Summary Of William Thornton's 'Samson And Delilah'

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William Thornton 's 2009 film Samson and Delilah is a turbulent and confronting love story intended to create conversation about the issues faced by indigenous youth in the twenty-first century. Thornton uses religious motifs, musical themes, and filmic devices (such as lighting, camera angles, and settings) to create dramatic juxtapositions within the film. Ultimately, he presents a provocative commentary on cultural appropriation and isolation, racial tension and substance abuse, and the overwhelming silence of indigenous voices in Australian film. As 2018 marks a decade after Kevin Rudd 's, 'Sorry Speech ' this film still remains as provocative and relevant as it did a year after that critical apology.

Throughout the film, Thornton uses filming techniques to create dramatic juxtapositions and confront the audience. Music is a significant feature in the film that Thornton uses to set the tone and mood in a scene. The song, Sunshiny Day, by Charley Pride in the opening scene, creates a joyful and positive vibe, ironically, Thornton portrays a dirty Samson waking up on a piece of foam inside a shack, to sniff petrol. The song, and confronting scene, creates a powerful juxtaposition, it is an instant talking point. The scene, an example of Samson 's daily routine fuels conversation concerning the isolation and pure boredom that some indigenous youth face. Ultimately, this isolation often leads to substance abuse and eventually crime.

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