"Rabbit Proof Fence" and Theatrical Representations of a True Story

In order to highlight the different ways that a film maker can tell a story we are comparing and contrasting two films, both based on true events.

Our first film is "Rabbit Proof Fence". We discussed the history of the parlimentary legislation around the Aboriginal Protection Act in Australia. We also reviewed a map of the area where the film took place.
a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/archive/b/bb/20051016224509!Rabbit_proof_fence_Western_australia.jpg">

Critique of a Movie Based on a True Story

Theatrical Movie Based Upon a True Story
1. What truths are presented in movie?



2. Who in the film do you empathize with ?


3. Write about at least 3 techniques the film maker used to cause you to empathize with that character/characters.






4. How have the true events been dramatized to enhance the story’s potential to entertain?





5. How has the director used the musical score of the film to accentuate the themes of the film?


6. How did the director use sound to heighten a character’s reaction to situations?






Point of View
The second step is to recognize that all films based on true stories are biased. The word "bias" is equated with prejudice and information that is slanted in a particular direction. The connotation here is that the information is tainted in a negative way, much the same way the word "propaganda" has taken on connotations of having evil intentions behind it. Another term that might be more useful here is "point of view."
1. From what point of view is the film speaking? What perspective is it offering on events and arguments?



2. Can you relate to this viewpoint or at least understand where it's coming from?



3. Are there multiple viewpoints? Do they agree or contradict each other? Does one come across as more "right" while the other seem more "wrong?"



4. Can you think of some other perspectives that might be out there but not addressed in the documentary?



5. What is the tone of or emotion behind the(se) viewpoint(s)?


6. Why do you think that the negative view has been reduced and barely presented?


7. Write about at least 3 different techniques has the film maker used to cause you to dislike the negative side.






Themes
What are the central ideas or themes of the film and how has the way the movie has been put together helped convey these to the audience? Comment upon: Camera angles, shots, dialogue, voiceover, sound effects, dramatic structure (orientation, complications and resolution), Lighting, editing, etc.
8. Explain using the above how the themes represented in the film?









9. Does the film make you more aware of a part of history or another culture, explain?



10. What was the purpose and the message of the film?





11. Who is the intended audience ? How do you know this?



11. How does the viewer’s culture change his/her reaction to this film? (Do you think we view and react to it differently than a person in Austrailia?) Why? If so, how?