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Strictly Ballroom

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Strictly Ballroom
Strictly Ballroom Essay

Image enables us to perceive the nature of different worlds from various perspectives and angle view. The audience has the advantage of perceiving the nature of the world in each text, from his/her own perspective. Image formulates an understanding about worlds and the use of satire and other language techniques, which allow the audience to evaluate their own world while perceiving the nature of different worlds.

“Strictly Ballroom” is a romantic comedy written by Baz Luhrmann played and set in the competitive world of ballroom dancing. In this theatrical film Luhrmann usees themes and images to construct the story line of glitzy, glamorous, competition of romance of federation dancing. Luhrmann uses colour, teeth, glitter and synchronised dance movements as metaphors for the materialistic world, being attractive but lacking real substance.

The whole world of ballroom dancing is clearly depicted as unrealistic from the opening scene with the curtain being pulled back which represents largely a fairytale where perceptions are often ambiguous. Luhrmann's purpose is to portray the world of ballroom dancing as one that is of a harsh world where fear, power and multiculturalism play a major role in the film. “Strictly Ballroom” is memorable as a stylish, fast paced and irreverent parody of professional and highly competitive world of dancing. The stereotypical plotline includes a handsome male lead finding a gifted but unrecognised partner who enables him to find fulfilment passion, love and success.

The dance federation headed by the controlling by Barry Fife is filled with different personalities, one minute being authentic at home and then artificial when they take the dance floor. This occurs in several parts of the film with different characters such as Liz, Barry Fife, Fran and Shirley. Shirley is always forced to smile “I’ve got my happy face in today”, she has to restrain her true feelings and show how she relies on a mask to

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