- HSC Task 2 Language, Culture and Identity - The Castle PDF

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Summary

Module A of HSC English Standard.

Essay on Australian film, 'The Castle', written by Rob Sitch...

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HSC Task 2: Language, Culture and Identity - The Castle “An important aspect of quality texts is their ability to challenge or affirm our assumptions about particular social groups.” To what extent is this statement true of “The Castle”? In your response, make close reference to the film “The Castle”.

The 1997 film, The Castle is an accurate example of a quality text that is able to mostly affirm our assumptions about particular social groups within Australia. The Castle is a satirical comic that was directed by the Australian satirist Rob Sitch. The film revolves around the stereotypical working-class Australian family called the Kerrigans and their battle with a higher authority, the Barlow Group - a major corporation within Australia, who is compulsorily acquiring the home of the Kerrigans through their subsidiary airline company, ‘AirLink’. The Castle mostly affirms our stereotypes of social groups through the utilisation of film techniques to explore many social groups such as; the pompous nature of the upper class, the qualities and lifestyle of the ‘Aussie Battler’ Darryl Kerrigan and the traditional, conservative motherhood depiction of female identity.

The idea of the pompous or snobby nature from the upper class/rich within the film, for the most part, promotes the stereotypes of this social class, however, does not solidify this stereotype as there are exceptions within the film. The stereotype of a generalised pompous upper class within The Castle is exemplified through the AirLink lawyers. This is found during the second court scene, in which Darryl’s lawyer, Mr Denuto is stuttering and obviously nervous whilst struggling for evidence to back up his claim, Sitch uses a close-up shot that gives a comprehensive overview and intimate view of the lawyer’s face. This is implemented to highlight the expression upon the AirLink lawyer which reveals a smugness with a slight grin on his face which further reflects the idea of the domineering upper class, as he is depicted to find Denuto’s lack of professionalism

amusing and highlights the stereotypical contemptuous attitude of the upper class. Furthermore, the use of the close-up shot further affirms the stereotype of upper-class citizens. In contrast however, some characters of The Castle’s upper-class challenge the assumptions that we make. This is perceptible succeeding the second court scene, where Darryl meets and familiarises himself with a character called ‘Lawrence’. This contrast is captured when Darryl says, “You must be as proud as punch” demonstrating Darryl’s inviting tone and the friendly exchange among each other as they discuss their families’ achievements, despite the juxtaposition of their social and economic backgrounds. Sitch utilises an eye-level camera angle in this scene during the conversation allowing the audience to feel a personal connection with Lawrence, to further the understanding of this new character. Moreover, a sense of mateship and close social distance between the two is then found when ‘Lawrence’ is diminished to ‘Lawrie’ when saying their goodbyes, with the camera angle and high-key lighting highlighting his smiling face, emphasising his goodwill and positivity. This scene contrasts the previous feeling from the AirLink lawyers who express a dismissive disregard for the working class. Evidently, the film’s depiction of the upper class provides a predominant affirmation of the assumptions we make about this particular social class, however characters such as Lawrence can also challenge this proposition.

The concept of an ‘Aussie Battler’ is a key idea that is portrayed throughout the film by the lead character, Darryl Kerrigan. Darryl is the quintessential depiction of an Aussie battler, through his underdog presence and persistence against the Barlow corporation, as well as his willingness to protect his family and home through the possible challenges that life brings. This attitude and identity of an Aussie battler is further demonstrated at the Kerrigans’ dinner table. Sitch uses a panning shot to reveal all of Darryl’s neighbours seated at the table who are losing their home to the compulsory acquisition. The panning shot communicates to the audience the depressed nature of the dinner table, with heads directed downwards in misery. This is then contrasted by Darryl’s inspiring dialogue stating “Well bugger em’ I’m not giving up Jack” whilst

situating the neighbours in the background, producing a shot in which the neighbours are listening to Darryl as their ‘leader’. The effect of the shot, paired with the inspiring speech gives the audience of the film the feeling that something important is coming in the following scenes, demonstrated as the characters become filled with hope as they trust Darryl’s word. This scene epitomises what it means to be an Aussie battler, standing up for yourself and others while being an underdog and doing what you believe is right. This scene’s portrayal of Darryl deeply affirms our assumptions about the Aussie battler through his battler-like qualities and attitude.

Throughout the film, females are depicted traditionally and conservatively in most parts with an overriding inner strength, mostly affirming our assumptions, however, characters occasionally challenge this idea. Indubitably done through the characterisation of the predominant female character, Sal, Darryl’s wife. Being the ‘stay at home mum’ who looks after the children, working a four day week as a receptionist. This traditional notion has been reinforced in one of the opening scenes at the dinner table, Sitch implements non-diegetic sound in the form of a voice-over by Dale Kerrigan explaining “If Dad is the backbone, Mum is all the other bones”, revealing the significance the mother holds within the family. Sitch also supplements this with a panning medium shot of Sal bringing the dinner to the table, combined with high key lighting to give off a feeling of happiness and positivity that Sal brings into the family life of the Kerrigans. However, our assumptions begin to be challenged with the scene at the Bonnie Doon house. Sitch implements a long-shot to capture the setting, which then fades into a medium-shot of Tracey and Sal, where Tracey says, “I want a career”, subverting the traditional gender stereotypes. The composition of camera shots combined with the use of dialogue challenges the assumption of the traditional ‘house-wife’ female identity. Evidently, the film's depiction of Sal affirms the assumption of female identity, while Tracey challenges these stereotypes of the traditional house-wife female.

The Castle, for the most part, affirms our assumptions about social groups such as the upper class, the ‘Aussie battler’ and the female identity. Sitch utilises film techniques and language to portray the individual qualities, serving a representation of the collective identity. However, in some parts, characters such as Tracey challenge our assumptions of social groups and depict a more modern social standing....