Strictly Ballroom
Belonging is a complex experience that explores relationship, place and identity. Belonging is clearly shown, in each of the above mentioned themes, in the film “Strictly Ballroom” by Baz Lurhman and the non-fiction extract “Home: The Heart Of The Matter” by Peter Read. Belonging is demonstrated through various techniques, which shows various perceptions of belonging depending on context, which are seen in both the film and the non-fiction extract.
Relationships can be identified through the power and comfort of belonging as this can be seen in the film “Strictly Ballroom.” In the case of Scott and Fran, a middle shot is taken of the two in the last scene - the pair is dancing at the Pan Pacific’s. A connection is made known by the intimate way in, which you see them dance closely with each other. To further highlight this bond, the fierce use of eye contact and the deliberate closeness of the scene specifically portray the couple’s strong connection, and their sudden realisation and perception of belonging.
Unlike Scott and Fran’s intimate relationship in “Strictly Ballroom”, Doug and Shirley Hastings barely share a connection. The most primary example of this is during the kitchen scene where Shirley is portrayed to be the most dominant person in their relationship. This is made clear by the way in which she holds her body and her tone of voice. Also, through the technique of lighting when Shirley stands in the light while Doug is sitting down in the darkness as it is of perception and awareness that Doug does not belong. The long shot in this scene establishes the power dynamic of Shirley standing and Doug sitting. This further highlights the dominant role in which Shirley plays. Furthermore, the negative connotations through the technique of dialogue, such as “Bored”, emphasizes her leading role and the power imbalance between the married couple, clearly showing that they do not share a sense of belonging. Baz Lurhman tied up the dramatic comparison with
Relationships can be identified through the power and comfort of belonging as this can be seen in the film “Strictly Ballroom.” In the case of Scott and Fran, a middle shot is taken of the two in the last scene - the pair is dancing at the Pan Pacific’s. A connection is made known by the intimate way in, which you see them dance closely with each other. To further highlight this bond, the fierce use of eye contact and the deliberate closeness of the scene specifically portray the couple’s strong connection, and their sudden realisation and perception of belonging.
Unlike Scott and Fran’s intimate relationship in “Strictly Ballroom”, Doug and Shirley Hastings barely share a connection. The most primary example of this is during the kitchen scene where Shirley is portrayed to be the most dominant person in their relationship. This is made clear by the way in which she holds her body and her tone of voice. Also, through the technique of lighting when Shirley stands in the light while Doug is sitting down in the darkness as it is of perception and awareness that Doug does not belong. The long shot in this scene establishes the power dynamic of Shirley standing and Doug sitting. This further highlights the dominant role in which Shirley plays. Furthermore, the negative connotations through the technique of dialogue, such as “Bored”, emphasizes her leading role and the power imbalance between the married couple, clearly showing that they do not share a sense of belonging. Baz Lurhman tied up the dramatic comparison with