Australian Film

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the representation of masculinity in Australian film by examining two films: "Mad Max" (1979), and "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" (Elliott (dir), 1994). The author points out that both "Mad Max" and "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" express Australian male masculinity in ways that are uniquely Australian because of Australia's distinctive history and geographical conditions. The paper describes both films and concludes that they both uplift male masculinity, even when it is masked in drag, by denigrating and humiliating women by relegating their roles to only sexual significance or to provide an uplift to the featured masculinity.

Introduction
"Mad Max" (1979)
"The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert"
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This is a violent film, not gratuitous violence, but the real focus of the action is on the super fast cars and motorcycles and, of course Mel Gibson. Dressed in black leather pants and jacket, Mel Gibson was young and very handsome when this film. The film had the two elements that ensured its success: the fast cars and motorcycles and Gibson. However, it probably caught everyone involved off guard when the film turned into a cult classic, especially in the United States, and was the start of a long and accomplished acting career for Gibson and two more installments of the Mad Max futuristic character."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Elliott, S., (dir) (1994), The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, motion picture, Australian Film Finance Corporation, Australia.
• Freebury, J., (1987), 'Screening Australia: Gallipoli - a Study of Nationalism on Film,' Media Information Australia, 43, pp. 5-8.
• Haltof, M., (1993), In Quest of Self Identity: Gallopoli, Mateship, and the Construction of Australian National Identity," Journal of Popular Film and Television, vol 21-1, pp. 27-36.
• Mayer, G., (1992), 'Problems of Representation: Gallipoli and the Australian Identity', Metro, no. 89, pp. 54-60.
• McGregor, C., (1981), Ockers: From the Australian People, Hodder and Stuoghton, Sydney.

More papers on Australian Film:

• Research Paper # 45342 : "The Globalisation of Australian Cinema"
• Film Review # 24142 : "Analysis Of Peter Weir's Film "Gallipoli"
• Comparison Essay # 106868 : "Representations on Australian Masculinity in Film"

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