Is It Safe?

Pillar 4: Shared Values

Media description: A series of scenes from the movie and the making of the movie Broken Hill. The movie scenes appear to ignore safety concerns like seat belts and helmets, whereas behind the scenes safety consciousness is obviously paramount.

MEDIA CONTEXT
Many movies and television programs show incidents and behaviour that would not be considered safe, advisable or legal in a normal setting. Broken Hill is no exception, though its action scenes are relatively mild compared with blockbuster adventure movies. Even so, Broken Hill contains a number of scenes that required stunt people. Tommy McAlpine (Luke Arnold) in a second brave attempt to secure a date with his heart throb Kat (Alexa Vega), rides at high speed on the wrong side of the road, without a helmet. Kat is equally careless about wearing a seatbelt while driving in her left hand drive convertible. The glimpse behind the scenes makes it clear that safety precautions were implemented when shooting the movie and the actors were not actually in any danger.

MEDIA CRITIQUE
Were the safety precautions adequate, as demonstrated behind the scenes during the making of the movie Broken Hill? Were they in accordance with state law? Was it necessary to go to such measures to shoot a fictional scene? What is the likelihood of a real life ‘Tommy’ taking such risks to go after a girl? Does it make any difference that the scene was set in a rural area as opposed to urban? Is it responsible of filmmakers to portray behaviour that would be dangerous or illegal or both in the ‘real’ world? What would happen to the movie world if it were bound by the constraints of everyday life and rules?

ANALYSIS & REVIEW

1. Describe your local laws in regards to the wearing of seat belts in cars and helmets on bikes
2. Research the laws in your state regarding use of a left hand drive vehicle.
3. Define the purpose of the laws relating to questions 1 and 2.
4. What impact could the violation of the above safety laws have on the individual, family, local community or the health care system? Consider a range of scenarios.

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
The rule of law is enshrined in the Australian Constitution. This includes provision for lawmaking bodies, courts, judicial officers, policing, etc. — the system of law and order. How can thoughtful consideration of our shared values add impetus to the functioning of the system?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
You can easily identify what is wrong in the movie’s road scenes. Can you clearly identify why? What changes can you make to promote personal and community safety?

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: