Baz Luhrmann Strictly Ballroom Essay

“Strictly Ballroom” is a unique film created by Australian, Baz Luhrmann to comedically represent competitive ballroom dancing. The film Strictly Ballroom was directed and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, screenplay was written with the help of Craig Pearce and Andrew Bevel. This film was Baz Lohmann’s debut movie after finding success in theatre. Strictly Ballroom was set in Sydney, during the early 90s. Consequently, there are many diverse aspects to this film however, one that stands out is the theme of “family relationships and conflict”, which is present in this film through costume, language and camera angles.

Baz Luhrmann has a distinctive style, from his background in theatre and opera. His visual style has been noticeable in many of his

film. This unique style is created by having purposefully excessive costumes and sets, to overload the audience’s senses. Baz Luhrmann creates worlds that are simulating and bright while also being surreal and recognisable. The “red curtain trilogy” is a theme given to three Baz Lohmann’s films, Strictly Ballroom, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge. They are three separate stories bonded together through the red curtain introduction and their similar styles of dramatic costumes and unique worlds. Strictly Ballroom uses their target audience of Australians to their favour by emphasising cultural differences. This appeals to Australians as they find humour in the way they are misrepresented however, sparks imagination of the global community. Ballroom dancing isn’t a common theme for films, so it was easily adaptable to create a false and glamorous world with a unique storyline.
Family relationships and conflict are heavy represented through communication and screenplay. This theme is explored throughout Strictly Ballroom as Scott’s family is heavy invested in his personal and dancing life. Shirley Hastings (Scott’s mother) is an unusual character who is usually the centre of attention and family conflict, with her desire for Scott’s successful dancing career. This is shown throughout the film as there are large cabinets full of shiny trophies on display, which Shirley is devoted to keeping maintained. Scott’s mother is centred on conformity and success in Ballroom competitions, this is displayed multiple times, such as when a close-up-angle is used to show her yelling at Scott and Liz while they were dancing. This film has two different families that are starkly different, culturally and physically. Fran’s family are Spanish and aren’t as interested in her passion to ballroom dance. Fran doesn’t have a mother and is raised by her grandma who keeps secrets from her son. To exaggerate the contrast between the two families, Baz Luhrmann has used structural family dynamics to explore the role of mother and father. The Hastings family are conflicted with an ancient secret that is uncovered during the “Pan Pacific’s Grand Prix”. In concluding, the family must determine if their personal desire to win, is more important than Scott’s happiness.
Baz Luhrmann has created an eccentric film with unique features and themes. The style throughout this film is distinctive because of the use of dazzling costumes and erratic screenplay. Based in Sydney, these extravagant characters and their different desires are thoroughly explored. Family relationships and conflict are boosted throughout to create uncertainty, unease and complexity. The families explored in “Strictly Ballroom” are unique while still showing familiarity. Every character is uniquely expressive, which accurately represents Australian culture in the 90s and currently.