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Pillar 4: Shared Values

Media description: Benjamin Gates interprets a line from the US Declaration of Independence in a scene from National Treasure (Walt Disney Pictures 2004).

MEDIA CONTEXT
Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage), a passionate historian, is on a treasure hunt in the Walt Disney Pictures movie, National Treasure (2004). He is searching for the legendary lost treasure of the Knights Templar and is led to believe a hidden map exists on the back of The (Charters of Freedom) Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. This actual document, dated 1776, is of great intrinsic value to the character Ben. His reverence for it is evident in the clip shown as Ben recites and explains a line about freedom and taking action to his technical assistant, Riley Poole (Justin Bartha).

MEDIA CRITIQUE
Close ups and slow scanning of the Declaration of Independence allow viewers to discern the faded page and calligraphy, emphasising the age and fragility of the document. The reading of a line by character Ben Gates may also lead some viewers to feel satisfied they also have read a portion of it, without having seen the Declaration in person. Ben’s constant gaze and soft voice also indicate his reverence for the Declaration. Reality and humour are played well as Riley admits to not understanding the language of the text.

ANALYSIS & REVIEW

1. Can a democratic system of government, as practiced in Australia, be considered synonymous with the notion of freedom?
2. What do you know about how the USA gained independence from Britain? How does this compare to Australia’s Federation?
3. “When something is wrong, those who have the ability to take action have the responsibility to take action,” stated Ben Gates in National Treasure. Discuss what an appropriate course of action would be if a governing body placed undue burdens/restrictions on its people.

THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION & AUSTRALIA TODAY
According to the Constitution, Australian governments and officers of the law have the responsibility to act in behalf of the people, not usurp power over them. The Constitution states clearly that members of Parliament must be fairly elected by the citizenry. Also, any changes to Australian law must be made with the assent of Australian citizens. In this way, voting is a right, a responsibility and an expression of democratic freedom.

PERSONAL APPLICATION
Become informed about your school’s policies (or club/organisation you belong to) and how the school council operates. Actively support those policies you agree with (i.e. compulsory school uniforms). In instances where you may disagree with school policy, make a plan and take peaceful action to influence the decision for better.

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:*