The Castle Identity Essay

English Year 12 - Essay - The castle

Question: “Where you are shape who you are.”
Analyse the composer’s representation of the impact of place on identity, using your prescribed text.

INTRODUCTION

Established distinct places contain a unique vernacular that allows for vital connections to be formed, generating a firm foundation for one's identity to be constructed on. These distinct common values, attitudes and beliefs of an individual shape personal ethos, forging both collective and individual identities. This sense of identity, both collective and individual is integral to the iconic 1997 Australian film, The Castle, directed by Rob Sitch. The film follows the Kerrigan Family, led by patriarch Darryl, as they engage in a legal battle

Stitch explores this idea through the universal theme of music and how it is a transformative emotive language that possesses an influential ability to drive and evolve individuals' emotional depth and understanding of collective identity. Stitch utilises music to represent the impact of place on identity. The contextual place in historical time within the film is representative of the Australian heritage of the nation and this is impacted the family identity through their cultural ties. This is highlighted through the film’s selected soundtrack which incorporates pop culture iconic songs of the contextual 1990s and includes national classics that are still impactful and represented today. During the closing scene and end credits of the movie, the non-diegetic sound of the song ‘we’ve only just begun’ covered by Kate Ceberano is played. As the dialogue fades out and the music within the background enhances, a framed family photo is captured with a close-up camera-up shot highlighting the family as a focal point illustrating the importance of relationships within families within the Australian culture. The use of underscoring enhances the mood of the collective identity of the family in conjunction with the visible on-screen photo. The song lyrics also allude to the idea of how where you live can

The acceptance of such diversity is vital for the foundation to build a sense of community, and foster mutual respect and corporation among people of different backgrounds. The film, ‘The castle’ explores this idea of cultural identity and the sense of belonging that comes with it through the acceptance physical place where the characters live. The contextual 1990s inhabited the emergence of diversity and inclusive landscape in Australia. At the beginning of the film, the airport authorities within the council visit the family home for a land valuation. The character, John Clifton, knocks on the door while a voiceover of Dale explains “Dad calls it his castle, but one day in June a knock at the door was to change all that”. This cinematography of the close-up shot highlights how the threat of globalisation is right at their door due to the growing global economy. The diegetic sound of the knocking in conjunction with the non-diegetic sound of the voice-over highlights the importance of cultural identity and a sense of belonging in the face of change. In the contextual 1990s globalisation was beginning to peak and the historical place in time is represented to impact the cultural identity within Australia.