ANZACS

Pillar 2: History of Nationhood

Media description: Scenes from the 1981 film Gallipoli depicting two Western Australians on a journey to WW1 and conflict against the Ottoman Empire.

MEDIA CONTEXT
The 1981 film Gallipoli (R&R Films) is the fictional story of two young Western Australian athletes as they first make their way to Perth to sign up for the war effort, then training in Egypt and finally to the fighting at Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. WW1 (1914-1918) is already in full swing when we meet Archie Hamilton (Mark Lee) and Frank Dunne (Mel Gibson). News, however, that Turkey has entered the race, allying with Germany, inspires further interest and recruitment campaigns. With so many flocking to the call to arms strict enlistment criteria were enforced, such as minimum age requirements. But such was the enthusiastic support of the Empire that many, like the character Archie, determinedly forged their way around those criteria. However, similar to Mel Gibson’s character Frank, not all were convinced that they should fight - for various reasons. Some did not agree with what many would come to view as the tragic waste of a generation. The fighting at Gallipoli was not the beginning of Australia’s involvement in WW1 and was certainly not the end. And the effects of our involvement were far reaching, both during and after the campaign. Whilst the colonies had become federated by this stage, many Aussies wondered if this cobbled-together nation would stand the test of time. Certainly, the courageous soldiers who would sooner stand by their mates to the end rather than retreat did leave a lasting legacy on the Australian psyche. What was/is the nature of that legacy?

MEDIA CRITIQUE
In contrast to the majority of current movies, Gallipoli moves at an easy pace. Interest is maintained through a constant change in the sometimes harsh scenery; close up shots of the characters faces; the opposing views and values of the two main characters, Archie and Frank, regarding the very real issue of participating in war. The latter draws viewers in, generating a desire to find out whether or not Frank will give in to the pressure from his peers, and even, if the two will still live to the end. Often the characters appear very carefree and even blasé about the seriousness of war. How does this add to the idea that the soldiers were naive? Did Peter Weir script such frivolity based on true accounts? The final frantic scenes of the film draw the viewer into an emotional whirlwind of confusion. From an artistic perspective, how does the choice of music contribute to this effect? What about the sounds of war? Amidst the emotional fast train the character Colonel Robinson (John Morris) gives the seemingly callous order to attack, even in the face of almost certain death and fruitless endeavour. (Anyone who has been to Gallipoli knows how narrow the space separating the armies was, just a few metres, hence the actual certainty of becoming a casualty.) Is this portrayal of Robinson by director Peter Weir a fair representation? Is it based on fact? Does it inspire prejudice against this man? Were there other alternatives in that time and place?

ANALYSIS & REVIEW

1. Identify and describe at least three (3) different attitudes toward the conflict in the scenes shown from the movie Gallipoli.
2. Place yourself in 1915 and give explanations for the attitudes portrayed. Take a side and perform a class debate.
3. Research at least two areas where Australia’s involvement in WW1 — particularly the Gallipoli campaign — have had a lasting impact on the Commonwealth (i.e. defence; politics; government; loyalty to Britain; economy; society).
4. Learn about Prime Minister William Hughes. What were his actions during the years 1914-1919? How did he promote a sense of nationhood among the new states?

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
Two referendums for forcible military conscription failed during WW1. What does our Constitution say about conscription? How does it prevent forcible enlistment into international warfare (i.e. not on Australian soil) today?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Search your family history for any family members who took part in WW1, on either side. Find out their stories. If none of your predecessors were actually involved, identify family or close friends who were alive then and search for accounts of what life was like on the home front. Determine a way to honour them this coming ANZAC Day, 25 April 2011.

AUSCIVICS FILM & TV SERIES LINKED TO SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Learning areas and/or outcomes for each state and territory for the questions and issues above have been identified in the following links: