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Red Dog Scene Analysis Notes - Coggle Diagram
Red Dog Scene Analysis Notes
Representation
Australian Outback
Vast, isolated and rugged Australian outback emphasises the challenging environment.
Opening scene
slow panning of camera from Jack's face to the steadily intensifying red of the background transitions the setting from the past to the present.
Red is a symbol of heat
Establishing shot showcasing the red Australian outback, the leading lines of the road follow into the driving car (Focal point). movement of car juxtaposed against the still, lifeless and empty landscape evokes a sense of alienation and isolation within the audience
Arriving at Dampier
Town of Dampier is situated in a rugged Australian outback portrays harshness of environment - dusty landscapes
The cut shots between yellow industrial machinery to the shot of the green pub sign. yellow is a symbol of danger and green is for peace. Establishes a contrast, Pub is a gathering place to connect and calm down and the work is harsh. This juxtaposition underscores the importance of the pub as a refuge from work and relief from challenging conditions.
Identity (adjectives)
Multicultural
"Fair" go
Egalitarian
Community scene
Eye level shot
After community officially accepts red dog
Symbolises equality
Connects with the audience
Suggests a familiar/similar viewpoint
Anti-authoritarinaism
Community scene
Dialogue
“I don’t own Red dog… He’s accepted and cared for by the town”
highlights Red dog’s importance and his impact in the community
“I take care of the land. You got a problem with that?” -> no reply from the angry crowd
reinforces the representation of anti-authoritarianism
Vanno talking in the bar
Dialogue
“He (Red dog) was like that. A dog for everyone. Yes for everyone, but no-one in particular”
Audio + Dialogue
Lyrics: “Baby can’t you see? That you were meant for me?”
music stops - Vanno sees Red Dog with Peeto
Dialogue: “Betrayal!”
Lyrics: "bellissimo"
translates to beautiful
represents unity
Jocko's speech in the end
Dialogue
“Why should we have a statue honouring a poncy, pommy, fly-hating aristocrat or flat bloody general or a stinkin’ politician?”
No respect for authority
Values independence
Hardworking
Vanno talking in the bar
Audio
Singing: “You know, I’ve been working hard. All day, all night”
Represents Australians as hard workers
Welcoming
Laid-back/ Carefree / Humorous
Vanno talking in the bar
Body language
Dancing, chatting, partying, singing
Expresses laid-back attitudes
Jocko's speech
Dialogue
Values (nouns)
Mateship
Vanno confiding in Red Dog
Costuming = blue, symbolising Vanno's sadness for being ostracised because of his public displays of love for his country
As he spends more time with Red Dog across a montage of scenes, the lighting becomes more warm and the blue dissolves into orange hue symbolising happiness and the effect of friendships in hard times
Equality
Loyalty and companionship
Red dog represents australian identity through his loyalty and companionship with the community
Red Dog forms lasting and deep bonds with all people pf all types and levels of life. He forges connections across societal boundaries and brings people together
Vanno flashback with Red Dog
Cut-scenes
shows different places where Vanno would talk with Red Dog
Portrays red dog’s loyalty, friendship, companionship, commitment to those he cares about
Dialogue
“What can I say? He (Red dog) was an excellent listener”
Community
"everyone's homesick. need a home to be homesick"
Characters in Red Dog are portrayed as individuals who feel the need to belong to a community in an isolated location.
Phrase acknowledges that everyone shares a feeling of homesickness caused by the struggles of loneliness in the outback
Community act as antidote to homesicknesses, explores the idea that home is not just a physical place and can be found in relationships
resilience
Red Dog's resilience
Red dog looks for John everywhere
Red Dog patiently waits for John to allow him inside the bus and eventually John lets him
Red dog waits "for three weeks he sat in front of John's house and barely moved. His eyes are alway on the road"
Freedom
Masculinity
Represented as "Rough, Violent animals"
Body language
Peeto charges at two people after being insulted
Portrays idea that violence is the solution to almost all problems
Dialogue
Vanno: “Men are no better than wild animals.”
“They drink much and they …. Inbulge”
Vanno compares Australians drunk like animals with no sense of humanity at times.
Themes/Ideas/Issues
The importance of working together in times of crisis - Perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity
Community scene
Audio
“Shoulder to shoulder, we’re going to fight till the very last man”
Reflects the thoughts of Dampier
Emphasises the idea of working together to fight for a friend
Body language
During the gathering to fight for Red Dog, everyone clenched their fist and raised it up in the air
Represents their determination, loyalty and strength
Reveals the strong bond within the community as they join together to stand against evil or those who wronged them/their mates
Independence, generosity, loyalty, love
Jocko's speech
“We should have somebody understand … the meaning of independence and the importance of a generous heart … loyal by nature, not design .. meaning of love and loss … represents the Pilbara in all of us. And I say that somebody- Damn it- is a dog” - people cheering
He talks about the qualities of Red Dog including his loyalty, independence, generous heart and love towards the community, while he faces the loss of his friend (John).
Characterisation/Audience Response
Jocko
Scenes
Character overview
Jocko is depicted as an outsider within the community -separated from social connection. His sense of alienation is evident in his interactions, or lack therefor, with other characters.
His character reflects the consequences of not belonging. He carries a burden of solitude and his inability to establish connections as result of killing his loved ones weighs heavy on his mental wellbeing
The miners and red dog's response to Jocko becomes a turning point in his life and prompts an reevaluation of social bonds and well being.
:fire:
Vanno
Vanno copes through homesickness by talking about his country in front of Red Dog
Peeto
Red Dog