Gallipoli Speech PDF

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Essay based on Radiance...

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Gallipoli “What are your legs?” “Springs. Steel springs.” “What are they going to do?” “Hurl me down the track.” “How fast can you run?” “As fast as a leopard.” “How fast are you going to run?” “As fast as a leopard.” “Then let’s see you do it.” This famous exchange in the stunning Australian film Gallipoli resonates with viewers long after its final scene. Good morning members of the Australian Tourist Board, I am here today to convince you without a doubt that Gallipoli is the film that will best showcase Australia to the international tourist market. An outstanding drama, Peter Weir’s Gallipoli tells the story of Archy Hamilton and Frank Dunne, two young Australian sprinters who join the army to fulfil their sense of duty. Gallipoli embodies and projects Australian nationalism through, compelling cinematography that captures the vast Australian landscape, develops a strong bond of mateship through its captivating characters and humour through dynamic dialogue. It is for these reasons that Gallipoli best showcases our country and positions Australia as a prominent destination to the international tourist market. Gallipoli captures our environment through fascinating cinematography and promotes Australian’s love of the great outdoors. The locations filmed are mainly in South Australia such as, the town of Beltana, Lake Torrens and the coastline near Port Lincoln. The film technique of cinematography makes the landscape appear more detailed, atmospheric and extensive, to effectively depict the feeling and essence of Australia. Weir chose the outback as a starting point for the film, as Archy comes from the countryside, which symbolizes the "true Australia". Cinematographer Russell Boyd, exploits the immensity of the landscape through long and low angle shots, as a feature of Australia’s national identity, but also as a transformative agent of the Australian spirit; juxtaposed against the boys' youthfulness, enthusiasm, and desire to see the world. The outback is represented as a place where boys and men ultimately grow into the strong and ideal Australian bushman. If this compelling cinematography doesn’t truly epitomise the Australian identity of an affinity for the land, then I ask, what does? International tourists will come visit us to truly experience and enjoy the adventures of the authentic landscape of outback Australia. Gallipoli embodies the idea of mateship at its core as part of our Australian identity and this ideal is conveyed through the clever construction of character. The film is a true representation of what mateship means to Australia. The representation of Australia’s emerging nationhood is humanized with the focus on two young and inexperienced protagonists, Archy and Frank. A series of shared events throughout the film bond these two boys powerfully, into becoming the best of ‘mates’ by the time they hit the trenches of Gallipoli. Although, Archy and Frank are two inherently different characters, the film technique of characterisation is used to convey the growth of their mateship. Mateship is captured in the film throughout many different scenes. The final scene exhibits the concept of mateship, in a truly poignant and powerful manner. Loyalty and

selflessness are true qualities of mateship, shared between Archy and Frank. Archy willingly switches roles with Frank in the trenches, allowing Frank to be the runner. The obvious respect and unconditional assistance these two share for each other is clearly evident in this last scene. As Archy scrambles out of his trench, in the last sprint of his life, Frank sprints to the front trying to save the life of his best ‘mate’. Archy’s heartbreaking sacrifice symbolizes how true mateship and bravery are embedded into Gallipoli and intertwine to give Australia its national identity. Gallipoli exhibits mateship or comradery; it is a sure attraction and eagerness for international tourists to visit Australia, signifying everlasting friendships. It’s not only the striking landscape or the unique bond of mateship that will leave you wanting more; but the humour of the dynamic dialogue. Although, Gallipoli is a film that resonates with sadness, we are able to see parts of humour from each character. This humour is used as a means of coping with the horrors of war and enables the audience to connect with the characters. In one particular scene in which the film technique of dialogue is used to illustrate humour, is between the Army doctor and Snowy, a mate of Frank’s who worked with him along the railway line. In this scene the army doctor says, “Teeth aren't all that good.” This is rebutted by Snowy who replies, “Supposed to shoot the enemy, not bite them.” Humour is an important attribute of the Australian national identity and a characteristic of the 'digger’. This exhibition of humour is the final reason why Gallipoli is the film that clearly and cleverly signifies Australians laidback and welcoming nature at its best. International tourists will want to visit Australia to get a dose of our ‘Aussie’ wit. Members of the Australia Tourist Board, if there is one film that best represents the Australian identity, it would be none other than Gallipoli. There is no other film that has characters, that truly convey the Australian identity of mateship and dynamic dialogue, that illustrates humour. The utterly magnificent landscape, shown through fascinating cinematography will have international tourists flocking to our shores to see Australia for themselves. This stunning film highlights the true Australian identity, which is why it is the one that will best represent Australia to the international tourism market. After watching this stellar film, tourists will spring up and book their tickets to Australia, our planes will be packed and our hotels bursting at the seams....