Strictly Ballroom Analysis

Submitted By lissadrag
Words: 589
Pages: 3

How have you utilised visual techniques to represent central issues and themes from the film Strictly Ballroom?
My issues: multiculturalism, individuality and freedom
The film strictly ballroom conveys many central issues and themes, one of which is multiculturalism. Multiculturalism refers to the cultural and ethnic diversity within a society. Within this context, in my movie poster ‘Strictly Ballroom’, it depicts a woman wearing a dress that has the different flags of the world printed on it. Here, the artist has utilised color to signify feelings and evoke a response from the audience. The flags illustrate acceptance of differences, compliance, individuality and tolerance which is portrayed within the film Strictly Ballroom. The film conveys how the protagonist Scott was accepted by Fran’s family, and was allowed into their home and to practice cultural dance moves with their daughter. The different colours of the flags symbolize different attitudes; for example, the colour red represents strength and leadership, whilst the colour blue represents peace and loyalty. The sizes of the flags do not differ from each other, indicating that no matter the ethnic background of an individual, they are all considered equal.
Furthermore, another theme that is represented with the film is individuality. Individuality refers to the qualities that distinguish one person or thing from another. Within this context, it depicts a bird that appears to be different than the other birds, due to its exotic coloured feathers. The bird is flying out of a cage, which illustrates how being different and individual may not always be a positive thing. Here, the artist has utilized symbolism to demonstrate how individuality may not always be accepted within a society. This is reinforced in scene 4, where Scott explains to his mother that he doesn’t want to dance the same ballroom steps, stating that they are boring. Scott becomes frustrated with society, as they forbade him or anyone to change the steps of ballroom dancing. However, at the end of the play, we finally witness a change in the attitudes of the dancers as they join Scott and Fran with their own unique ballroom dance. The fabric of society doesn’t seem strained, which indicates acceptance and fulfillment.
Furthermore, the final theme that is represented within the movie poster is freedom. Freedom refers to the power or right to act, speak,