Speech

Pillar 3: Constitutional Heritage

Media description: a dialogue scene from the movie Robin Hood (Universal Studios 2010); Robin Hood lectures King John about empowering every man.

MEDIA & HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe) is the heroic character in the Universal Studios movie, Robin Hood. During the return of King Richard the Lionheart from unsuccessful crusades in the Holy Land, the army is engaged in a petty battle in France. Disenchanted, Robin leaves the king’s army, intending to look after himself only. He unwittingly ends up in a personal crusade to not only free a village from its corrupt sheriff, but also his native England from corrupt King John (Oscar Isaac). As portrayed by director Ridley Scott, the character of Robin Hood shows disdain for the king and the king’s ‘rule of law’ by asserting that the king’s strength should be based on the empowerment of every man, not just himself. It is not known whether or not the character ‘Robin Hood’ is fictional or based on a real person. However, King Richard the Lionheart and King John are historical figures. Though often portrayed as a heroic character Richard Lionheart is generally considered to have been an absentee and therefore negligent king. Following Richard’s death in France, King John implemented a ruthless campaign to gather taxes from the nobles. There was an uprising of the nobles against King John, which led to the signing of the Magna Carta in CE 1215. The movie version of Robin Hood is loosely based on these historical events. The Magna Carta was really just a power sharing arrangement between the king and the nobles rather than the rule of law for the people. Still, it is considered to be the beginning of a democratic tradition which led to later reforms and the genuine democracy associated with the Westminster tradition which evolved over a number of centuries.

MEDIA CRITIQUE
Does the movie Robin Hood offer a realistic portrayal of the political events as they might have occurred in 13th Century England? Would the character Robin Longstride, a commoner, have been allowed such freedom to speak before the king and his alliance of nobles? In your view, is the speech compelling? Russell Crowe received some criticism from the British media for his accent. How convincing to you is his ‘Olde English’ accent? Does it matter to the story? How accurate is the garb and weaponry of the assembled ‘army’? Did the writer and director appear to be delivering a message about democracy or were those elements merely incidental or for effect?

ANALYSIS & REVIEW
The movie version of King John declared “there is nothing” without loyalty to a kingdom and its king. Though King John is portrayed as a selfish and villainous character does the argument itself have any merit? Why? Consider the implications of ‘loyalty’ to the nation of Australia today. How does a democracy differ from a kingdom? Are you aware of any examples of either? Is it possible for both to exist in the one nation? Discuss the pros and cons of both. Learn about the Magna Carta. How has this charter influenced the modern Australian system of law and justice?

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
Unlike the feudal laws of Robin Hood’s time for indentured serfs, which were basically a form of enslavement, what role does the Australian Constitution play in protecting the freedoms which all Australians enjoy? What rights does each citizen have? What obligations? Describe the foundations that have been laid by this country’s predecessors and through historical developments in the Westminster tradition that help ensure Australia has a robust democracy. What responsibility should each citizen accept to maintain Australia’s sturdy foundation, along with individual rights and freedoms?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Robin Hood (Russell Crowe) took the opportune moment to speak his mind, to use his voice. Robin Hood is a fictional character, as portrayed in the movie for sure, and probably in reality. However, you have a voice and many real life opportunities to use that voice. You have a lifetime as a voter in front of you, but there are many other ways to influence government, community and local affairs. Make a list of 10 ways an individual can exercise influence in Australia’s system of democracy. Select one way in which you can actively and positively use your voice now.

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