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Rob Sitch's Film 'The Castle'

890 Words4 Pages

Rob Sitch’s satirical film, “The Castle,” offers a strong exploration of the assumptions of the Australian culture and language. Portrayed through the lens of the Kerrigan family’s modest home, affectionately known as “The Castle,” the film delves into the complexities of belonging, resilience, and the Aussie spirit. The film challenges ideas about cultural identity through language and cinematography. Through the use of cultural symbols, “The Castle” challenges the idea that cultural identities are fixed within an individual. The Kerrigan family's house transcends that mere of a mere place of dwelling; it symbolises their profound sense of belonging and unwavering familial love. Darryl’s iconic phrase, “Tell ‘em they’re dreamin’,” is a motif …show more content…

The Kerrigans' unwavering defence of their home reinforces the intrinsic importance of cultural identity. Simultaneously, the legal system, represented by the High Court, challenges their assumptions about justice and fairness. The film unveils how identity intersects with class, place, and familial ties. When Darryl gazes up at the towering court building, we witness the overwhelming power that governments and corporations wield over the individual. Yet, the unity of Darryl, Dennis, and Lawrence highlights the resilience of the common person in the face of authority. This embodiment of the Aussie Battler spirit underscores the film’s profound exploration of identity. The cinematography further underscores these themes. Wide shots capture the grandeur of the court building, emphasising its imposing authority. In early establishing shots of the home, Sitch frequently incorporates shots of the aeroplane flying overhead. This shows the overwhelming power that the company holds over the family. This is accompanied by the deafening noise of the aeroplane that drowns out the rest of the audio, further highlighting their power. Throughout this, Sitch displays the family unbothered, continuing with their lives, this is symbolic of the resilience that the family shows against the company. The use of lighting—harsh fluorescent bulbs in the courtroom versus warm, natural light at home—symbolises the clash between legal rigidity and familial warmth. These visual motifs deepen our understanding of identity

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