In this analysis the main method of approach to the study of the film will be focusing on the Australian cultural values and myths that are presented in Gallipoli and how they are conveyed through the use of film techniques and the elements involved. Overall through the study of the above it will be shown how Gallipoli works as a cultural text and how readers interpret these cultural meanings.

Gallipoli starts off being presented in circular narrative, revolving around the two central characters Archy and Frank in their two separate environments. By commencing the film in this way, viewers are given the opportunity to see the differences in character both in their overall appearance as well as their values and beliefs. The difference in the appearance of the characters can be

The oppositions that are presents in the film are critical in the way that we read elements of the film. The openness and isolation of Australia compared to the Cairo bazaar and the Gallipoli trenches makes readers aware not just of setting but the ugliness of the war itself - sound of silence in the outback are contrasted with the haggling traders, snake charmers, donkeys, explosions and screams penetrating the not-Australia. Readers can identify with the time and place of the film and make comparisons between the oppositions.

Their racist attitudes are demonstrated on many occasions when they shove the natives out of the way, criticise the women as being disgusting (yet still use them for sex), ruin their shops without apologising for mistakes and sneer at their customs, e.g. Frank laughs at the belief behind the pharaohs. These values and attitudes appear as cultural myths whether or not they are true and they are represented very strongly as part of Australian film and Weir expresses them clearly in this film.

Repeated images of the whistle blowing to start a race and shots of running feet throughout the film are used again in the final scene and it is almost as though the other shots were a foreshadowing (or even a juxtaposing) for this event. The whistle and feet symbolising the journey that Archy encountered and summarising his will and determination to do Australia proud. As in other Australian films (Breaker Morant, Sunday too far Away) the ending is negative with the death of Archy, however the final technique of a freeze frame allows viewers to see him remain on his feet in a victory stance (the same one we see each time he runs through the ribbon at the end of a race) and never fall. This adding meaning to the fact that Archy knew he was going to die but still felt he had accomplished something by going to war.

The last setting that is significant is that of the desert in Gallipoli. It is here that we realise the significance of the three deserts as each being a stage of Australia emerging more towards nationhood, Gallipoli being that final goal. It is in Gallipoli we see that there is a war taking place not just with the Turks but a private battle between Australia and Britain. The camera angles that are used are objective in that they follow the 180* rule and allow us (as viewers) to see the happenings from our own perspective, however because of our bond formed with Archy and Frank and our associating with Australian values created previously we tend to view from their point of view anyway. Everything that the camera shows us we look at from an Australian soldiers perspective because of the suture process in which we have already been "stitched" into a spectator position.

Extreme close ups are used more often at Gallipoli to build on the suspense and allowing viewers to read the tension and emotion surrounding the soldiers. Examples include hands preparing ammunition (this is the real thing), a final handshake (once again the value of mateship) and close ups of soldiers discussing the seriousness of war (showing fear and suspense). In a near final scene a close up of the soldiers placing their personal items in the trench and writing final letters (accompanied by silence) shows a mixture of their bravery and fear and the real drama of war. It is these final scenes (and especially the one in which Archy dies) that captures the Australian values of ANZAC's and the 'digger' legend as being a true essence of Australian culture.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2629
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)