Week 6 - Wake In Fright

                During week 6 we watched the movie Wake in Fright.  To be honest I found this movie a bit unnerving.  There were many parts of the movie that I could barely stand to watch such as the scene where they are massacring the kangaroos and stabbing them to death.  However, I know that this was not the whole movie.  Our main goal this week was the bush legend and masculinity.  I think that although I did not particularly enjoy this film, it was a good representation of both of these ideas.

                In lecture we learned that masculinity is never a stable formation and it is constantly changing.  During tutorial we also learned that masculinity is not exactly a natural character type or role, but more simultaneously a place in gender.  I think masculinity was very strongly portrayed throughout the movie.  The massacre of the kangaroos is a prime example showing that men have power over the animals.  Another scene where it was evident was when Grant goes to Tim’s house and begins talking to his daughter Janette.  The other men are sitting around drinking and begin to question Grant’s sexuality since he would rather talk to Janette than play drinking games with them.  Women also did not play a huge role in this film.  When they were present, it was almost something of embarrassment for women.  Such as Janette, the only time she was around was when she had a short sexual interaction with Grant, and then she was talked about by Doc and all the men she’s had sexual relations with. There were many other examples of masculinity throughout the movie, these were just a few.

                During tutorial the group who went discussed a lot about the Ocker Films.  They described them as a film that refers to an Australian who speaks and acts in an uncultured manner.  They are often used to describe working class men from rural areas, often rough around the edges, and they often use slang or harsh language.  However, these men are often sympathized with and accepted by many people.  I thought it was very true when one of the girls in our class brought up the American movie,  Joe Dirt.  I think it is a perfect example of an Ocker male.  Thinking of him in this light definitely gave me a better handle on what exactly they were trying to describe.