Stereotypes In The Castle

INTRO

Language, identity, and culture interact to shape representations of Australian identity, which are influenced by place, social, and cultural factors embedded in language use and attitudes. Understanding this complex relationship is critical for challenging dominant narratives of Australian identity and advocating for a more inclusive view of Australian society.

"The Castle" is a 1997 Australian comedy film directed by Rob Sitch about a working-class family fighting to keep their home from being taken away by the government for an airport expansion. It is considered a cult classic in Australia due to its depiction of Australian suburban life and the importance of the value of a "fair go". The film depicts the Kerrigans' attachment

"The Castle'' utilises various stereotypes in its portrayal of the characters and their interactions, which are reinforced through visual and language techniques such as the use of specific clothing or dialogue, and characterisation, this can instil a strong sense of community and pride in their simple way of life.

SCENE 1 The establishing shot of the Kerrigans' home displays the stereotypical nature of the working-class suburban house. The purpose of this shot is to establish the setting and give the audience a sense of where the action is taking place and to understand the characters’ relationship with their home, by utilising this shot and transitioning to Darryl working in the garden, it reinforces the assumption that the residents can be stereotypically described as working-class.

SCENE 2

The portrayal of working-class Australians as uneducated and unsophisticated is a stereotype used in the film. This is evident in Darryl's use of colloquial languages, such as slang and grammatically incorrect sentences, “The law of bloody common sense!” This is reinforced by the use of a medium shot and the unseemly position of Darryl in the courtroom, without the proper attire and a lawyer. Overall, a film's "place" is critical in allowing stereotypes to be depicted and perpetuated on screen by providing a context that supports and reinforces these

This can be solidified by using visual and language techniques such as family-oriented settings, shared activities, and dialogue emphasising the importance of familial bonds.

SCENE 1

The Kerrigan family “prides themselves on gift-giving” and this is evident on Father’s Day when they are all gathered around Daryl on the couch. The mid-long shot draws the audiences’ attention to Daryl in the middle of the frame, displaying his dominance and patriarchal role in the family; his dialogue, “this is going straight to the pool room” presents his great regard and genuine love for his family and the strong bond the Kerrigans share over family-oriented settings.

SCENE 2

Darryl’s patriarchal role is displayed through his interaction with his family and the pride he expresses when they achieve an accomplishment, this example is apparent in Darryl’s admiration for Dale digging up a hole, urging his son to proudly tell the family about his hard work and dedication. This demonstrates no matter how small the accomplishment, Darryl will always continue to find a way to recognize and uplift his family. Through their actions and their unwavering commitment to their values, the Kerrigan family shows us that home is much more than just a physical space - it is a place where our deepest values and beliefs can thrive and