Scott Hicks's Shine Film Techniques

Shine, an award winning film directed by Scott Hicks, depicts the life of musical genius David Helfgott and the challenges and suffering he overcame in his life. Through a variety of film techniques Hicks is able to capture certain aspects of the human condition such as that of isolation, deprivation of freedom and one's longing to be loved and cared about. Shine is also highly inspirational, illustrating a person's ability to move forward in life despite facing the debilitating effects of psychological trauma. Drawing upon several allusions and visual and plot devices, Hicks is able to accurately depict the life of David Helfgott and outstanding aspects of the human condition within it.

Throughout Shine, Hicks employs powerful film techniques
to emphasise the facets of human condition apparent in David Helfgott's life; the most notable being the use of flashbacks to meticulously steer and craft the plotline to explore the mysteries of David's past. The flashbacks convey the painful nature of David's memories and link strongly to the opening scenes which portray the extent to which David has been affected mentally. Lighting effects are cleverly utilized by Hicks to shroud David's figure in darkness such that he stands in stark contrast with the brightly lit restaurant within. This visual effect heightens the human condition of isolation from society being experienced by David. Symbolism also plays a strong role in Shine as is evident in the noticeable crack running down the photograph of David; foreshadowing the downfall of David's character.

Scott Hicks' deliberate choice of costume and set colour in Shine are highly effective in highlighting the dull suppressed existence David endures under the dominating patriarchy of his father Peter Helfgott.
Allusions to Nazi concentration camps are drawn with unnerving images of barbed wire and extensive barricading in the Helfgott residence, further emphasizing the deprivation of freedom faced by David and other members of the family. The overbearing and suffocating love Peter gives his son appears to be more detrimental then beneficial towards David's growth and development. Peter Helfgott's domineering patriarchal nature is further accentuated in the repetition of the lines "No one will love you like me…no one" and "You are a very lucky boy, David" which confirm the complete dominance and control his father has over him; David is a prisoner of his father's love. Powerful symbolism is used to stress the isolation David faces through the violent closing of the window blinds by Peter Helfgott, signifying the severing of all ties David has with his family and most importantly, his father. Hicks also manipulates aural and auditory aspects of the musical score and sound such as the use of dramatic crescendos to heighten moments of significance within the film. Symbolic visual effects of flames in Peter Helfgott's eyes also add to the highly emotive atmospheres evoked by
Hicks.

David's passion for music and his innate musical talent are exhibited throughout Shine representing his substitute for the loss of his father's love; his music being the one thing he can rely on in times of depression. Although David makes the decision to leave his family his longing for their love is ever apparent in his choice of music, the music of Rachmaninoff, a composer which his father regards and treasures highly. David's utter passion and love for his music is emphasized during his performance where several film devices come into play, with slow motion, selective audio isolation and close up camera angles which symbolize David entering his own world; oblivious to his surroundings, concentrating only on his playing, representing his devotion to his father.

Overall Shine communicates aspects of the human condition thoroughly and with fervor, through the appropriate utilization of film techniques, Scott Hicks effectively involves the audience in this highly emotional journey.