Belonging

Representation is the driving concept in the Area of Study.

You need to explore, critically analyse and evaluate why and how Baz
Luhrmann and composers of your related texts use textual forms
and features to shape meaning and influence the intended
audience.
Luhrmanns knowledge and insight into the rule bound and glamorous ballroom dancing
world in addition to the fact that Australia was emerging as a rich, multicultural society in
1992, influence and shape the way Luhrmann represents the notion of belonging in his film.
Perceptions and context are interconnected as our perception of belonging is a product of our
context. You must consider Luhrmanns context and our own to appreciate how Luhrmann
interprets belonging and how you respond to this interpretation. You may have experienced
conforming to rules, winning at all costs and expectations in order to be accepted
in the group; you may have also yearned to challenge the stifling nature of
conforming to the institution, break the rules and develop ways of belonging that
allow you personal freedom and expression. Experiences such as these, combined with
our values and attitudes, affect our perception of belonging.
A key requirement of the Area of Study is a discussion of other texts to support your
exploration of the multifaceted aspects of belonging. A consideration of the
interrelationships between these texts and Strictly Ballroom will enable you to make
meaningful connections with the film and arrive at a clear understanding of how different
individuals respond to the notion of belonging. You must ensure that you develop a
range of theses or lines of argument.
Plot summary-> cloze task
CONTEXT

The film was composed in Australia in 1992, a time Australia was emerging as a
country with a new sense identity as the republican mood and a strong multicultural
presence was influencing how we saw ourselves on the international scene. Baz
Luhrmanns background in ballroom dance and drama influence his understanding of
ways of belonging within an institution- he brings this to his representation of the world
of the Dance Federation in Strictly Ballroom. His reputation for cutting edge cinema
and innovation clearly stylise his film as the subsequent international critical acclaim of
this film attests.

PURPOSE

There is a clear purpose in the film- to celebrate the individual who dares to be
different- who is innovative and challenges the conforming rules that deprive people
of free will and a voice. Luhrmann celebrates a new Australia. He is critical of
conservative thought that limits progress and opportunity. Luhrmann affirms the family
and culture as the core unit of belonging in society.
Although the film appeals to an Australian audience- the style of language, humour
and mannerisms- universal ideals relating to multiculturalism, gender roles,
stereotypes and notions about the individual- ensure broad audience appeal. The wit
and entertaining style also promote important themes in an accessible manner.
Baz Luhrmann defines Strictly Ballroom as Red Curtain Cinema, but it also draws from
several traditions in film and theatre: slapstick elements of silent film; commedia dell
arte; even mockumentary. It can be described as a combination of the following
genres: a romantic comedy, a fairy tale, a dance musical, a satire, and finally an
example of kitsch comedy. Baz Luhrmann uses these conventions in Strictly Ballroom,
but he also parodies them. The film self-consciously subverts our expectations of the

AUDIENCE

GENRE

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backstage musical, so that far from being a celebration of the show business dance
community as in films like Top Hat (1935), the all-powerful Dance Federation is
represented as the enemy in Strictly Ballroom. The mockumentary interviews in the
opening sequence provide another example of the films parodying of conventionsparody; by its nature is anti-establishment.

From your own ideas and after reading the section Characterisation in the Stanners handout,
fill out the table and answer the following questions:
CHARACTER
Scott Hastings

Shirley

Doug

Fran

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WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE

CHARACTER AND THEIR PURPOSE

QUOTE/ FILM ANALYSIS TO

SUPPORT YOUR IDEAS

Barry Fife

Les Kendall

Liz Holt

Wayne

Rico and YaYa

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TASK: Describe Scotts development as a character who belongs in new and different ways
by the end of the narrative. Identify the KEY scenes/ sequences that signify his change.
Luhrmann not only constructs each character so that the viewer is positioned to accept or
reject him or her, he also groups his characters and therefore creates a collective image of
types of characters. AT first he places most of the main characters in two groups, those whom
we reject and those whom we like. This attitude is linked to the group to whom they belong in
the film. By the end of the film, some characters have moved into the second group. Using the
information you have gathered on each character, list the characters in terms of how they are
initially represented and how the representation of them changes through the movie.
Characters whom we like

Characters whom we reject

TASK: What elements (values, attitudes, behaviour) exist in these characters which
position them in either of the above columns? How do you know to which group
they belong?

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SYMBOLISM

Luhrmann has used very specific icons and symbols to help him create ideas that he
felt were important to the audience understanding the purpose of his film.
Some critics argue that the film is a celebration of a new Australia that has had to
break down the prejudices that governed our way of life as we move forward and
embrace changes that immigration brought.
Therefore, we can see that Barry Fife and his supporters (or at least those who are too
frightened to go against him) represent the old way of thinking and Fran and Scott
represent the new Australia.

SYMBOL
The Hills Hoist and Coca
Cola sign

Bolero (Ricos jacket

-that Scott wears in final
scene)

Paso Doble at Frans

House

The Red Curtain

Dance

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WHAT DOES IT REPRESENT? HOW DOES IT ESTABLISH OR

ENHANCE A SENSE OF CULTURAL BELONGING?

On one side of the arrow write key words that describe Scotts connection or attitude to this
person; on the other side of the arrow, write key words that describe that characters feelings
or connection to Scott. In this way, you will gain an understanding of the relationships in the
narrative and the ways that people belong to people and places in this film.

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FRAN

SHIRLEY

LIZ

WAYNE

DOUG

SCOT
T
BARRY

KEN

FIFE

RICO
AND
YAYA

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LES
KENDALL

SCENE-The Toledo Milk Bar Scene/ The Paso Doble

Write a full analysis of the scene and link to the CONCEPT

OF BELONGING

Mise en
scene:
Setting
Costume
Lighting
Acting

Strictly Ballroom explores the true spirit of love, family and belonging
and values such as these are privileged in contrast to the rules and
superficiality of belonging to the ballroom dancing world. Illustrating
this is Luhrmanns authentic mise en scene at the Toledo Milk Bar,
where Rico challenges Scott to dance the Paso Doble and they move to
the backyard where chairs are askew, streamers are falling down and
colourful lanterns hang from the roof; a relaxed, natural outdoor scene
of family gathering. Luhrmann endorses the authenticity of belonging
that Frans family shares as the rustic setting, ambient firelight and
jovial Spanish banter shared between Rico and YaYa layer the scene
with passion and integrity that cement this culture. In this environment
Scott is ridiculed by the Frans family for not dancing from the heart.
Close-ups of people laughing are juxtaposed with long shots of Fran
and Scott dancing, showing that the onlookers are laughing at his rigid,
rule bound Federation-style of dance.

Cinematograp
hy

Sound and
dialogue

Symbolism

Editing

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The medium shots between Scott and Rico further accentuate Scotts
humiliation and highlight his folly as he asks, What is so funny? Rico
rises from his chair and begins to dance with deliberate steps with
clear passion, where a deep sense of connecting through tradition is
obvious. Close-up shots of Ricos feet tapping the pattern of the Paso
Doble with reaction shots of Scotts face suggests Scotts growing
awareness of what is real and the artifice he was subject to with the
Federation. These shots are punctuated with close-ups of Scotts softly
lit face which show his sense of enlightenment. Ya Ya asks him to feel
the rhythm. The camera moves to a close-up of his feet, as the rigid
training of the ballroom world gives way to a more authentic
movement- Scott is in sync with his feelings. Scotts epiphany is
realised as the symbolic train of progress surges through the setting
marking Scotts new understanding of belonging. Luhrmann affirms the
genuine sense of belonging that is forged when passion and integrity
bring people of both close and diverse backgrounds together.

SCENE-The Rooftop Scene

Mise en
scene:
Setting
Costume
Lighting
Acting
Cinematograp
hy

Sound and
dialogue

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Write a full analysis of the scene and link to the CONCEPT

OF BELONGING

Symbolism

Editing

SCENE- Opening Scene- The Waratah Championships

Mise en
scene:
Setting
Costume
Lighting
Acting
Cinematograp
hy

Sound and
dialogue

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Write a full analysis of the scene and link to the CONCEPT

OF BELONGING

Symbolism

Editing

SCENE- Scott dancing solo in the dance studio

Mise en
scene:
Setting
Costume
Lighting
Acting
Cinematograp
hy

Sound and
dialogue

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Write a full analysis of the scene and link to the CONCEPT

OF BELONGING

Symbolism

Editing

SCENE-The Final Scene- Love is in the Air

Mise en
scene:
Setting
Costume
Lighting
Acting
Cinematograp
hy

Sound and
dialogue

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Write a full analysis of the scene and link to the CONCEPT

OF BELONGING

Symbolism

Editing

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