time. Weir takes the viewer on a journey to examine the cause and effect of events/issues that still exist without knowledge. This is done through the clash of cultures and the juxtapositioning of the values possessed by prominent characters such as John Book, Rachael and Samuel. Further expanding the viewer’s perspective, Weir utilizes the idea of a utopian and dystopian society to bring the characters of both worlds to life. This does not only give the responder an insight into the clash of cultures still evident in today’s world but the significance of experience in breaking down barriers between cultures as well as individuals. These qualities contribute to the text being universal. Weir has effectively crafted his ideas through his filmic production elements.

The clash of cultures can sometimes result in the breaking of barriers between the two. In the case of Witness, John acts as a catalyst for the formation of ‘free thinking’ within, eventually leading to a sense of understanding. This is portrayed through the close shot of Book’s gun and bullets, a symbol of death. The consequent discussion between Samuel and Eli regarding weapons also conveys the freedom in thinking present within Samuel, challenging the conventions of the day. This effectively used close shot also juxtaposes the Amish and modern society as they both possess conflicting ideas regarding violence. Hence, Weir raises awareness on issues that dominated the contexts in which ‘Witness’ was composed and directed.

Reinforcing the clash of cultures evident within the film text, Weir presents the theme of ‘community versus individuality.’ The consequent portrayal of the Amish distinguishes them from all others in terms of their customs- their strict adherence to the Ordnung. Through the prominent use of black and white in the Amish clothing, there is a lack of contrast within the community, thereby conveying the lack of individuality- that people such as Rachael and Samuel have compromised their identity for the sake of assimilating within the community. This is juxtaposed with the vibrancy of the colours in the outside world. Not only is the presence of variety indicative of a community that preserves individuality, but it also reveals the downsides to conforming to a specific society where an individual’s actions are governed. The director skillfully manipulated the conflicting values of the two communities to create a credible image presenting the tension evident in the context of Witness.

Despite the lack of individuality that exists within the Amish community, Weir also employs high key and low key lighting in an attempt to portray the Amish as the more ‘pure’ of the two . The director uses high key lighting in the form of sunlight in the opening scenes of the film to create a first impression of the Amish being faultless and purified than those of the outside world. The distribution of sunlight on the crop fields create a sense of innocence, allowing the responder to ponder and reflect on the values of today’s society in relation to the Amish society, the freedom and corruption in the modern world as opposed to the crimeless but extremely restrictive Amish society.

On the contrary, the composer uses extensive low key lighting to reveal the more sinister and idiosyncratic properties that makes the city a seemingly less secure place to live in. Low key lighting is used in a nightclub bar in which John Book apprehends a suspect. Here, Weir uses the several sinister components that constitute modern society- drinking, drugs and crime. Weir’s use of non-diegetic sound especially hen introducing the Amish world and when Schaeffer arrives effectively elaborates on the clash of cultures which is evident in the filmic techniques used.

In the opening scenes of ‘Witness,’ ambient sound of wind blowing against the grass reinforces the more angelic and peaceful properties which define the Amish. This also defines the Amish as the more nature-reliant and simplistic as opposed to the industrial-reliant and more complicated components of modern society. As a result, the responders are made more alert to the horrifying fact that corruption is embedded in city life and therefore needs to be considered as something that is undermining everyone’s sense of security.

On the contrary, ambient sound is used in the final scenes where Schaeffer and his assistants attempt to disrupt the Amish community. A reoccurring monotone sound is employed to reinforce the negative connotations that were present since the police were corrupt. Furthermore, dolly out is used to reveal the sinister motives that lie within the trio’s minds. The monotone sound does not only suggest a nearing sign of danger, but also the implications of corruption that has resulted in a final ‘confrontation’ on the Amish farm. Again, Weir has skillfully combined multiple film techniques to create a meaning and value that gradually separates but reduces tension between the two communities.

Hence, the director of Witness has used several film techniques to create credibility in the conflict between the two thereby conveying verisimilitude. Weir, as a result, has successfully used the text to challenge the responder’s initial perceptions of the Amish culture in relation to today’s society.

Module C:

Transition into another world is a slow but rewarding process. Explain how this is depicted in you prescribed text and a text of you own choosing.

Texts are a transparent but effective medium in which the unseen lives of individuals are conveyed the responder and the wider world. Transition into a seemingly different world is a daunting task which requires exposure to experiences and time for assimilating with the rapidly changing world. The individuals who attempt to do so will encounter personal experiences that will mould their characteristics and enhance growth due to their unique reactions to experiences that define their individuality. ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ by J.C. Burke and Rose Blanche by Ian McEwan expose the responder to the experiences that have resulted in growth and change by their alternate fates. Both individuals were confronted with barriers and because of the minor experiences encountered they have undergone metamorphosis in the spiritual and the physical sense.

Individuals’ experience different transitions into new phases of which may result in the alteration of their way of thinking. This is evident in ‘The Story of Tom Brennan’ where the prologue presents a foreboding tone: “the ugly words that told us we were no longer wanted, and along the street,” gives the responder an insight into the circumstances in which individuals may be forced into a foreign phase of life and adapt to the changes in society in the case of Tom Brennan. On the other hand, Ian McEwan employs the motif of the Nazi flag with Rose smiling in the foreground to convey the voluntary nature of her actions, which in turn enhance her spiritual growth, similar to what Tom Brennan experiences despite the significant differences in context that set these texts apart. Hence, their transition into a new phase of life will result in spiritual development to an extent but it is their reactions to personal experiences that set them apart.

Adapting to the changes a seemingly ‘alien’ world presents, barriers may be present to challenge an individuals’ decision to enter a new frontier. The second frame in Rose Blanche foreshadows Rose’s opposition to society as she does moments later. Through the use of juxtaposition of Rose’s red bow tie and pink skirt to the surrounding town, Rose is conveyed as a potential threat to society with the tanks and military being symbolic of the hindrances and blockades that challenge motivation to enter a new world foreign to her own. Similarly, the simile ‘I felt like a criminal standing there with my arms stretched out’ conveys Tom’s sensitivity to change that hinders his psychological development especially when he confronts his old neighbourhood of Mumbilli, which he soon challenges and surpasses due to his willpower which was the product of his many months of experiences in the new and ‘forgiving’ society of Mumbilli. The final moments in the text is the quintessential transition from the world of pain and the past to one of repentance and the future.

Individuals who venture into the world are confronted with barriers. However, these barriers are met with persistence and do not hinder their experiences. It is through these challenges that individuals ultimately learn more about the world and themselves. Tom Brennan experiences conflicts within his family and within himself. Through the composer’s use of vulgar language in : “if you didn’t have your arse thinking about rugby, then maybe you wouldn’t be such a dickhead,” tension is constructed between Kylie and Tom further displaying the environment and context that Tom was raised up in. Tom’s characterisation: “I have friends here, Roy, um, Dan…” provides the responder with an insight into the timid and confused character that Tom has struggled to overcome to make the transition between the two worlds possible. In contrast t Tom Brennan, Rose Blanche confronts a less personal but more psychological and physical barrier. The twelfth and thirteenth frames contain fences which symbolise the psychological barriers that have encouraged Rose Blanche to surpass the blockades and discover new worlds that are hidden from view. Furthermore, the presences of the military in both frames reinforce the idea of a secretive and corrupt world.

The conflict Tom Brennan experiences is further conveyed through the use of exclamatory language: “That’s right! No-one’s allowed to know because you’re repeating year eleven just in case it blows your cover.” Besides the fact that Kylie detests Tom for unintentionally causing her trouble, Tom is also conveyed as experiencing personal problems that have also hindered his ability to perform academically. Hence, barriers are always encountered in the process of metamorphosis, but the outcome is entirely dependent on the individual’s reaction and approach. This is the sole factor determining their growth and route to the wider world.

Tom’s conflicting past is also reflected through constant flashbacks: “The whisper around town grew louder: Daniel Brennan was an accident waiting to happen, an accident waiting to happen.” The rhetorical question “So how come the township of Mumbilli saw it coming and we didn’t?’ reinforces Tom’s inability to prevent the accident from occurring, due to his unparalleled tolerance of Daniel as well as his strong bond with his older brother.

The individuals who are successful in their transition into the world generally forsake their past and reflect on their successes. This is evident in the personification of nature: “trees put on their bright new uniforms and paraded in the sun,” and “spring had triumphed,” commenting on the fact that Rose has advanced to a parallel world whilst the dystopian world of Germany has been overrun by nature. Similarly, Tom Brennan’s optimistic tone is reflected in.” Despite the turbulent environment the protagonists have thrived in and eventually overcame, their comparison to their previous self is vital for growth and preparation for transition into the wider, more complicated world.