2001 School Magazine

original works : ^ 5

Australian male constructs in Gainpol! and Breaker Moront

"Scapegoats of the bloody Empire:'Harry'Breaker' Moront's plaintive cryin the final scenes of Breaker Moront, encapsulates the central theme of both this film and Gainpoli'- a homage to the events which helped shape Australia's identity and character during its early years as a new nation. Based on real events, Breaker Moront (Bruce Be resford, 1979) is about a 1901 Boer War trial of three Australian soldiers for the murder of Boer prisoners and a German missionary, but really they were caught up in greater events of British imperialism; while Gallpo!I (Peter Weir, 1981) views this famous ANZAC event through the adventures of two mates The cinematography makes a strong contribution to the impact of both films Gailyo11'5 sweeping scenes of Australian outback life, army training in Egypt and the carnival-like view of war on this remote Turkish peninsula. contrast with the close ups of the cramped horror of the beaches and trenches. Similarly, in Breaker Moront, the sparse military courtroom contrasts with scenes of soldiers using the new guerilla warfare tactics on the South African veldt. Through the clever use of camera angles. close ups and composition shots, Breaker Moront examines the harshness of British military justice. the over-bearing arrogance of the British. and human frailty when confronted with the stark reality of war. Conversely. in Gainpoli, the camera simply records the power and poignancy of the experiences of the central characters, against a backdrop of cleverly interposed sweeping vistas. Through the use of slow motion or still shots in powerful final scenes, both films bring home the message that the brutal sacrifice of the Australians for the British helped define Australia3 character Both are unashamedly nationalistic films. The Australians are depicted as carefree, brave. naive. cheeky, patriotic to10nials:' cruelly manipulated by pompous. imperious Britons. for the benefit of British Interests. Central characters stop short of being caricatures. and are persuasiveIy and appealing Iy portrayed by impressive casts It is difficult not to empathise with their plight, as the viewer feels the full impart of the harshness and cruelly of their circumstances, and their ultimate fate Where Gainpoli charts its characters' journeys from foot races in the outback to running vital messages through the danger of battle, Breaker Moront cleverly employs flashbacks to build up an understanding of Its characters, and how the events in question actually unfolded Me I Gibson as Frank Dunne and Mark Lee as Archy Hamilton are well cast as the two central characters in Gollipoli. Frank, a worldly adventurer, independently minded but ultimately prepared to risk his life for the cause despite his naturalfoar of death, contrasts with Archy's innocent heroism and preparedness to lay down his life for his country. Their"mateship" underlines the qualities which helped define the emerging Australian spirit the film so successfully depias The three central characters in Breaker Moront are quite dissimilar, and yet are on the same path for different reasons Edward Woodward plays Harry 'Breaker' Moront (who in fact was a conman always owing money and forever on the run) as an educated, sensitwe yet hot-headed Eoglsh horsebreaker whose oetic rh me reinforced his feelin s and decisions This seemingly persistent and loyal character 15 quite a contrast to that of Peter Handcock's (Bryan Brown) the bold, am oral Iarrikin from the suburban slums of Sydney. The young and naive character of George Whitton (played by Lewis Fitz-Geeld) differs again. Whimonjoined up because of his well-to-do family's support of the British Empire, and his innocent and moral attitude made him question the orders of his superiors. but he could not act on his feelings Both directors skiffully utilise settings, costumes and soundtrack to involve the audience. and to evoke reactions sympathetic to their interpretation of events. The aching silence in the final scenes of Breaker Moront contrasts with the periodic pomp of a military band in the local bandstand. The sumptuous residence and uniforms of Lord Kitchener and the British underline the stark conditions endured by the Bushveldt Carbineers. the unit to which the accused belonged Similarly the lushy soundtrack which underscores key moments in Gailyo11 15 counterbalanced by the simple sound of Archy's ragged breathing in his last, fateful moment BreokerMorant and Gainpoff are evocative and emotional films which brilliantly depict two equally tragic war tales They tell of the unmerciful actions of the British towards the Australians which helped shape the enduring ANZAC myth of the Australian character While camera techniques and strong performances of Breaker Moront make powerful viewing, this 15 matched by the emphasis on the story of two everyday Australians who bring home the futility and ultimately honour, of one Australia's most famous war events. Each film in its own way makes for compelling viewing. and deserves its status as a landmark in Australian film making

MIChelle Bredy 12 Woolcock

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Emily torton 10 England

Allx Vonn 10Mockoy