The Rabbit Proof Fence Essay

Directed by Phillip Noyce, The Rabbit Proof Fence main message is determination. It is based on a true story about 3 half­caste girls who ran away from the Moore River Native Settlement to return to their Aboriginal families, after being placed there. The film follows the Aboriginal girls as they walk for nine weeks along 1,500 miles of the Australian rabbit­proof fence to return to their community at Jigalong in harsh conditions, while being pursued by white law enforcement authorities and an Aboriginal tracker. Noyce used camera work, sound effects and lighting to help us understand. Noyce wants us to know that when someone is determined to do something, nothing will stop their way. Determination is shown by the use of camera work in the scene when Molly decided to escape the Moore River settlement with her step­sister Daisy and her cousin Gracie. Her decision helps me to understand the close relationship she has with her mother and the land when contrasted with Gracie who believes that it’s her fate to be at Moore River. The director used lots of close up to show persistence in Molly’s expression. The imposing presence of Molly gives the audience the idea that she is the leader in the group and has great influence on others. Her decision is the trigger which sparks off the story. The use of mise en scene during the journey shows the rough condition of the environment which the girls have to go through. The director enhances Molly’s determination by using close up shots which gives the audience a clear view of her expression. The crescendo of the music emphasises that her determination is getting stronger as she became closer to home. Her determination on pursuing the journey helps me to understand the strong connection between her and her family. In the scene where Molly and Daisy were walking on the salt pitch, they battled against the vast heat of the country against all the odds. Determination is showed in this scene by the use of