How Does Philip Noyce Use Camera Techniques In Rabbit Proof Fence

In the movie 'Rabbit Proof Fence'. Phillip Noyce uses various camera angles and settings to portray to the viewer the themes of freedom and confinement. Phillip Noyce effectively shows the girl's experiences of confinement and freedom by using various scenes and camera angles like using cages and using POV angles, to going to using open and wide shots at Jigalong. To using claustrophobic angles and prison-like scenes at Moore River. All these are portrayed by Phillip Noyce to convey the message to the viewers of the harsh conditions the girls faced and the themes of confinement and freedom throughout.

Phillip Noyce effectively shows the theme of confinement by using a setting and camera techniques when early in the movie, Phillip Noyce uses

The camera is using a wide angle to indicate the vast open land the girls live in. It symbolizes freedom and the girl's ability to be free with no boundaries. In addition, Jigalong in this scene is shown as a sunny and bright day. In this scene, the sun symbolizes the light of hope in the girls and highlights where the girls feel safe and free. Furthermore in an additional scene at the start of the movie, we see the first look at the spirit animal for the girls, the Eagle. The Eagle spiritually symbolizes a piece of home throughout the movie. In this scene, at the start of the movie, it is shown at a low camera angle, with Molly looking up at it. This camera angle represents the bird being a guide and something of greater power as it follows them throughout the movie. This Eagle is always a glimpse of hope whenever it is following the girls as it is the only piece of freedom and home as girls are been struggling home. In a later scene, when Molly is struggling to get home. Molly hears the eagle. Her eyes open widely as she remembers what she is fighting for. Therefore, the use of wide and high camera angles at Jigalong, the use of light to light up Jigalong, and the spiritual symbolization of the eagle. All represent Jigalong as being an open and free place where the girls feel safe to be

When the viewers are first introduced to Moore River Settlement it is shown from Molly’s POV. Phillip Noyce uses this perspective as it gives a connection to the viewers and Molly. Moreover, this POV camera technique in this scene shows the adults as big and frightening and effectively shows the surrounding area as bigger and more intimidating as it is shown from a young girl's perspective. In a later scene, we see Molly and the girls all cramped into one bed. The scene is dimly lit and the only light source is the moon which is lit onto Molly and the girl's bed. In addition, this scene shows Molly thinking about home and the eagle. This scene demonstrates the mental barrier between Molly’s freedom and confinement as it shows her longing for freedom. Furthermore, in a later scene at Moore River, you see Molly’s POV and meeting A.O. Neville for the first time. This camera angle effectively shows the power Mr. Neville has over her as it shows Mr. Neville looking down on Molly and the viewer. This use of camera POV effectively makes the viewer feel cornered and intimidated by A.O. Neville as Molly does. Lastly. in an additional scene, we see Molly looking into a hole in the wall of the ‘Boob’ which is where the children would go if they were misbehaving or not following orders. The camera is shown from the hole in the wall. Conveying the message of how the girl felt trapped, confined and closed in like the hole we are seeing her